Tampa Bay Welcomes Back International Travelers with Open Arms

TAMPA, FL (Dec. 3, 2020) – As travel restrictions ease across Europe, Tampa Bay is ready to safely welcome back international visitors with endless open-air fun, outdoor dining, lush state parks and a sparkling waterfront. 

“We are excited to welcome back international visitors and provide a sunny escape to our friends across the pond,” says Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “From Tampa International Airport’s lauded safety protocols to modified operations at our most popular attractions, travelers will find that Tampa Bay puts safety above all.” 

Over the past six months, Visit Tampa Bay has successfully instilled domestic traveler confidence with an emphasis on our wide-open spaces of sun, fun and culture in Florida’s most diverse travel destination and now it’s time for our international friends to join us too. In this new travel landscape, travelers can paddle board along a backdrop of glistening skyscrapers, explore a plethora of al fresco dining options along the Tampa Riverwalk, and bask in the sun at outdoor attractions, city parks or during a stroll down Ybor City’s historic Seventh Avenue. 

Tampa International Airport’s robust TPAReady program includes touchless transactions, plastic shield barriers and was the first US airport to offer COVID testing pre-flight or on arrival. Our hotels are committed to cleanliness with mobile check-in, in-room dining and cleaning staff dedicated to high-touch surface areas with an attention to guest care and hygiene. 

The Florida Aquarium was among the first to successfully reopen with modified operations in partnership with Tampa General Hospital’s industry-leading seal of approval. Attractions like Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay and ZooTampa at Lowry Park offer outdoor escapes to the wild with animal interactions and limited capacities on property.  Reservations are required at all three major attractions to ensure every guest has the space to feel free and inspired.

New hotels, restaurants and attractions also await international travelers, including the recently opened offerings in Ybor City like Hotel Haya, the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory Museum and a new Sicilian restaurant, Casa Santo Stefano. See what else in on the horizon here. For more information on how Visit Tampa Bay is prepared to welcome back travelers, visit VisitTampaBay.com/welcome.

About Visit Tampa Bay

The hip, sunny 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. We are a not-for-profit corporation that works with 800 partners to tell the world the story of Tampa Bay. Treasure awaits.