Clients can trade the chill in Canada for warmer climates in Tampa
Old Man Winter’s at times nasty streak serves Tampa Bay’s tourism trade well.
The Florida city hosted travel industry personnel during a Jan. 20 Toronto Maple Leafs-Tampa Bay Lightning game in Toronto, with that date seeing plunging temperatures in the Ontario capital and much of the rest of the country as well.
And said Bryan Burns of Visit Tampa Bay that weather clearly contrasted with what those in Tampa Bay were experiencing, with temperatures there certainly suited for those wanting a warm-weather winter retreat.
“Normally, it would be in the 70s (Fahrenheit in January) for us,” he said, adding those temperatures could top 80 this month.
But Burns added that his seaside city should primarily be seen as a cultural destination, home to among other things Michelin-starred restaurants.
The city is enjoying an “exploding food scene,” he added.
Burns was quick to add that nearby St. Petersburg – also fronting salt water – and other parts of Pinellas County are home to great beaches and those vacationing in the area can opt for such aquatic activities as kayaking and paddleboarding. Kayaking is also available on the Hillsborough River.
Among Tampa Bay districts is Ybor City, which drew many expatriate Cubans, something underscored by its numerous cigar factories, with visiting cigar aficionados able to take cigar-rolling classes.
Ybor City’s Cuban heritage can be seen in local restaurants and music.
Tampa Bay is also home to the Tampa Riverwalk, a 4 km-long stretch home to hotels, restaurants, parks and museums.
“In Tampa, you’re getting a lot of activities you don’t get in a lot of other places,” Burns added.
Burns also noted that Central Florida’s famed theme parks are easily visited by those staying in Tampa Bay, with Orlando around 75 minutes away.
He said that sports enthusiasts will be at home in his area, citing the likes of the Lightning and noting that Dunedin – close to Tampa Bay – serves as the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays. It’s conceivable that springtime visitors would be able to see the Lightning and the Blue Jays play on the same day, he reported.
