Dear Partners,

As the vibrant energy of spring fills the air here in St. Pete-Clearwater, it’s been incredible to see and feel the excitement all around the destination with guests from around the world – a true testament to the resiliency and commitment of you and your fellow businesses to provide a spectacular Spring Break for our visitors!

The past couple of months have been filled with many resounding successes. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg was a revving success, drawing an impressive 1.4 million viewers, a remarkable 45% increase from last year’s race and the most-watched non-Indy 500 race on any network since the 2011 opener. Furthermore, this year's Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational was the most-watched on record across ESPN platforms. TDT collection in Pinellas County remains strong, with back-to-back record figures in December and January as we enter the peak spring season.

And yet again, our region welcomes another direct flight into Tampa Bay! Last week we welcomed avianca to Tampa Bay, connecting Bogotá, Colombia and many other South American countries to our region. The first flight landed with the first Colombian group press trip, who got to experience firsthand what it means to arrive in paradise. Our teams continue to share the many accolades that makes us America's Favorite Beaches across the globe, including a sales mission to London and Manchester, paired with a pitch-side consumer activation for rugby fans. Additionally, the communications team was present in Mexico City, forging relationships with media and content creators that will share our story with potential Mexican travelers.  

Lastly, it seems like yesterday that we shared the news about becoming part of the expansion of the MICHELIN Guide in Florida. We look forward to the event on April 17 in which we will know more about the inspectors' findings on the hidden gems and rich culinary scene that we all know exists in St. Pete-Clearwater.

The 2025 Besties Awards recognizes the best places and experiences in St. Pete-Clearwater of these excellent businesses across 35 categories, including Best Beach Bar, Best Charter Boat, Best Hotel, Best Restaurant, and more!

Join us as we announce the winners, unveil the 2025 Gulf to Bay destination magazine, and celebrate the heart of our hospitality industry. Registration includes hot & cold hors d’oeuvres as well as one complimentary drink ticket for soda, beer, wine and/or mixed drink.

For an enhanced experience at the 2025 Besties Awards, treat yourself and your team to our exclusive VIP table options. Celebrate the Best of St. Pete-Clearwater & enjoy premium seating, a charcuterie board and domestic champagne.

The new Bogotá-Tampa Bay nonstop flight is here! As the first regularly scheduled flight into Tampa International Airport from a new continent in more than 50 years, avianca's new route is a historic moment for the region, opening the possibility for more than 20 connections with other South American countries. The flight will operate four days per week and connect the growing South American market with our destination.

Visit St. Pete-Clearwater has partnered with PTG Consulting to expand our presence in the Mexican market, aiming to increase Latin American visitation. This move complements our existing international representation in the U.K., Ireland, Scandinavia, Brazil, Germany, and Central Europe, reinforcing our commitment to global expansion and attracting visitors to America's Favorite Beaches.

From left to right, Brian Lowack (VisitSPC), Pinellas County Commissioner, Vince Nowicki, Rosemarie Payne (VisitSPC), Jamie Hauser (Sheraton Sand Key), and Ana Fernández (Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach). 

On a three-day sales mission that took place in London and Manchester, the VisitSPC team successfully trained 140 travel agents, starting with an in-person training at the headquarters of Virgin Atlantic and a virtual training to the Ocean Florida sales team. An additional 100 travel agents were trained during the sales mission's portion in Manchester, prior to returning to London to host an event for travel professionals at the popular golf venue, Swingers.

Shout out to Jamie Hauser and Ana Fernandez from the Sheraton Sand Key and the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach for joining us in promoting America's Favorite Beaches overseas.

The VisitSPC team attended the inaugural Family Traveller Live event, bringing the warmth of our destination to consumers in the U.K. Through the representation of agency Rooster and with the help of tour operator Ocean Florida, the team was able to connect with many potential visitors looking to plan their next family getaway.

The kids enjoyed playing in the sand box along with a game on shuffleboard and cornhole pitch side at Twickenham, home of English Rugby!  With more than 10,000 attendees over the course of two days, the event was the perfect place to showcase why St. Pete-Clearwater is the ultimate destination for a relaxing & adventurous family holiday.

Listen to the Family Traveller Podcast about our beautiful destination.

The Meetings & Conventions Team hosted a special client event at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta with 16 key decision makers in the market, following a series of meetings to promote the destination's venues in Atlanta, a key market for St. Pete-Clearwater. Joining VisitSPC's Sales Manager, Tina Berrien, were Clearwater Beach Marriott Resort on Sand Key, The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club and TradeWinds Resort.

Visit St. Pete-Clearwater participated in a media mission in Mexico City on March 27, where we engaged with more than 25 key media members and content creators, showcasing the uniqueness of our destination and creating meaningful connections with outlets looking for their next story. The mission highlighted the destination's accessibility and appeal to the Mexican market, with an emphasis of the convenient direct flight offered by Aeromexico.

As part of the avianca inaugural flight, VisitSPC hosted a trio of top-tier media outlets in St. Pete-Clearwater. Making St. Pete-Clearwater their first part of their Tampa Bay adventure, the journalists, experienced arts & culture, outdoor experiences as well as getting a taste for the culinary offerings of our destination. Thank you to the following partners for assisting and welcoming this group: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, The Beachcomber, Morean Glass Studio, The Dalí Museum, Juno & The Peacock, Little Toot Dolphin Adventure, Island Way Grill, WET Rentals & Tours, and The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions. 

Forbes writer Cailtin Palumbo, who we hosted in destination, reported on the Michelin Guide expanding and centered her coverage on St. Pete-Clearwater.

A direct result of hosting Alex Outhwaite in our destination, the Hidden Gems in St Petersburg Florida & Clearwater – Unique things to do blog post lists many of the places to visit in St. Pete-Clearwater.

Visit St. Pete-Clearwater expands tourism marketing to Mexico, a Tampa Bay Business and Wealth article, covered VisitSPC's announcement of our marketing partnership with PTG in Mexico. 

As a result of hosting journalist Marisa Roman, Only In Your State published a recap of her visit with recommendations.

StarLite Cruises

Best Dinner Cruise

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Best Motorsports Race

St. Anthony's Triathlon

Best Sprint Triathlon

St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show

Best Boat Show

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.

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@VisitSPC

@VisitStPeteClearwater

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