The influence of travel is being celebrated in Tampa Bay during National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), which runs from May 19th to May 25th. The week kicks off with the illumination of iconic local landmarks in red, the official color of NTTW, to demonstrate support for the tourism industry. This year’s NTTW festivities began with the “Tee Off FORE Tourism” golf event on May 10th, a partnership between Visit Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough County Hotel Motel Association (HCHMA). The event supported tourism education initiatives undertaken by Visit Tampa Bay and HCHMA.
The tourism sector has a significant economic impact on Tampa Bay, with Hillsborough County alone witnessing nearly $9 billion in economic impact last year, directly supporting over 59,000 local jobs. To recognize this impact, Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa have declared May 19th – May 25th, 2024, as “Tampa Bay Tourism Week.” This initiative underscores Tampa Bay’s reputation as a welcoming destination for living, working, and leisure.
The highlight of NTTW will be Visit Tampa Bay’s annual awards luncheon at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on May 29th. The event will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to enhancing regional travel and tourism through awards such as the “Hospitality Hero Awards” for exceptional service, the “Talk Up Tampa Awards” for securing significant events, and the “Gonzmart Family Ambassador of the Year Award” for dedication to Tampa Bay’s culture and tourism.
NTTW also includes the “Tourism Gives Back” event, where Visit Tampa Bay partners and team members volunteered with Feeding Tampa Bay, preparing over 11,000 meals and sorting 12,000 pounds of food to combat local food insecurity.
“The Tampa Bay tourism industry continues to soar – driving economic impact for Hillsborough County,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “National Travel and Tourism Week is a time to reflect on Tampa Bay’s incredible upward trajectory as a top-of-mind destination for domestic and international travelers alike. We also have a chance to pay homage to our local hospitality industry and our more than 900+ partners, stakeholders, and tourism champions whose efforts continue to position our tourism economy as a nationwide leader.”
