What is the best way to get to your destination?

There are direct flights from London to Tampa International airport, including a daily year-round service from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic and a direct service from Gatwick with British Airways (schedule varies seasonally).

What are the must-see sights or must-do activities?

1. Walk or cycle around the bay front on our iconic 2.6-mile-long Tampa Riverwalk.
2. Take the hop-on, hop-off Pirate Water Taxi.
3. Check out some water-based activities such as kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
4. Take the Ybor City Historic Walking Tour and get a photo of the free-roaming cockerels and chickens.
5. Try the original Cuban sandwich at the Columbia Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Florida.
6. Ride the free TECO Streetcar from Downtown to Ybor City.
7. Head to the Tampa Premium Outlets for great deals and choice, International Plaza for high-end shopping, or Hyde Park Village for local boutiques.
8. Tampa now has five Michelin-starred restaurants - the food scene is mouth watering!
9. Journey to Armature Works and Sparkman Wharf for laid-back, waterfront food options, or sample the beer scene at one of the craft breweries.
10. Try a new cocktail in one of Tampa’s rooftop bars while watching the sun go down.

What are the accommodation options?

More than 3,000 hotel rooms have been added recently. Hotel Haya is a boutique hotel in the heart of Ybor, suited to those looking for a more intimate hotel experience. The five-star Tampa EDITION is one for high-end Downtown clients, with fine dining, a rooftop bar and a Michelin-starred restaurant. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, meanwhile, is a luxury Downtown hotel with rooftop pools, six dining outlets and Tampa’s newly opened and tallest rooftop bar, Beacon. Hotel Flor has opened under the Hilton brand, in place of the newly renovated former Floridian Palace Hotel, and The Epicurean is a boutique hotel in Hyde Park Village, which has recently added 51 rooms and suites. Timberline Glamping Company and Bay Bayou RV Resort are great for those staying outside the city.

When should clients visit?

Tampa has good weather all year. For the best rates clients should visit when it’s quieter, from September to December. For those wanting to visit outside of school holidays, April-May and October-November are good options. The last weekend of January sees the Gasparilla Pirate Festival take place, while the first weekend in May is Tampa Riverfest. The month also plays host to the electronic Sunset Music Festival and the International Cuban Sandwich Festival.

How long should clients stay? 

Tampa Bay is the gateway to Florida’s west coast, and is the perfect three-night addition to any Florida itinerary or a great pre- or post-cruise destination.

What tools can agents use? 

Our website has a section dedicated to helping the travel trade: visittampabay.com/travel-professionals 

Where can agents find out more?

Learn more by becoming a Tampa Bay Specialist. Visit the newly launched portal for information and downloadable materials: visittampabayspecialist.com

Trade team contact details 

Name: Samantha Fulton
Email: samantha.fulton@four.agency 
Phone: 07891 423310