Tampa Bay offers the best of both worlds – myriad tourism opportunities for visitors, in addition to a vibrant, high-growth economy driving business travel.



On the tourism side, the region offers everything from dynamic urban centres to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. “We have seen consistent record-breaking tourism revenues across the region in the period following the COVID outbreak as visitors have flocked to our wide-open spaces,” says Alex Heiter, Director of Research and Air Service Development, Tampa International Airport. “Our economy continues to grow, with low unemployment and recent corporate relocation to Tampa Bay. About 125 people per day moved to Tampa Bay last year, attracted to new personal and professional opportunities. We expect this growth trend to continue, driving the need for new and expanded air service to help drive our local economic engine.”
Indeed, Tampa International Airport has a number of top unserved market opportunities both domestically and internationally and continues to engage with airlines regarding the strength of the Tampa Bay market.
“We have a number of leading unserved routes in Latin America and the Caribbean, which feature inbound tourism demand, strong VFR traffic potential and deep business ties,” Heiter explains. “In Europe, we are delighted to have Virgin Atlantic add our first-ever non-stops to London Heathrow. The UK has long been a leading market for both tourism and business for Tampa Bay. In addition, hub cities elsewhere in Europe continue to be strong markets for us.”