santiago corrada visit tampa bay

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InterView: Santiago Corrada

Ceo of visit tampa bay.

I COME FROM AN IMMIGRANT FAMILY, a blue collar family. My parents were both immigrants from Cuba, right before the Communist Revolution was gearing up, so things were getting bad. I was born in Paterson, New Jersey, which is a pretty tough town in New Jersey, and I was raised there through my formative years. I went to public school there, kindergarten through 8th grade. I started high school there and then we moved to Miami. [Then] I lived in Miami 27 years. I got my bachelor’s and my master’s degree from the University of Miami.

THE ONLY THING I KNEW ABOUT TAMPA was Busch Gardens. I actually thought the area around Busch Gardens was Tampa. I’d been living in Miami for 27 years, and to people in Miami, Miami is the center of the universe. But I knew that I needed a change.

PAM IORIO HAD JUST BECOME MAYOR, and she was restructuring city government. She wanted an administrator completely focused on the neighborhoods and those departments that served them. I worked as the director of parks and rec for the mayor of Miami when she recruited me to come to Tampa and work for her. That was a big learning experience.

MAYOR BUCKHORN KEPT ME ON AS THE CHIEF OF STAFF, and when we had some staff members leave, I kind of became the interim everything. I was interim public works administrator. I was interim parks and rec director while I was chief of staff. I ran the convention center at one point in time. [I] worked very closely with tourism when I was running the convention center and running point on the big events, so it was pretty much a natural transition over to this job about eight years ago now.

IN THIS JOB, YOU HAVE TO BE GOOD AT MARKETING, SELLING AND BEING POLITICALLY ASTUTE.  I think a lot of those things go together. You’ve got to be a great salesperson. You’ve got to be creative. You’ve got to be able to market, and you have to swim and navigate the political waters. A lot of what we do interacts with government, so I think those three are critically important. On top of that, all the leadership skills that you can possibly think of. You’re not only dealing internally with your team, you’re dealing externally with stakeholders, be they hotels or restaurants or attractions or events producers or big conventions, big groups. You really have a number of facets and ways to interact. You have to be able to pivot and be able to interact with lots of different stakeholders.

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF THE FOLKS THAT WANTS TO AFFECT A BIGGER PICTURE.  When I was in the classroom, that wasn’t enough. Thirty kids wasn’t enough, I wanted to impact an entire school. I wanted to become a principal, so I was a principal and I ran a middle school. Then I ran a high school. Then the opportunity came to affect all the people in Miami who loved to go to the parks and to enjoy recreation, so that was a bigger picture. Then when I came to Tampa it was about this greater impact on all the neighborhoods in Tampa. This one is really the pinnacle, the top, because so much of what we do affects so many things. If we’re driving tourists here or conventions or groups and people are coming here, they’re spending money here. When they spend money here, that creates jobs for all our neighbors, and they’re able to afford things for their families, and more hotels get built. They pay property taxes and they pay taxes to the local government. The attractions add rides and features, and more restaurants open up, and retail does well. So really what we do affects so many different things, and so I think that’s the most satisfying part — watching the connection of what we do impact so many other things in a positive way.

I LOVE NO PLACE BETTER THAN TAMPA, WHICH IS CRAZY.  When I travel, I can’t wait to come back home. I’m enjoying the place, but I miss Tampa. There’s something about Tampa, whether it’s the people or the familiarity, or the fact that it’s a big city but it feels like it’s your city.

MY WIFE IS A BIG FOODIE, so we’re always finding “The Restaurant” — the restaurant that represents the people and the culture, the feel of a city. That’s a must-do. We love going to museums. We love going to attractions. We like finding what’s going on in that city that we can experience. Whether it’s an art museum or a science museum or a zoo. I can’t tell you how many zoos we’ve gone to around the world. All of those things make that place special. If they have a big park where people love to go and recreate, we’ll check it out. If it’s possible to take a tour, we’ll take a tour. But it’s really getting to say you went somewhere and understood the place. Not that you went to the place, hid in your hotel for three days and went home. You got out, you walked around, and you experienced the city, the culture and the people. I think that’s really important.

THERE ARE TWO PLACES ON MY BUCKET LIST THAT I HAVE TO VISIT SOME DAY.  One is Rome and the other is Madrid. Rome and Madrid are ones I’d love to see one day, and I have not been.

