We're thrilled to announce the launch of the FY26 Elite Event Program! This program is designed to support and elevate premier events in our community, driving tourism and enhancing our destination's appeal.

Join us for an informative webinar on Wednesday, March 12 at 9 a.m. to learn more about the program and get your questions answered.

Get Onboard with Allegiant and nonstoplife through Visit St. Pete-Clearwater’s special advertising opportunity.

Serving the Pinellas County area via St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (PIE), Allegiant flies from more cities than any other carrier to the area (64). More than 2.4 million passengers in 2024! Allegiant has played a major part in PIE’s record breaking growth with St. Pete-Clearwater now our #3 market served.

Offered to a captive audience in a distraction-free environment (no Wi-Fi), nonstoplife is presented at eye-level for an average of 2.5 hours. With light and informative editorial, nonstoplife serves up ideas to leisure-bound travelers on things to do and see during their vacation.

VisitSPC will have a special editorial section, and ST. PETE-CLEARWATER’S SPECIAL ADVERTISING RATES provide partners a 30% discount from rate card. Published quarterly, ads are onboard for a full three months of coverage. For more information and to reserve your space, contact Shaun Mcllveen. 

Through a partnership with VisitSPC, travel expert Laura Begley Bloom has made appearances on TV in some of St. Pete-Clearwater's top markets to let viewers know what great experiences await them in our destination, from our award-winning beaches to our delicious dining. Laura has been on air in Chicago, Atlanta, Miami and Cincinnati, to name a few.

Visit St. Pete-Clearwater extended their partnership with Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union and recently announced their new sponsorship of the FC Cincinnati, becoming the Official Beaches of both teams. The strategic partnership allows us to showcase all our incredible destination to a growing and passionate fanbase in key domestic markets.

With the partnership in place, our Activations team was at Subaru Park for the Philadelphia Union Home Opener. The team brought the warmth to a cold and windy Subaru Plaza, where fans checked out our brand-new giant Adirondack chair (up on display all season), and enter for a chance to win a trip to St. Pete-Clearwater.

VisitSPC and our agency Rooster were on hand for IMM London – the largest media event in the U.K. – engaging more than 35 members of the media as well as content creators. In addition, the VisitSPC PR team made a stop in Zurich, including a special event at Play SHUFL, to meet with media and promote the destination as well as the direct route through Edelweiss.

Last week, we welcomed a group of influencers and content creators from England, Ireland and Norway who enjoyed an itinerary full of unique and adrenaline-filled experiences in our destination, inclusive of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, to promote the ultimate ladies trip to America’s Favorite Beaches. Special thanks to the The Hiatus Clearwater Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton, SkyBeach Resort & Marina, Tampa International Airport, Clearwater Beach Yoga, Crown & Bull, Strachan's Homemade Ice Cream and Desserts, Sonder Social, Cruisin' Tikis Clearwater, Island Way Grill, Get Up and Go Kayaking, Brass Dagger, St. Pete Pier, Bacchus Wine Bistro, Morean Glass Studio, Chihuly Collection, FloridaRAMA and Lolita’s Wine Market, and many more for helping us showcase our destination to potential visitors from the U.K., Ireland and Scandinavia.

VisitSPC participated in the ANATO trade show in Bogotá, Colombia, engaging in 38 trade appointments and 12 one-on-one meetings with key tour operators. Additionally, at Visit Florida’s media reception, we connected with more than 25 media representatives and content creators, fostering opportunities for future collaborations and destination coverage. Participating in these important events reinforce our commitment to expanding brand awareness and strengthening relationships in the Latin American market.

The Grand Prix of St. Petersburg averaged 1.4 million viewers, up 45% from last year’s race. According to FOX, with a peak of 1.8 million viewers, it became the most-watched non-Indy 500 race since the 2011 season opener – 14 years!  

The Meetings and Conventions team has been busy connecting with industry leaders, participating in both the MPI New Jersey MEETS Conference, the largest statewide trade association event, and Meet NY, the Northeast's premier hosted buyer hospitality event. These events offered valuable opportunities for networking and industry education, allowing us to strengthen relationships with professionals in meetings, events, hospitality, travel, and sales, and stay informed about the latest trends.

The 2025 Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield, held Feb. 13-16 at Eddie C. Moore Complex, was the MOST-WATCHED ON RECORD across ESPN platforms, soaring 97% year-over-year!

Fans enjoyed 40 college softball games, featuring 16 top teams, all on ESPN platforms. Notably, the University of Alabama vs. Oklahoma State University game drew 429K average viewers, the 3rd most-watched Clearwater Invitational game ever. ESPN+ viewership also surged, up 134% year-over-year.

The full 2026 field of 16 was announced Sunday via ESPN’s exclusive coverage of the tournament, returning to the Eddie C. Moore Complex Feb. 12-15, 2026.

PSTA's new on-demand shuttle, the Grouper, now connects St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (PIE) to Clearwater Beach, including Sand Key hotels, offering an affordable and convenient travel option for visitors supporting the recovering beachside economy. Priced at just $8-$30, significantly cheaper than rideshares, the Grouper provides professional drivers in accessible vehicles, with taxi backups at the same rates when shuttles are full.

Edelweiss has increased its nonstop flight frequency into Tampa International Airport from  Zurich. Now flying five times from the Swiss capital, the additional route will bring even more international visitors into Tampa Bay.

Condé Nast Traveler's article The Most Beautiful Beaches in the U.S. included Caladesi Island State Park in a select list of beaches nationwide, highlighting its pristine state, white-sand beaches, outdoor activities, and more.

Philadelphia Magazine, as a result of hosting writer Laura Brzyski, highlights an itinerary for travelers visiting Clearwater Beach for spring training .

St. Pete-Clearwater included  in AFAR's 11 Best Places to Travel in April, with mentions of the 50th Annual Mainsail Art Festival, the Tampa Bay Blues Festival and the Dunedin Highland Games & Festival.

Fort De Soto Park and Clearwater Beach were highlighted in USA Today's article: The best Florida beaches for families, according to a local beach-loving mom.

Congratulations to VisitSPC's Content & Communications Coordinator, BaiLeigh Carlson for being recognized as a 2025 eTourism Emerging Tourism Star! Her skill, creativity and and passion for our destination can be seen across social channels and website.

Melissa Bonacore, our newest Leisure Sales Manager, brings her vast knowledge and experience of the local market from tenures at TradeWinds, Don CeSar, and the Holiday Inn & Suites Harbourside.

Sydney Song joins the Marketing team as the new Lead Creative Designer. A St. Pete-based digital creative, Sydney brings a wealth of creative and digital skill, and will be instrumental in bringing a lot of our marketing efforts to life. 

Join us in welcoming Melissa and Sydney.

The Partner Portal is the gateway to updating your business listing and staff member directory, upload videos, photos, and special offers, share your social media channels, & so much more. Partners with questions about navigating the Partner Portal or that do not have a username or password to log in to the partner portal, can email Contact@VisitSPC.com.