Destination Marketing

VISIT TAMPA BAY’S MAGIC TORCH TO CONTINUE SHINING DESTINATION’S LIGHT IN THE UK AND IRELAND

Agency adds sales and marketing to its longstanding PR partnershi

Tampa, FL, September 29, 2026 – The most awarded destination marketing organization in Florida, Visit Tampa Bay, is expanding its 11-year partnership with UK-based public relations agency, Magic Torch PR, with the agency now adding the DMO’s sales and marketing initiatives in UK and Ireland to its portfolio of services.

Already responsible for telling the many stories of Tampa Bay, Magic Torch PR’s expanded remit includes working with Visit Tampa Bay on strategy development and implementation designed to develop the destination product and, most significantly, drive bookings.

Visit Tampa Bay President and CEO, Santiago C. Corrada, explained the decision to trust Magic Torch PR with this expanded responsibility after 11 years of partnership comes down to a long track record of sustained, positive results.

“With the UK remaining our top overseas market and an exciting number of new developments on the horizon, we are proud to extend and expand the relationship with Magic Torch in the UK and Ireland,” said Corrada. “Over the years, Becky Fairlie-Clarke and Magic Torch have proven their worth with award-winning campaigns, creative ideas, successful brand sponsorships, and extensive media coverage. We are excited to continue our work with Magic Torch to support our travel trade partners, work with media, and inspire potential travelers to love Tampa Bay.”

Prior to this announcement, Magic Torch PR held Visit Tampa Bay’s sales, marketing, and PR portfolios in the Netherlands and Belgium. Becky Fairlie-Clarke, Director of Magic Torch PR, said longtime agency professional, Robert Wilson, will join her in managing these new responsibilities. Farilie-Clarke explained this expanded role is a natural extension of the work her agency is already doing for Visit Tampa Bay in other markets and is a tremendous opportunity for both Magic Torch and the DMO to capitalize on.

“Everyone knows how much we love Tampa Bay and how well we know the destination,” said Fairlie-Clarke. “Bringing PR, sales, and marketing together gives us a chance to tell Tampa Bay’s story consistently, help agents and operators turn interest into bookings, make it easier for consumers to plan their trip, and ultimately ensure that Tampa Bay is a must for any Florida itinerary.”

The robust number of UK-based travelers journeying to Tampa Bay is supported by several direct flights to award-winning Tampa International Airport. Virgin Atlantic flies from London Heathrow, while British Airways currently flies from London Gatwick and will move its Tampa service to Heathrow on Oct. 25, 2026. Heathrow also offers convenient connections to Tampa Bay from across the UK and Ireland.

Tampa Bay is a leading tourism destination in Florida, welcoming more than 28 million visitors from across the globe each year to enjoy its vibrant mix of history and culture, combined with world-class attractions, sports, and cuisine.

Some of the latest developments in the destination include:

• New Hotel Properties – The Inn at El Reloj in historic Ybor City is expected to open in late 2026 and is being developed by The J.C. Newman Cigar Co. This boutique property brings together accommodations, food, and cigars with 11 rooms along with Elaine’s Restaurant and Stanford’s Cigar Club. Additionally, Pendry Tampa will add its modern five-star experience to the Tampa Riverwalk in fall 2027 with more than 200 luxury guest rooms.
• Infrastructure Growth – The award-winning Tampa Riverwalk is expected to add nearly two miles to its existing 2.6-mile length. This popular attraction is lined with museums, parks, and restaurants and has connected Tampa like never before.  
• Fly and Cruise the Tampa Bay Way – Tampa International Airport has been named #1 in Customer Satisfaction for Large Airports for the third time in the JD Power 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, and Tampa Bay continues to grow as a cruise destination with Regent Seven Seas Cruises starting to sail from Port Tampa Bay in December 2026.