WHEN WE LANDED  the International Indian Film Awards, the Bollywood awards, we went to India to pitch the awards [to potential visitors]. We wanted people to travel to Tampa to come see the award show. I remember setting up a booth, and we were there talking about what a great destination it was. Somebody asked me, innocently, where in Miami is Tampa? That kind of lit the bulb in my head that we really needed to get out there and develop a reputation and personality.

FOR ME, I THINK IT’S NOT ABOUT THE ACCOLADES I GET. It’s when you make an impact that affects a lot of people. [Tampa being designated] a high-impact tourism destination, with all the money that was coming into our hotels and new hotels being built and renovated and new jobs, that’s a bigger impact than being named something. I think that’s where you have to have your bigger wins: when more people are being affected in a positive way because of something you’ve tried to do.

I WAS A MUSICIAN. I played a number of brass instruments while I was growing up: trumpet, mellophone, baritone. I was in the University of Miami band when we won our first [football] national championship against Nebraska. I actually played a solo in the halftime show.

THE OLDER YOU GET, you have to listen to music that reminds you of things or sparks memories. Growing up in the ‘70s, it’s ‘70s music. Whatever it is, whether it’s ‘70s rock or ‘70s disco, the music I grew up with. There used to be this big fight in high school over whether you were a rock or disco person, but I like both.

I DO HAVE ONE HOBBY, AND THAT’S collecting rock and roll memorabilia. And only one type — the group KISS. It is a humongous collection. I have pinball machines, casino slot machines, vinyls, cassettes, 8-tracks, comic books, toys, clothing, wall hangings, busts, lamps, clocks… It just goes on and on. Once upon a time I had four rooms full [of memorabilia], and now I only have one big room that is completely KISS. All of my closets are full of the stuff I can’t put out. There was a pinball machine that was released in the ‘70s. I’d been wanting it forever. I found one in Illinois, almost in Wisconsin. I bought it on eBay, and my wife and I rented a cargo van. My wife drove the cargo van to almost Wisconsin. Between the two of us we loaded it into the cargo van, which was not easy, drove it all the way down to Tampa, and then hauled it up to the second story where my museum is. I would say that [piece] has the biggest amount of hardship and sacrifice attached to it.

WHEN WE WENT INTO THIS GLOBAL SHUTDOWN and people could not travel or experience or explore or have adventures, we lost so much. Not just in terms of the dollars and the economy, but in the experiences. The amazing events we were going to have here that were going to bring people to experience Tampa, and they lost that opportunity. Our ability to just jump on an airplane and go wherever we want in the world or throughout the country became limited. You almost feel like there’s something missing.

I HAVE A LOT OF HOPE only because it’s a very resilient industry. The people in tourism are amazing. They’re generous. They’re good people. Just by the nature of it — hospitality — they’re accommodating. They’re fighters, so they come back. Whether it’s after a hurricane or an oil spill, or whether it’s a recession or red tide, it comes back.

IT’S BEEN A VERY, VERY DIFFICULT TIME FOR US.  We’ve lost employees that we considered extended family. We’ve dealt with the pain and suffering of our colleagues, our stakeholders that are part of the larger tourism picture. It’s hotels and restaurants and retail and attractions and event planners and event makers and event producers — all the many things that tourism is. I’m so proud of our team. The team that has remained, how hard they’ve worked. We’ve never stopped working, which is the interesting thing. Whether it’s been virtually or part in the office, part not in the office, the team has never stopped working. The team has never stopped trying to land new conventions, land new groups, and market.

IT’S CUTE TO COME UP WITH LINES LIKE, “WE’RE ALL IN IT TOGETHER.”  We might all be in it together, but some people are on a yacht. Some people are in a rowboat. Some people are on a paddleboard. Some people are on a water bike. Some people are swimming, and some people are drowning. We might all be in it together, but there are different levels of together. I think that’s important for us to be mindful of. Some people are doing better in this situation than others. I think it’s important for us to be sensitive to that.

I LOVE MY WIFE TO DEATH. I LOVE MY KIDS.  We have a 27-year-old, one who will be 25 and one who will be 22. They’re all fantastic. They’ve all graduated from universities, one is about to. They all have jobs. They’re all productive. They’re all good people. I think what you learn at home is so important. Even as parents, you have to do a good job. You have to try to do a good job. I’m not one of those people who thinks every day is rainbows and unicorns and lollipops. It’s not. But how you handle those [bad] days, your kids are watching. You have a responsibility to your work and your career, but you have a responsibility to your family, too. The people who get it right understand that.

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20 questions with…Santiago Corrada President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay

The nonprofit works with 800 partners to tell the world the story of Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay’s tourism industry generated more than $600 million in hotel revenue in calendar year 2017.

