Visitors, Tourism Increasing in Pinellas County

This story was reported and written by Patch Local Editor Cherlene Willis.

Experts are not only seeing an uptick in visitors and spending in Pinellas County, they say several demographic changes are netting positive results.

Consultant Dr. Walter Klages, president and CEO of Research Data Services, says this year, they're noticing more younger, local, and upscale visitors.

We are luring “sophisticated and upscale” clientele, Klages, shared with members of the Pinellas County Tourism Development Council on Wednesday, July 17.

Although visitors, between January and May, are up 1.4%, their economic impact is up 5.3% from the same time last year, according to Klages "Visitor Profile" presentation.

A total of 2,505,800 people visited Pinellas County this year, compared to 2,470,300.

The economic impact (between Jan and May) is $3,738,253,116 compared to $3,549,506,396.

Klages says the numbers are still strong. 

“We’re doing well, that bodes positive for the months of July, August and forecast at this point for the fall season is also positive.”

According to the report by Research Data Services, the feeder markets to Pinellas County and the beaches indicated more people are visiting from the Tampa/St. Petersburg area and Greater Orlando Area.

In 2012, Tampa/St. Petersburg was ranked as the No. 3 city to feed into Pinellas County. This year, it raised to No. 1. Klages credits the positive growth in the local economy.

“I think that our market, our bay market has recovered strongly and given the value, there is a lot of short haul traffic and short haul occasioning,” he said.

Klages says the trend also correlates with new residents and construction. As building picks up in the area, we gain new residents and their friends and family visit.

Pinellas County County Tourism Development Council Vice-Chairman Russ Kimball was pleased with the results and especially happy with their decision to market more in the Tampa Bay area.

"we spent a lot of money in the Tampa Bay area and that’s paying off." Kimball said.

Upon hearing about the uptick in visitors from the Orlando area, Kimball said he believes the "Tampa Bay circle is starting to grow."

"The Tampa Bay market is saving us this year," he added.

Klages will meet with the council again in the fall with summer visitor numbers.