Visit St. Pete-Clearwater Reports Tourism Drives More Than $11.2 Billion of Economic Impact in Fiscal Year 2024

ST. PETE-CLEARWATER, Fla. (Dec. 18, 2024) - Today, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater President/CEO Brian Lowack announced tourism drove more than $11.2 billion in economic impact to Pinellas County in fiscal year 2024. America’s Favorite Beaches welcomed more than 15.4 million visitors and accommodated 6.4 million room hotel room nights for the third straight year.

In total, for fiscal year 2024, the St. Pete-Clearwater destination saw:

An economic impact of more than $11.2 billion, surpassing fiscal year 2023
$6.4 billion in direct spending in the destination, surpassing fiscal year 2023
More than $1.6 billion in overall destination accommodations revenue for the second straight year (including all additional motel, RV, and online vacation rentals).
More than 6.4 million hotel room nights booked
15.4 million visitors traveled to the destination
With more than $96 million in TDT funds, fiscal year 2024 was another strong year for bed tax collection, and marked the third consecutive year collections surpassed the $95 million mark.

“Once again, this past year, St. Pete-Clearwater proved that it is one of the top destinations for local, domestic and international travelers seeking award-winning beaches and ready to explore the incredible experiences found within our slice of paradise,” said Lowack. “The combined efforts of our Visit St. Pete-Clearwater team, the Tourist Development Council, the Board of County Commissioners, and our local hospitality businesses continue to drive visitors and fuel our local economy.”

“The Pinellas County tourism and hospitality industry continues to grow and drive incredible economic impact for all our residents,” said Pinellas County Commissioner and Tourist Development Council Chair Kathleen Peters. “Despite recent storm-related challenges, Pinellas County is Still Shining bright with award-winning beaches, world-class dining, hands-on art experiences, and recreational activities – all eager to welcome guests in 2025.”

The St. Pete-Clearwater destination again garnered significant awards during the 2024 Fiscal Year with recognitions for America’s Favorite Beaches & beyond:

Travel + Leisure - 15 Best White-sand Beaches Around the World - Clearwater Beach (*only beach in the continental U.S.)
Travel + Leisure - 25 Best Beaches in the USA - Clearwater Beach
Travel + Leisure - 25 Best Beach Town in the Florida - Clearwater Beach
Travel + Leisure - Best Resorts in Florida - Sandpearl Resort
Tripadvisor - Travelers' Choice: Best of the Best Destinations - St. Pete (#2)
Dr. Beach - 2024 Best Beaches in America - Clearwater/Caladesi Island (#4)
Tasting Table - Best Cuban Sandwiches in America - Bodega
USA Today - Best Fishing Charters in America - Hubbard’s Marina (#1) - 3rd consecutive year
Tripadvisor - Best of the Best Things to Do in the U.S. - Get Up and Go Kayaking, Shell Key Preserve
USA Today - Best Boat Tours in America - Little Toot Dolphin Adventure
USA Today - Best Dog Bars in America - The Dog Bar
USA Today - Best Dog Friendly Beaches in America - Fort De Soto Park
USA Today - Best Boat Show - St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show (#1)

– Beaches & Beyond –

About Visit St. Pete-Clearwater:
Nestled on a sun-soaked peninsula on Florida's west coast, separating the Gulf of Mexico from Tampa Bay, St. Pete-Clearwater is the gateway to world-class cultural experiences along with 35 miles of award-winning white-sand beaches annually ranked among the world's best. Immerse yourself in our picturesque Gulf sunsets & go beyond the beaches to explore our unique cultural heritage, interactive art exhibits, sporting & recreational activities, a culinary scene serving an innovatively delicious dining experience, & great local shopping. Visit St. Pete-Clearwater is your only destination with spectacular beaches complimented by world-renowned museums, family fun & endless sunshine.

Media contacts:
Jason Latimer, [email protected], 727-386-3783
Eddie Delgado, [email protected], 727-415-1337