1  College alma mater?

University of Miami 

2  Last book you read?

Leaders Eat Last (re-read)

3  Last place you vacationed ?

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

4  PC or Mac?

5  Guilty-pleasure food?

McDonald’s double cheeseburger

6  We’ll find you on the weekend?

Visiting a theme park

7  Biggest fear?

Being alone

8  Proudest moment?

Daughter’s birth

9  Dream dinner companion?

Ronald Reagan

10  Any pets?

11  Who did you last text?

12  What is your cellphone wallpaper image?

Birthday dinner with my wife

13  What do you listen to in the car?

SiriusXM Love (pop music channel)

14  What is your go-to drink order?

15  Favorite candy?

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

16  Do you suffer from Primesia*?

Don’t think so

17  Pool or beach?

18  Charity you support?

Meals on Wheels (among several)

19  Favorite childhood memory?

Christmas Eve. It was an opportunity for the family to be together, attend service, and prepare for the gift exchange.

20  Words of advice?

Treat others as you would like to be treated

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What You Will Learn in this Episode:

• Santiago’s atypical journey from high school principal to destination marketer
• Why Santiago firmly believes that leadership is something that should benefit a team rather than stifle them
• Why they decided to create a Tampa-based cookbook and how it supported an underappreciated sector of their community
• Santiago’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and how they support individuals with impediments to travel at Visit Tampa Bay
• What they’re doing to tell their story in a thoughtful, deliberate way and how they’re ensuring that the local community members are great hosts to visitors
• What Santiago is looking for when he’s building his destination development plan and some of the important factors he likes to incorporate

Leadership at Visit Tampa

Santiago Corrada discusses leadership philosophy and why he enjoys being a mentor and leading by example at Visit Tampa Bay. He shares how his unusual journey into destination marketing has helped him understand the importance of engaging his own team and the wider community in their visitor attraction initiatives.

Santiago also shines a little light on the need for effective marketing and leadership in making a location stand out. Focusing on what they’re doing at Visit Tampa Bay, he mentions how his team’s efforts led to recognition from Time Magazine, money.com, and Forbes and how they helped put Tampa on the map as one of the best places in Florida to live and visit. Santiago believes that Visit Tampa Bay’s unique branding and collaborative approach differentiates their destination from other typical Florida destinations.

Shaping Your Own Narrative

In our talk on all things creativity and leadership in destination marketing, Santiago expanded on his viewpoint, explaining that the goal isn’t just about making Tampa or Tampa Bay stand out amongst competitors; it’s all about shaping the narrative your own way. He also gives a few examples of some of the innovative and creative approaches in marketing and sharing the uniqueness of their location with the world.

Committed to DEI

Santiago’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is a cornerstone of his leadership strategy. As one of the few Latino leaders of a DMO in the country, he has always prioritized diversifying his team, board of directors, and the portrayal of diverse, multicultural groups in their marketing imagery. It was, therefore, important to Santiago and his team to include imagery in their campaigns representing individuals with travel impediments.

Visit Tampa incorporated ambassadors and influencers who have travel impediments into their video creation and campaigns. This inclusive initiative has added another layer to their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, enriching their marketing strategy and further differentiating their destination.

• Website: https://www.visittampabay.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitTampaBay
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/VisitTampaBay
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/VisitTampaBay

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Visit Tampa Bay Launches ‘Billion Bound 2025’ Campaign

February 17, 2020 by [email protected]

Related Document: Download Document

New hotel revenue target will mean more spending on all other parts of the economy

TAMPA (Feb. 17, 2020) – Visit Tampa Bay President and CEO Santiago C. Corrada announced the company’s newest economic goal at Thursday’s Tourist Development Council meeting: Reach $1 billion in total hotel revenues by 2025 – a project that, Corrada notes, would ultimately generate a much larger overall economic impact across Hillsborough County by creating new jobs, increasing visitor spending, and adding more to public revenues.

“Directly or indirectly, tourism benefits everyone in Hillsborough County,” Corrada said. “Hotels are the cornerstone of our tourist development effort, but they’re only part of the overall economic picture when it comes to visitor spending. We’re a destination that encourages travelers to get out and explore. In the process, they add billions more to our economy by eating at our restaurants, drinking at our breweries, shopping at our malls, using our transportation network, and enjoying our attractions. With thousands of new hotels rooms on the horizon, we can expect all those other aspects of the destination to benefit as well. A rising tide of hotel revenues lifts all boats countywide.”

