HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY TOURISM NUMBERS HOLD STEADY INTO 2024

Tampa, FL (December 20, 2023) – As we approach the holiday season, Hillsborough County tourism numbers continue to remain steady as November tourist development taxes reach more than $4 million. The collections for November, reflecting October collections, recorded an impressive $4,817,322 a 12.2% increase over the same month in fiscal year 2022. This brings the total bed tax collections for the fiscal year 2023 to $8,953,847.  

In October 2023, taxable hotel revenue in Hillsborough County reached a notable $80,387,029, showcasing an incredible 22.3% increase compared to the same month in fiscal year 2022. The growing taxable hotel revenue for the period spanning from September 2023 to October 2023 now stands at $149,178,797. 

"I see promising growth as we enter the second month of the new fiscal year,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “Hillsborough County's tourism numbers continue to demonstrate strength, which means our proactive marketing efforts to solidify Tampa Bay as a top meetings and leisure destination, are on target. And we look forward to amplifying our outreach in 2024.” 

Smith Travel Research Inc. (STR) also reported November hotel occupancy within the county reached 66.6%, positioning Hillsborough County at the forefront of the leisure sales competitive set. Also, Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) managed at $98.02, while the Average Daily Rate (ADR) averaged $147.26. It's important to highlight that the ADR for November ranks as the second highest in Florida, differentiating Hillsborough County as one of the few regions experiencing an increase. 

November's performance stands out as the second-best November on record, surpassing the figures from both 2019 and 2021. This growth in tourism metrics highlights the county's resilience and appeal as a destination, contributing to its economic prosperity during the start of the holiday season. 

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The heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast beats in Tampa Bay. Visit Tampa Bay encourages adventurous travelers to unlock sun, fun and culture in Florida’s most diverse travel destination. As a not-for-profit corporation certified by Destinations International’s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), we work with hundreds of partners to tell the world the story of Tampa Bay. Treasure awaits.