Visit Tampa Bay Celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week

Tampa, FL (May 2, 2022) - In association with U.S. Travel Association, Visit Tampa Bay celebrates the Power of Travel with destinations across the country during this year’s “National Travel and Tourism Week,” starting Sunday, May 1 through Saturday, May 7, 2022.

“The Tampa Bay tourism and hospitality industry continues to reach new heights and drive economic impact to Hillsborough County through visitation,” says Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “National Travel and Tourism Week is a time to reflect on Tampa Bay’s incredible growth and success and gaining international recognition as a leisure and convention destination. It is also a time to celebrate the local hospitality industry and our 750+ partners, stakeholders and tourism champions whose efforts have helped transform our tourism economy into a nationwide leader.”

Visit Tampa Bay will celebrate the significant contributions of the hospitality and tourism industry as local businesses and communities come together with industry peers at the following events:

SUNDAY, MAY 1:

Regional Red Lighting Demonstration

Visit Tampa Bay kicks the week off by highlighting Tampa Bay’s landmarks in red, the official color of National Travel and Tourism Week.

Landmarks participating in the lighting include:

• Old City Hall
• Raymond James Stadium
• Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay
• Sparkman Wharf
• The Florida Aquarium
• Straz Center for the Performing Arts
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park
• Tampa International Airport
• Riverwalk Tampa
• Kennedy Blvd and Platt Street Bridges
• Curtis Hixon Park

TUESDAY, MAY 3:

Tourism Gives Back 

During Tourism Gives Back, members of the Tampa Bay tourism industry will gather for volunteer shifts from 9:00am – 12:00pm or 1:00pm – 4:00pm at Feeding Tampa Bay to support the community.

THURSDAY, MAY 5:

Annual National Tourism Week Luncheon

Celebrating the local community, Visit Tampa Bay will host its Annual National Tourism Week Luncheon on May 5th from 11:00am – 1:30pm at the Tampa Convention Center.

FRIDAY, MAY 6:

‘Pineapple Cup’ Battle of the Bay Bocce Ball Tournament 

Both sides of the Bay will take it to the bocce ball courts as Visit Tampa Bay and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater unite for some friendly competition at the 2nd Annual Pineapple Cup on May 6 at The Cuban Club.

Visit Tampa Bay continues the weeklong celebration with an additional schedule of activities including:

Proclamations

In recognition and support of tourism and hospitality, the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners will proclaim May 1 – 7, 2022 “Tampa Bay Tourism Week”.

Tee Off for Tourism

Tee Off for Tourism, presented by Visit Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough County Hotel Motel Association (HCHMA), returns to Saddlebrook Resort. This popular golf tournament will be held on Friday, April 29 from 9:00am – 5:00pm with food and beverages provided throughout the day and a reception to follow.

Partner Appreciation Visits 

Visit Tampa Bay and its team members will participate in this outreach initiative by visiting its partners and giving small tokens of appreciation throughout the week.

Bern Laxer Awards for Excellence 

Visit Tampa Bay will bring back its Bern Laxer Awards for Excellence to honor nominated individuals as tourism champions for their incredible efforts in ensuring visitors have a memorable experience in the destination. 

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.