VISIT TAMPA BAY BRINGS THE ENTIRE TOWN OF TAMPA, KANSAS TO TAMPA, FLORIDA

TAMPA, FL (December 9, 2022) – What started as a simple search looking for an estimated drive time turned into major feel-good story and connected two communities over 1,400 miles apart when Visit Tampa Bay flew an entire town to Florida and made lifelong friendships.

Through that search Visit Tampa Bay discovered the quaint town of Tampa, Kansas. An idea flourished into a robust plan and six months later, Visit Tampa Bay partnered with Southwest Airlines and Tampa International Airport to bring the entire town of Tampa, Kansas to Tampa, Florida for a once in a lifetime vacation.

“This is just another example of our forward-thinking and creative marketing outreach.  From our team and our amazing partners, we have been able to develop a human connection between two communities and raise the profile of both,” says Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “Both Tampas are focused on growth and the future, and by partnering with Southwest Airlines, Tampa International Airport, and local community partners, we were able to bring their entire town to Tampa, Florida to see first-hand why the destination is one of the fastest growing in the country and enjoy a great vacation.”

The residents of Tampa, Kansas left by bus to Kansas City International Airport bright and early on Monday, December 5th, where they flew on Southwest Airlines to Tampa International Airport to start their trip. The celebration continued in Tampa Bay, as Tampa International Airport employees, Southwest employees and passengers waiting for their flights cheered them on with welcome signs as they exited the aircraft for their unforgettable vacation.

Staying at The Floridan Palace Hotel, it was the residents first time in Tampa, Florida but more than half of the community experienced a lot of firsts that included taking their first plane ride, seeing a beach, and so much more. While in destination, they visited Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Winter Village and explored downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk with Visit Tampa Bay’s Riverwalk Attraction Pass that included local museums, The Florida Aquarium and Pirate Water Taxi.

Click below for b-roll and photos of their trip.

ABOUT VISIT TAMPA BAY

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.

ABOUT TAMPA, KANSAS

The small rural town is nestled on the famous Santa Fe Trail, America’s first commercial highway. The forward-thinking town has 24 businesses and seeing more young families move into the area over time to help it grow. As a community, they’ve rebuilt their downtown with their bare hands, opened new businesses, and work as a team of volunteers to run the local fire and EMT station and grocery store.