In 2014, Corrada announced “30 in 3,” Visit Tampa Bay’s campaign to reach $30 million in Tourist Development revenues within three years. The destination achieved that goal at the end of 2017, launching it into the ranks of Florida’s elite High-Impact Tourism counties. As a result, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners agreed last year to raise the county’s TDT levy from 5 percent to 6 percent, generating millions in additional revenue to tourism and key tourism-related facilities such as the Tampa Convention Center, Amalie Arena, and Raymond James Stadium (host of the upcoming Super Bowl LV in 2021).

At the end of Calendar Year 2019, Hillsborough County’s hotels reported overall revenues of $756.4 million, according to industry analyst STR Inc. Occupancy averaged 73.4 percent. Room supply was up 3.8 percent while demand was up 4.1 percent.

“With new flights from the West Coast and Europe, highly anticipated new attractions, major sporting events and conventions, and several high-profile new hotel properties set to open this year and next, Tampa Bay is poised to see even greater economic benefits from tourism going forward,” Corrada said. “That will translate into more jobs, more visitor spending, and more public revenues to spend on schools, roads, and other uses. Tourism works 24/7 to build the future for everyone in Hillsborough County.” 

More information about the Billion Bound 2025 campaign is available here .

About Visit Tampa Bay

The hip, urban heart of Florida’s Gulf coast beats in Tampa Bay. Visit Tampa Bay encourages adventurous travelers to unlock our trove of unique treasures. We are a not-for-profit corporation that works with more than 800 partners to tell the world the story of Florida’s most diverse destination. Treasure awaits.

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Santiago Corrada, Visit Tampa Bay President & CEO

WELCOME TO THE ECONOMIC CLUB OF TAMPA

Santiago C. Corrada

March 2, 2020

Santiago C. Corrada,President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit Tampa Bay Corrada officially began his position as in May of 2013 where he is responsible for providing oversight of all agency activities. He serves as main spokesperson for the tourism and hospitality industry. Corrada coordinates effective marketing and sales strategies ensuring maximum return on investment. With more than 20 years of public service and management experience, Corrada previously served as Chief of Staff for the City of Tampa. Additionally, during the Iorio administration, he served as Convention Center, Tourism, Recreation and Cultural Arts Administrator directly overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Tampa Convention Center. Prior to joining the City of Tampa in 2004 as Neighborhood Services Administrator, he served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Miami. His current Board Affiliations include The Florida Aquarium-Board and Executive Committee, Hillsborough County Hotel Motel Association-Board and Executive Committee, Outback Bowl, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa Bay Hospitality Alliance Board, Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Tampa Hillsborough Film and Digital Media Commission, Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Theatre, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo-Board and Executive Committee. He graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and Exceptional Student Education as well as a Master in Education.

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Santiago C. Corrada President & CEO at Visit Tampa Bay Speaker

Santiago C. Corrada is an accomplished, recognized leader with over twenty-five years of public service experience, with proven success in effectively and efficiently transforming the professional culture of many diverse institutions. His outstanding relationship building skills result in the resolution of highly complex issues through consensus. Corrada has the demonstrated ability to soundly and fiscally manage a convention center resulting in record surplus revenues. He has consistently elevated organizations to higher levels of productivity by empowering team members and stakeholders. Corrada is an intelligent, articulate, dedicated, loyal individual, driven to serve and deliver the highest, quality services.

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‘Off the charts:’ Women’s Final Four comes to Tampa next year

Women’s final four comes to tampa in 2025.

With the popularity of women’s college basketball soaring, the City of Tampa is preparing to host next year’s Women’s Final Four.

TAMPA - This time next year, Tampa will be the main stage of women’s basketball games that get bigger every year: the NCAA Final Four.

This year’s Final Four frenzy in Cleveland showcases powerhouse players, big matchups and compelling storylines. Women’s college hoops is smashing records.

"Obviously this year’s viewership for this year’s games has been off the charts," said Santiago Corrada, CEO of Visit Tampa Bay.

Next year, those eyes will be on Tampa as the city hosts the tournament for a fourth time. Thousands of fans will fill Amalie Arena. Corrada says they’re looking to capitalize on the momentum.

Tampa is becoming somewhat of a veteran when it comes to hosting March Madness. While next year will be its fourth Women’s Final Four, it’s the first since the Caitlin Clark craze.

"What you will see next year has been in the works for many, many years," said Corrada.

READ: Tampa officials continue urging residents to conserve water: 'We need clean water'

The tourney itself is a major economic driver in its own right and it's on pace to be bigger next year, as viewership and ticket prices have increased.

