TAMPA, Fla. — It appears 2024 will be another record year for tourism in the Bay Area, according to Visit Tampa Bay.
While data from the last few months is still being reviewed, Visit Tampa Bay President Santiago Corrada estimates Hillsborough County will bring in more than a billion dollars in taxable hotel revenue in 2024.
"What I am surprised about is that we keep out-doing ourselves year after year after year after year," Corrada said. "I've been in place here now for the last 12 years and it has been record-setting except for the one COVID year."
In 2024, Spring was king, with March bringing the most business to area hotels.
March was also the month Tampa International Airport (TPA) saw the most travelers — 2.6 million people. April was in the second spot with more than 2.2 million.
"It's that time of year right? Great weather here and lots of festivals are still happening," Corrada said. "January through March is that Gasparilla season for us."
But move over Gasparilla! Conferences were also a major draw for visitors in 2024. Corrada said the area hosted 575 conventions and corporate events in 2024.
According to Visit Tampa Bay, the biggest convention in 2024 was Special Operations Forces Week, known as 'SOF' Week, with roughly 19,000 attendees.
In terms of the "trends" we saw this year, Corrada said it was "unique" and "authentic" experiences that grabbed travelers in 2024.
"Unique experience is a big deal. It started with millennials, and I think it has continued. Then when they've arrived at a destination, they want to know what the locals know. 'I want to go to something the locals enjoy,'" Corrada said.
With roughly 60,000 people working in hospitality in Hillsborough County, Visit Tampa Bay says our tourism success must continue.
"There is a lot to look forward to in 2025 in terms of how to 'best' 2024, you know, you're only as great as your next big hit!" Corrada said.
The data collected by tourism agencies like Visit Tampa Bay is through the fiscal year, which renews each October.
While Visit Tampa Bay does believe they're on track to have a record year in 2024, it's unclear exactly how the recent hurricanes impacted tourism in the region.