In 1999, 416,824 passengers sailed into Tampa on a cruise, representing a 30.9% growth since 1998. Since 1991, the number of cruise passengers to Tampa has grown by 450%, making Tampa the fastest growing cruise port in North America. Passenger counts are expected to skyrocket to nearly 700,000 by the beginning of 2001 with the addition of Premier Cruise Lines to the line up of Carnival and Holland America ships that currently sail from Tampa. 

Visitation to Tampa experienced significant growth in 1999. Representing a 9.7% increase, 13.4 million people visited Tampa and spent $2.23 billion, which is 16% more than in 1998. This boost precedes momentous developments in Tampa�s visitor product, including Centro Ybor entertainment complex and Don Vicente de Ybor Inn in Historic Ybor City, Channelside entertainment complex and new cruise ships at the port, Tampa Marriott Waterside hotel on the downtown waterfront, and Tampa�s Historic Streetcar electric trolley system that will connect it all. 

Of the 13.4 million visitors, 7.55 million arrived through Tampa International Airport, the number one airport in America according to the Airline Passengers Association, a 10% increase from 1998. In addition, 4.4 million visitors stayed overnight using commercial lodging such as hotels, motels, condos and campgrounds representing an 8% growth. 

At a Glance
 

Primary Reason for Visiting Tampa

• Vacation 55.3%
• Business/Convention 17.6%
• Friends/Family 16.2%
• Other 10.8%

Top Visitor Activities

• Busch Gardens   41.3%
• Dining Out   40.1%
• Shopping   26.1%
• Florida Aquarium  16.8%
• Lowry Park Zoo   13.0%
• Ybor City   12.3%
• MOSI    11.7%
• Nightlife/Clubs   10.3%
• Golf     5.6%
• Carnival Cruise    5.3%

The Tampa/Hillsborough Convention and Visitors Association is an independent, non-profit  membership organization created to attract and serve visitors to the Tampa area.