St. Petersburg, Fla. – The tourism partnership that markets St. Pete‑Clearwater and the broader Tampa Bay area is now reaching a national audience. Visit St. Pete‑Clearwater, together with Visit Tampa Bay, was selected by Visit Florida to appear on the popular game show Wheel of Fortune. The segment showcased a prize package that includes a seven‑night stay at the JW Marriott on Clearwater Beach, a sunset cruise, and experiences from local businesses.
National exposure for local favorites
The television promotion is part of a larger effort to introduce viewers across the country to the region’s restaurants, beaches, arts venues and family‑friendly attractions. By highlighting the unique offerings of Pinellas County, the campaign aims to turn casual viewers into future visitors, supporting the local economy and the families who depend on tourism jobs.
“Visitation this year has been absolutely wonderful,” said Jason Latimer, Director of Public Relations for Visit St. Pete‑Clearwater. He added, “Even last month, you go back to the World Series here, where we had almost double the hotel occupancy and revenue for that time of year, and it leads into this November, and our seasons start to pick up where our visitation really becomes a little bit more prevalent as we get into these winter months and then run into spring.”
Social‑media push and upcoming TV crew
Beyond the game‑show spot, the organization has launched the SPC‑Suite, a social‑media initiative that partners with content creators to showcase the area’s hidden gems. Influencers are posting videos of beachfront dining, local art festivals and family‑oriented activities, reinforcing the message that St. Pete‑Clearwater offers something for every traveler.
Pinellas County will be back in the national spotlight next week when the morning‑talk show Live with Kelly and Mark films on location at Clearwater Beach. The crew will shoot episodes on Monday and Tuesday, with the segments slated to air on FOX 13, further amplifying the region’s appeal.
Economic impact and community benefits
Tourism remains a cornerstone of the Tampa Bay economy, providing jobs for thousands of residents and generating tax revenue that supports schools, public safety and infrastructure. The recent surge in hotel occupancy and revenue, highlighted by the World Series influx, underscores the importance of continued promotion.
Local business owners welcome the national exposure. A Clearwater restaurant owner noted that the Wheel of Fortune feature will likely drive new diners to the area, while a boutique hotel manager said the upcoming Live with Kelly and Mark shoot will bring additional visitors during the typically slower winter months.
Overall, the coordinated television and digital campaigns reflect a strategic push to sustain and grow the tourism sector, ensuring that families and faith‑centered communities can continue to enjoy the vibrant culture and natural beauty of St. Pete‑Clearwater for years to come.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
