DUNEDIN’S CALADESI ISLAND TAKES CENTER STAGE ON TODAY SHOW

Recently, the Today Show broadcast live from Caladesi Island as it celebrated Dr. Beach’s list of the Best Beaches in America. In the segment, which reached more than 2 million people and had an ad value of more than $340,000, Kerry Sanders highlights Caladesi at No. 7 and even takes a swim in the Gulf. Watch the full segment here.


ST. PETE’S ARTS AND CULTURE SCENE HIGHLIGHTED IN FORBES.COM, AND MORE

Resulting from VSPC’s recent media relations efforts, a story titled “Culture Continues Fueling Ascension Of St. Petersburg, Florida” ran last week on Forbes.com highlighting the city’s journey into a waterfront arts mecca. In addition, St. Pete’s first-ever PRIDE month was featured in Travel + Leisure roundup entitled, "Pride Guide 2021: How U.S. Cities Are Celebrating Virtually and in Person." 


VSPC EARNS REACCREDITATION FROM DESTINATIONS INTERNATIONAL

Eight years after first receiving the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal from Destinations International, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater recently earned its reaccreditation from the industry’s association. The DMAP seal is awarded in recognition of the organization’s commitment to industry excellence and meeting the industry standard for performance and accountability of destination organizations around the world. Accreditation standards cover a wide variety of competencies including governance, finance, management, human resources, technology, visitor services, brand management, research and more.


APRIL TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX COLLECTIONS SHATTER 2019 MARK

Coming off record-breaking March Tourist Development Tax collections, April surged past the month’s previous record from 2019. This April totaled $8.7 million in collections, $2 million more than 2019---an almost 30% increase over what was a previous record for April. The growth was spurred by a boost in Average Daily Rate compared to 2019, while occupancy remained on par.


VSPC, COUNTY, FWC CONTINUE MONITORING RED TIDE

In an effort to communicate as much real-time information related to red tide affecting the beaches, VSPC has launched BeachesUpdate.com, which allows visitors and locals to see which beaches are being affected by red tide, respiratory irritation and the presence of dead fish. In addition, here is a printable rack card for industry front line staff to use help answer questions from visitors and guests. Please email [email protected] if you are experiencing cancellations due to red tide and we’ll continue to communicate relevant updates.


LATEST COVID-19 UPDATES

On-Site Vaccination Clinic Toolkit now available. This tool helps businesses and organizations that are interested in expanding the availability of vaccines for workforce and citizens.

• There has been no development yet regarding U.S. borders opening with Canada and Mexico, which are currently restricted through June 21. There continues to be a lot of work being done by U.S. Travel Association, among other groups, to encourage opening travel between the U.S. and the UK and European Union, but nothing has been finalized at this time.
 


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