Tampa Bay’s hotel industry closed the 2025 fiscal year with more than $1.2 billion in taxable hotel revenue, marking the third consecutive year above the billion-dollar mark.
Beyond a strong headline number, this achievement signals the deep economic footprint of the hospitality sector, from more than 61,000 local workers to hundreds of businesses that thrive from visitor spending.
The record reflects the region’s expanding appeal as both a leisure destination and a hub for conventions, investment and corporate growth.
What happened
The 2025 fiscal year ended with $1,208,854,234 in taxable hotel revenue for Hillsborough County, the highest ever recorded.
September alone brought in $71.8 million, the second-highest September on record despite broader economic uncertainty nationwide. Visit Tampa Bay President and CEO Santiago C. Corrada credited the achievement to the region’s resilience and collaboration.
“Surpassing the billion-dollar mark for a third fiscal year is proof the Tampa Bay hospitality industry sustained the momentum built in previous years,” Corrada said. “We owe thanks to the more than 61,000 hospitality workers, supported by leaders at the county and city level, whose hard work drives our industry and supports economic development in our region.”
SEE LAST YEAR’S TOURISM RECORD: Hillsborough County sets record $1.16 billion in tourism revenue for 2024
Tourism Development Tax collections also hit a record $72.5 million, another first for Hillsborough County. Conferences and major events played a crucial role in fueling these results, with Tampa hosting more than 540 conventions, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors and SOF Week.
These events generated more than 580,000 room nights and an estimated $366 million in direct economic impact.
What this means for Tampa Bay businesses
This record is not just about tourism. It reflects Tampa Bay’s diversified, experience-driven economy.
The hospitality and events sector continues to attract investment and attention from corporate groups, developers and investors seeking to capitalize on the region’s momentum.
Key takeaways for business leaders include:
- Sustained visitor demand: A third consecutive billion-dollar year demonstrates strong resilience against national economic fluctuations and weather-related disruptions.
- Convention power: The meetings and events segment remains a cornerstone of year-round occupancy, helping stabilize revenue during off-peak travel seasons.
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- Marketing innovation: Campaigns such as “Ready to Play” and “Time to Play” show the effectiveness of targeted storytelling that connects Tampa Bay’s leisure appeal with business travel audiences.
- Community integration: Initiatives like Meeting the Moment, which recognizes organizations creating social, environmental and community impact, align tourism with corporate responsibility.
Why it matters now
Tampa Bay’s performance illustrates how destination branding and economic development intersect.
As the city continues to attract new residents, investors and businesses, the tourism sector’s success reinforces the region’s reputation as both a great place to visit and a smart place to invest.
The achievement also signals stability and scalability, two traits appealing to stakeholders in hospitality, commercial real estate and regional economic planning.
Visit Tampa Bay’s continued focus on sustainability and inclusivity positions the destination to thrive amid shifting traveler expectations.
Tampa Bay’s momentum continues
Tampa Bay’s $1.2 billion tourism year represents more than a financial milestone. It highlights momentum, collaboration and strategic vision across the region’s hospitality sector.
That momentum will soon reach millions of national viewers as Visit Tampa Bay and Visit St. Pete–Clearwater team up with VISIT FLORIDA for a special “Live More Floridays” week on Wheel of Fortune, airing Oct. 13–17. The episodes will showcase Florida destinations to more than eight million viewers per night. Tampa Bay takes center stage on Oct. 15, offering a grand prize getaway featuring the Tampa Marriott Water Street, Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium and a treetop adventure with Empower Adventures.
“Showcasing Tampa Bay on one of America’s most beloved game shows gives us a unique platform to share the vibrant spirit of our community with millions of Wheel Watchers nationwide,” Corrada said last week.
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The partnership underscores the destination’s growing national profile and marketing sophistication. Together, Tampa Bay and St. Pete–Clearwater continue to elevate Florida’s Gulf Coast as both a leisure and business hub, supported by record tourism revenue and sustained investment in visitor experiences.
The takeaway: The world is not just visiting Tampa Bay. It is watching, too.
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