"The Friday night when we hosted last, we had 99% occupancy in our hotels downtown," said Corrada.

Then factor in the revenue for bars, restaurants, transportation and other local businesses, plus advertising you can’t put a price tag on.

"How many times will it say the Women’s Final Four coming to you from Tampa, Florida?"

Amalie Arena in Tampa last hosted the NCAA Women's Final Four in 2019.

In 2019, when Tampa last hosted, Meredith Cleaver, the NCAA director of championships and alliances, explained what makes Tampa a great host city: "The footprint is phenomenal because with Amalie Arena, the convention center, the beautiful Riverwalk that you all have now with the restaurants and the shops."

With Corrada’s experience of playing host to the tourney, he said there’s another lasting impact for locals.

"The ability to empower young women, and how that translates into our community. We've developed great programs. Our sports commission has developed great programs to make sure that there are lasting legacies. After every time we host the women's final four and how that event connects with our locals when it's here, because that's really important as well, to see the benefit to young women, having these incredible role models visiting with us."

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2023 brought record-breaking tourism numbers to Tampa Bay, 2024 expected to be successful too

TAMPA, Fla. — 2023 has been a great year for Tampa Bay’s tourism industry.

“This last year was another record setter,” said Santiago Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay.

Our area hit $1.1 billion in hotel taxable revenue—that’s according to Visit Tampa Bay.

That number has skyrocketed from years past.

“The economy is being fueled by the demand that continues to increase,” said Corrada.

Part of this year’s success comes from several events that took place in Tampa.

“We had the biggest convention summer of our history this year,” said Corrada.

Visit Tampa Bay said there were 20 major events this summer.

“All of the groups combined had an economic impact of over $68 million over that three month period. So very, very successful summer,” said Corrada.

Major touring artists made stops in Tampa in 2023 including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran and The Jonas Brothers.

“Our industry contributes a heck of a lot to our local economy. It puts people to work,” said Corrada.

He believes 2024 will be another busy year full of events for Tampa Bay.

“We have a two-night concert by Drake. He announced a second night. We have Billy Joel and Sting together. Only place they’re singing together is here in Tampa,” said Corrada.

“We know what conventions and groups are meeting here next year. So next summer I dare to say may be even better than this summer,” he added.

For 2024, Visit Tampa Bay told ABC Action News that the competition to bring more visitors to our area is fierce.

“We don’t have a monopoly on tourism. We don’t have a monopoly on conventions and events. You’ve got to compete with other cities around the country,” said Corrada.

Visit Tampa Bay is launching their biggest out-of-state marketing campaign to keep up.

“We will do incredibly well next year. But we have to always be on our toes. We have to always be at the top of our game,” said Corrada.

Several local attractions are expanding and restaurants are opening up that will also help attract more visitors.

“We’ve got expansions at the aquarium and at the zoo and at the art museum and at the performing arts center,” said Corrada.

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Santiago C. Corrada – Visit Tampa Bay

December 6, 2023

President and CEO, Visit Tampa Bay

Tampa, Fla.

Describe your job.

My role encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities critical to our organization’s success, including the comprehensive oversight of agency activities, the day-to-day management of operations, and the assurance of an efficiently functioning organization. In my capacity as the principal spokesperson for Tampa Bay’s tourism and hospitality industry, I play a central role in coordinating the collaborative endeavors of various stakeholders aimed at bolstering visitation to our destination. Further, I take the lead in crafting and implementing effective marketing and sales strategies.

What made you choose the meetings and events industry? How did you get started and what got you from there to today?

My journey into the meetings and events industry is rooted in my extensive background in public service and management. Prior to my involvement in this industry, I held the position of chief of staff for the City of Tampa. In that capacity, I was responsible for coordinating and harmonizing the activities of more than 50 city departments and divisions.

During my time in city government, I had the unique opportunity to participate in the planning, bidding, and execution of hosting large meetings and events, notably Super Bowl XLIII and the 2012 Republican National Convention. These experiences exposed me to the intricate world of event management and the importance of hosting successful, high-profile gatherings.

Subsequently, I served as the convention center, tourism, recreation, and cultural arts administrator. In this position, I had the privilege of directly overseeing the daily operations of the Tampa Convention Center. This combination of experiences allowed me not only to gain a deep understanding of the meetings and events industry but also to appreciate its importance in promoting and facilitating significant gatherings that have a substantial impact on local communities and economies.

