PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Visit St. Pete-Clearwater reached a major milestone this spring, with new data showing the tourism industry generated nearly $11.5 million in tourist development tax collections in April.
The figure marks the highest April total on record, surpassing the same month last year by 14%.
The strong performance comes as Pinellas County continues to rebound after a slight slowdown in 2025 following the effects of hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
“We’ve been busy. We’re glad the rest of the country and the world want to come back to Treasure Island and Pinellas County and the Roth Hotel,” said Craig Rothschild, owner of the Roth Hotel in Treasure Island.
Rothschild said 2026 has been a great year for his small boutique hotel.
“April was a record-breaking month, and I think it was for us as well. It’s just been great to have the support of the world coming to visit us,” he said.
The hotel was closed for months after Hurricane Helene, and Rothschild said it took some time for tourists to return.
According to Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, the area’s high season runs from February through April. This year, the destination welcomed 4.7 million visitors during that period, generating more than $36 million in tourist development tax collections.
“Tourism in Pinellas County is booming, and this was the strongest spring we have ever had,” said Brian Lowack, president and CEO of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. “We are outpacing 2023, which was our record year of tourism. We are back to those pre-storm numbers, so the storms are a thing of the past, and I think visitors have realized that. The messaging, and the continuing to show America’s best beaches has really resonated with folks.”
Lowack said tourism generates more than $10 billion in annual economic impact. He also noted that tourism and hospitality properties and businesses contributed nearly $400 million in sales and property taxes to the local economy during fiscal year 2025.
According to Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, those funds helped save Pinellas County households nearly $2,000 in property taxes.
“These properties, these hotels, these accommodations — when visitors come here, those properties are paying property taxes, which then go to fund those essential government services and projects and programs that our residents rely on every day,” Lowack said.
Looking ahead, Rothschild said he is optimistic about the future and hopes the tourism momentum continues.
“Keep coming to the Roth Hotel. Keep coming to Pinellas County. This is a great place. We have put a lot of money into the county and tourism, and we’re excited to welcome all of the visitors,” he said.
Visit St. Pete-Clearwater said tourism-generated revenue helps improve local beaches, fund beach nourishment projects, and bring more events to the area.