Drive around any of the beach towns in the Tampa Bay area, and you'll likely notice more traffic than usual. The reason could be an increase in tourists visiting from across the country and overseas.
New numbers in Pinellas County show bed-tax revenue, which visitors pay when they rent a room, is up almost 8 percent for the 12 months ending Sept. 1.
That's good news for local tourism officials. Visit St. Petersburg-Clearwater spokesman David Downing said there is a pent-up demand from people wanting to visit the area following months of misconception the BP oil spill fouled local beaches.
"It's really hard to separate St. Pete-Clearwater from the brand that is the gulf. So we took a hit from perception," Downing said.
He said aggressive marketing in target locations like New England and New York City is helping bring in visitors.
Business owners are happy about the renewed interest in Bay area tourist destinations.
James Sofronas, owner of Post Corner Pizza in Clearwater Beach, said his receipts improved about 10 percent for 2011 over 2010. He blamed beach construction, the poor economy and fears about BP oil for the 2010 tourism doldrums.
"They got discouraged for a long time. And we got nervous. We didn't want to lose business," Sofronas said. He is hoping for a 5 percent increase in business this year.
Some outside influences could throw a curve ball at Bay area tourism. The debt crisis in Europe, currency fluctuations, and other factors could stifle future growth. But David Downing is cautiously optimistic a 5 percent gain over 2011 numbers is achievable.
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