Hillsborough County shines: Calendar year tourism numbers hit remarkable heights

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Despite facing challenges such as Florida fatigue and declining statewide numbers, Visit Tampa Bay proudly announced that tourism in Hillsborough County defied the odds in 2023, showing growth in both hotel revenue and bed tax collections.In 2023, taxable hotel revenue reached an impressive $1,081,186,149, marking a notable increase of 4.82% compared to the exceptional results of 2022. This achievement was highlighted by seven months of record-breaking performance, indicating sustained growth despite the prevailing headwinds.

Bed tax collections also saw a substantial uptick, reaching $64,886,741 in 2023, reflecting a significant increase of 4.7% compared to the previous year. Once again, seven months stood out with new records, showcasing the effectiveness and innovation of Hillsborough County’s tourism strategies.

“The hard work that our incredible partners and community stakeholders put in over the last twelve months is a testament to their commitment to this premier destination,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “We would like to thank Hillsborough County and the TDC for their unwavering support of our efforts. Our team’s persistent pursuit of excellence is going to be increasingly important in 2024 as tourism markets become even more competitive and fractured. We will leave no stone unturned and ensure that every penny spent returns multiple times to our community.”

The growth of revenue and tax collections in Hillsborough County highlights Tampa Bay’s ascent as a premier tourism destination. Recognized as Florida’s “It” city by Condé Nast Traveler, Tampa Bay consistently sees rising revenue and visitor numbers compared to its competitors. Thanks to strong partnerships and community involvement, Visit Tampa Bay is committed to welcoming visitors to explore this vibrant destination further.

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