In association with U.S. Travel Association, Visit Tampa Bay and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater are celebrating the Power of Travel, with destinations across the country, during this year’s National Travel and Tourism Week, May 2 to May 8.

“As we continue toward tourism recovery, we recognize that our progress is thanks to the hundreds of partners and thousands of frontline peers who dedicate their efforts to tourism and hospitality,” said Santiago C. Corrada, president and chief executive officer of Visit Tampa Bay, in a statement. “This week is not only about celebrating the recovery wins thus far, but more about celebrating the people, and places, who make Tampa Bay a safe and memorable destination for visitors around the world.”

The week of events kicked off Sunday with a regional lighting demonstration with Tampa Bay area landmarks like Tampa International Airport, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Sparkman Wharf, the St. Pete Pier and more – lighting up red, the official color of National Travel and Tourism Week.

Other events include the ‘Pineapple Cup’ Battle of the Bay Shuffleboard Tournament at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, partner appreciation visits, the Bern Laxer Awards of Excellence and much more.

“It’s never been more important to emphasize the No. 1 employer in Pinellas County, tourism,” said Steve Hayes, president and CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. “National Travel and Tourism Week is a celebration, and reminder, of the constant recognition frontline workers in hotels, attractions and all tourism entities deserve year-round.”