Visit St. Pete-Clearwater President and CEO Brian Lowack proudly announced today that tourism has set a new record in Pinellas County’s economy in fiscal year 2024, contributing $11.2 billion. The region’s beaches continue to enchant visitors, with 15.4 million people choosing to spend time in our area over the past year, and 6.4 million hotel room nights booked—marking the third consecutive year of robust tourism growth.
Significant events in 2024, such as the Grand Prix, Reggae Rise Up, and the WWE Royal Rumble, helped drive many visitors to our area.
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Key takeaways from the report include:
- $11.2 billion in total economic impact, surpassing the previous year’s figures.
- A significant increase in direct spending, with $6.4 billion pumped into our local economy.
- $1.6 billion in accommodations revenue for the second year in a row, covering everything from hotels to vacation rentals.
- More than 4 million hotel room nights booked.
Pinellas County is a top hub for domestic and international travelers
Four million visitors enjoy the diverse offerings of the St. Pete-Clearwater area, from its pristine beaches to its vibrant cultural scene. Alongside these impressive numbers, the region saw another robust year of bed tax (TDT) collection, totaling over $96 million—marking the third consecutive year that collections have surpassed the $95 million threshold.
“St. Pete-Clearwater continues to shine as one of the top destinations for both domestic and international travelers,” said Lowack. “Our team’s hard work, along with the ongoing support from the Tourist Development Council, County Commissioners, and local businesses, keeps bringing visitors and fueling our local economy.”
Still shining in Pinellas County
“Despite recent storm challenges, our region remains a bright beacon for travelers with world-class dining, beaches, and cultural experiences,” said Pinellas County Commissioner and Chair of the Tourist Development Council Kathleen Peters. “We look forward to another successful year in 2025.”
The hotel bed tax—also known as the tourist development tax—is a 6% visitor-generated tax on all short-term accommodation rentals. Dollars generated from the collection of the tourist development tax must be assigned to projects that support tourism.