How do you keep up with industry trends, changes, and cutting-edge developments?

I’ve been attentive to the remarkable transformations in our field. We’ve evolved from being primarily sales-driven organizations to adopting a strong marketing focus. Undoubtedly, technology has played a pivotal role. It’s a fascinating journey, and the future holds exciting potential, particularly with the continued integration of AI into our operations.

However, even as we embrace technological advancements, I remain steadfast in my belief that our sector remains inherently dependent on meaningful face-to-face relationships. These connections remain at the core of what we do. First and foremost, active participation in industry associations is vital.

Secondly, we place a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making. We consistently collect and meticulously analyze data related to visitor demographics, travel patterns, and economic impacts. This analytical approach empowers us to identify emerging trends swiftly and to respond effectively.

What essential skills should every industry professional possess?

Meetings and event professionals should possess a unique blend of essential skills, including impeccable organizational and multitasking abilities to manage complex events seamlessly. In addition, effective communication is crucial. Creativity is essential for designing engaging and memorable experiences. Problem-solving skills come into play when unexpected issues arise. Adaptability is vital in the face of ever-changing event dynamics, and attention to detail is paramount for precision in planning and execution. Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills facilitate successful collaborations, while technical proficiency enables the use of event management software and technology. Ultimately, a genuine passion for creating exceptional events and a commitment to delivering outstanding experiences are at the core of a successful career in this industry.

What is the philosophy or approach to work that gets you through stressful times?

I have often said, ‘Strive to be the best version of yourself possible.’ Learn to understand what is within your control and what is not. Finally, sometimes the only thing within your control is how you react to any given situation.

What is the best professional advice you ever received, and what advice do you have for others in the industry?

The most valuable professional advice I have is to prioritize relationship-building over transactions. In our industry, success is deeply rooted in fostering and nurturing strong, meaningful relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders. It’s not merely about transactions; it’s about the enduring connections we create. These relationships are the foundation for sustained meetings and events business.

Describe your biggest professional success.

My most significant professional success lies in the ability to create a substantial impact. The tremendous growth we’ve achieved during the past year has not only touched every corner of our area but also has acted as a catalyst for transformative change that impacts lives. Through our collective efforts, we’ve again achieved record-breaking Tourist Development Tax revenue, totaling nearly $1.1 billion. This surpasses the previous year’s record by an impressive 14.2 percent, and I am profoundly grateful for this achievement.

Share an anecdote about a meeting or event that did not go as planned (something funny or odd) and how you handled it.

The amusing anecdote of an unusual meeting occurred when I invited a highly influential investor to join me for lunch at the University Club of Tampa. Unfortunately, they arrived not dressed in accordance with the club’s dress code. Initially, it seemed we might not be allowed entry, but our organization’s strong relationships came to our rescue, resulting in us being granted access to an exclusive private dining room. To the guest’s bewilderment, they had no inkling of the behind-the-scenes negotiations and assumed I wielded impressive influence, securing us our own private dining space.

What is the best part of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is collaborating with my exceptional team.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my lovely wife and our two dogs.

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Tampa tourism numbers set another record this year

Thursday, September 22, 2022 Favorite

Tourist development collections in Hillsborough County this year are shattering previous records as people flock to Florida, Visit Tampa Bay reports.

The total Tourist Development Tax collections within the first 11 months of the 2022 fiscal year have hit $53,716,578. That’s a 59% increase over the same period in 2021.

Santiago Corrada, the President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, said that he can remember a few years ago where $30 million was the benchmark and with one month still out, they will probably double that and be at over $60 million this year, which is again phenomenal.

It goes with the revenue. It’s a tax, a fee on top of the revenue that’s collected.

The money is in addition to other hotel revenue collected and has a positive impact on Tampa.

That means we have people coming in from out of the area that are spending money here that are generating jobs and are having a huge economic impact, Corrada said.

Because we know that when you travel to a destination, your number one expense is not lodging, it’s food and beverage, it’s entertainment, and then it’s lodging.

Visit Tampa Bay said overall, total taxable hotel revenue for Tampa Bay has reached $895,488,762 for the fiscal year. Those numbers surpass pre-pandemic levels and represent a winning streak that will only continue.

Corrada said that their future is extremely, extremely bright, . They are booking big events for future years. And that next year is a blockbuster.

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Tags: Hillsborough County , Visit Tampa Bay

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TAMPA BAY TRANSFORMERS

20/20 on 2020.

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SANTIAGO CORRADA

Maryann ferenc.

PAUL ANDERSON

Jane castor.