News Summary
As the holiday season nears, Pinellas County assesses the impact of last year’s hurricanes on winter tourism. With many businesses still recovering, areas like Treasure Island face quiet streets. However, St. Petersburg sees a rise in tourist spending, giving hope for recovery. Local campaigns like ‘Still Shining’ aim to restore visitor confidence and support local economies amidst ongoing challenges, as Florida records a rise in overall visitors.
Pinellas County Looks to Bounce Back from Hurricane Impacts on Holiday Tourism
As the holiday season approaches, Pinellas County is taking a close look at how last year’s harsh hurricane season has impacted winter tourism in the region. With its sunny beaches and warm climate, this area is typically a favorite for holiday visitors, but things are looking a bit different this year.
Diving into Treasure Island’s Tourism Scenario
Downtown Treasure Island is feeling a little on the quiet side, with reports describing it as “cold and quiet.” Many local businesses, including shops and restaurants, have not yet reopened, leading to less foot traffic and fewer visitors enjoying the seaside charm. A visitor from Montreal recently shared that she noticed a significant lack of tourists during her stay, which is a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere the area is known for.
Both Treasure Island and nearby Madeira Beach have experienced a bit of a downturn in tourism since many local businesses are still in recovery mode. While there are signs of optimism as demand starts to pick up ahead of spring break, the pace of recovery is slower than many had hoped.
The Economic Importance of Tourism
Local businesses are beginning to feel the pinch. The traffic from visitors is vital for the local economy, and owners are eagerly awaiting their return. The Bilmar Beach Resort echoes these sentiments, highlighting how essential tourism is for sustaining livelihoods in the region.
A Bright Spot: St. Petersburg’s Tourist Spending
Despite these challenges, there are areas of encouragement. The city of St. Petersburg recently reported a spike in tourist spending, generating an impressive over $1 million in monthly tourism taxes for the first time. This surge shows that while some parts of the county are struggling, others are thriving, and it points to potential growth as the recovery progresses.
Repairing Homes and Reopening Attractions
It’s important to remember that many homeowners and renters affected by the storms are still seeking temporary housing while they make repairs. The recovery process is ongoing, with some popular attractions still closed due to storm damage, including Tropicana Field. This has contributed to the feeling that things aren’t quite back to normal just yet.
Marketing the Area for Holiday Visitors
In a bid to boost tourism and restore confidence in visiting Pinellas County, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater has launched a campaign titled “Still Shining.” This initiative focuses on promoting the area as a vacation destination despite the recent storms. More than 30 major tour operators and travel agents recently gathered in Clearwater to learn about the area’s recovery efforts, reinforcing the message that the county is open for business.
Encouraging a Positive Visitor Experience
According to local sources, over 80% of the destination is now welcoming visitors, with many local deals popping up for hotels and dining. Clearwater’s beautiful beaches are once again operating normally, including the presence of lifeguards to ensure safety for all.
Gathering Momentum for Recovery
The collaboration doesn’t stop there! The campaign not only encourages visitors to enjoy the scenic views but also to support local businesses actively, participate in cleanup efforts, and join fundraisers aimed at further recovery.
A Promising Future for Florida Tourism
Across the state, even with the setbacks from hurricanes Milton and Helene, Florida is showing signs of resilience. The state recorded 34.2 million visitors in the second quarter of 2024, which marks a 1.7% increase from the previous year. This statistic gives a glimmer of hope, promising a bright future as recovery unfolds.
With all of these efforts and developments, Pinellas County is thoroughly focused on welcoming back visitors this holiday season, reminding everyone that despite some challenges, the beauty and charm of this coastal paradise are still shining through.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Supports Hurricane Recovery
St. Petersburg City Council Awards Historic Status to Mirror Lake
St. Petersburg Secures $1.4 Million for Gas Plant District Revitalization
St. Petersburg Sees Significant Economic Growth from Athletic Events in 2024
St. Petersburg Unveils Ambitious Urban Developments to Enhance Community Living
Additional Resources
- WTSP News
- Fox 13 News
- AP News
- Travel Weekly
- Travel Mole
- Wikipedia: Tourism in Florida
- Google Search: Florida tourism recovery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
- Google Scholar: Florida tourism growth
- Google News: Florida tourism 2024
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
