Time for Tampa Bay
With an intriguing history, eclectic food scene and outdoor adventure, Tampa Bay is always a wise addition to a Sunshine State itinerary.
A vibrant, historic coastal city set between Florida’s legendary beaches and its famous theme parks, Tampa Bay is the perfect spot for clients looking to do it all in the Sunshine State. Priding itself on its diversity and inclusivity, all types of traveller will be drawn in by Tampa Bay’s charms, while being within easy reach of Orlando too.
COOL COMBINATION
Ideal for adventurous couples young and young at heart, or families looking for new experiences in popular Florida, Tampa Bay is rich with a history weaved with Cuban, Spanish and Italian influences.
Head to the Visit Tampa Bay Travel Agent Training Academy to discover the historic heart of the destination, which lies among the brick streets of Ybor City, built in the 1880s by immigrants drawn to the booming cigar industry. Visitors will see tabaqueros who still roll cigars by hand, and those looking to learn more can visit the new museum at the JC Newman Cigar Company.
Why not recommend clients set out on an Ybor City Walking Tour while tucking into an original Cuban Sandwich – invented for Ybor City cigar rollers.
Beyond Tampa’s famous lunch offering, visitors can get a new perspective on the city while discovering its craft cocktail culture on rooftops: including the new Sal Y Mar rooftop at the Aloft and Element Midtown hotels; and the popular M Bird at Armature Works – a refurbished historic streetcar depot.
Elsewhere, a collection of brightly painted shipping containers form Tampa Bay’s latest food court, Sparkman Wharf, which is at the south of Tampa’s Riverwalk, nestled in the new Water Street district.
FUN FOR ALL
For those looking to get out on the water or experience a thrill, Tampa Bay is overspilling with options. Paddle boarding, kayaking and 10-passenger electric rental boats are all available off the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk, with canoeing in the wild another option if clients prefer.
A dual-tailspin waterslide – Solar Vortex – has recently opened at the Adventure Island waterpark, while kids will be entertained for hours at Florida Aquarium’s Splash Pad waterplay zone. Water ride Roaring Springs is now open at ZooTampa, and don’t forget to tell clients about the Pirate Water Taxis downtown!
On drier land, visitors can jump on the newest Iron Gwazi ride at Busch Gardens, zip through the trees at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay or pull their sneakers on for an outing with Go! Running Tours Tampa.
From open-air shopping and weekend markets at Hyde Park Village, to hubs in and outside of the city centre – such as Tampa Premium Outlets, just 30 minutes north – there’s plenty of retail therapy on offer too.
Beyond its varied activities and attractions, Tampa Bay is passionate about welcoming all travellers and is a partner of TTG Media’s Diversity and Inclusion in Travel programme. Work on diversity, equality and inclusion takes place throughout the year, and another new video will soon be released talking about accessibility in the city.
Visit Tampa Bay works closely with LGBTQ+ visitors, and launched Tampa Gay – the LGBTQ+ guide to Tampa on its website, which includes details of a range of events including Pride.
HOT HOTELS
Those looking for a chic city experience can stay at the soon-to-open Tampa Edition, featuring 172 guest rooms, seven dining outlets from renowned chef John Fraser and a rooftop bar and spa.
It will join other recently opened hotels including the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. Other options perfect for families and couples alike include the Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown and Hyatt House Tampa Downtown, the Aloft and Element Midtown and the boutique Hotel Haya in Ybor City.
This is a mere taste of all Tampa Bay has to offer discerning clients. For more, be sure to complete the destination’s online training academy.
Q&A: Santiago Corrada
President and chief executive officer, Visit Tampa Bay
Why should agents choose to sell Tampa Bay over other US cities?
With Tampa Bay being the largest city on Florida’s Gulf Coast, it’s an ideal destination for anyone looking for authentic city life and downtown experiences – think unique restaurants, a great cocktail scene, shopping, luxury hotels, rich culture, award-winning attractions and a number of nature parks for adventures – all without feeling overcrowded. Plus, we have year-round sunshine.
What are your top tips for building a holiday itinerary incorporating Tampa Bay?
A diverse destination, Tampa Bay is suitable for any traveller. With direct British Airways flights from Gatwick, our proximity to Orlando and great beaches close by, it is easy to slot us into any Florida itinerary. Whether your customers are couples looking for luxury, thrill-seeking families, or solo travellers on a path of discovery, combine Tampa Bay with theme parks, beach life, or as part of a road trip.
How will you work with travel agents over the next 12 months?
We love working with agents and will continue to give agents and their needs top priority. This includes training sessions, keeping our Travel Agent Academy updated and offering incentives, including the chance to win a trip to Tampa Bay.
Further information
Website: visittampabay.com/travel-professionals
Training: travelagentacademy.com/tampabay
Facebook: @VisitTampaBay
Twitter: @VisitTampaBay
Instagram: @VisitTampaBay
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