destination srq

Sarasota Tourism Is Still Going Strong

The latest numbers show that Sarasota County is still a fan favorite, welcoming more international travelers, with more future bright spots in the works.

07/25/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Q & A

Retiring Visit Sarasota County President Virginia Haley on the Past, Present and Future of Local Tourism

"I think there are endless possibilities because of the assets we have here."

02/17/2023 By Kim Doleatto

Island Hopping

Virgin Islands National Park Is One of the Country's Least-Visited Parks. You Should Go.

There are many good reasons to visit this tropical paradise, aside from its pristine beaches and abundant coral reefs.

10/19/2022 By Matt McGowan

cash flow

How to Turn Your Short-Term Vacation Rental into a Haven for Your Guests

Sarasota's Kim Cressell is turning her 20-year side gig into a full-fledged how-to business. Here are her tips for how to maximize your rental income.

07/14/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Red Tide

New Study Quantifies the Economic Cost of 2018 Red Tide Bloom

The study estimates there was approximately $184 million in losses in the tourism sector.

03/17/2022 By Staff

Tourism

A Record Number of Tourists Visited Florida in 2021

In 2021, Florida had nearly 118 million domestic visitors—the highest number in state history.

02/16/2022 By Staff

Hats Off

Sarasota Architecture Gets a Shout Out in The New York Times' Annual Travel Feature

Our town's commitment to preserving its Sarasota School of Architecture buildings landed it on the list of "52 Places for a Changed World."

01/11/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Tourism

Florida Visitation Tops Pre-Pandemic Levels in Q3

A total of 32.5 million travelers visited the state between July and September of this year.

11/23/2021 By Staff

Tourism

It Was an Unprecedented Year for Sarasota County Bed Tax Revenue

The 2021 fiscal year saw more than $30 million collected from short-term vacation rentals.

11/12/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Education

USF, McKibbon Hospitality Create Hospitality Teaching Lab

USF hospitality and tourism management students will have access to nearly 100 teaching hotels across the country that are managed by McKibbon,

11/10/2021 By Staff

Tourism

Red Tide and Covid Didn’t Hurt Summer Tourism

Thanks to the great outdoors and an "open for business" atmosphere, June, July and August all saw gains over pre-pandemic numbers.

11/01/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Tourism

New Flights Between Sarasota and Connecticut Will Start in January

Avelo will fly between Sarasota and New Haven three times a week.

10/21/2021 By Staff

Trouble in Paradise

New Hotel Proposals Push Siesta Key Residents to Consider Forming Their Own Town

But is that really possible?

08/31/2021 By Elizabeth Djinis

Tourism

Tourist Development Taxes Up Again in June

Collections in June were nearly twice as much as what was collected in June 2020, and 75 percent higher than the pre-pandemic June 2019 figure.

08/13/2021 By Staff

Tourism

'Bed Tax' Collections Were Up Dramatically in May

The Sarasota County tax collector's office took in nearly $2.8 million in Tourist Development Tax money in May, well above normal.

07/09/2021 By Staff

Now Open

After a Year of Challenges, Sarasota Attractions Are Getting Back to Normal

Business is bouncing back at some of Sarasota's most popular attractions.

06/10/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Politics

New Rules for 'Hotel Houses' Receive Final Approval

The new regulations limit the number of guests who can spend the night in a vacation rental and require the owners of the properties to register with the city.

05/05/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Five Fun Ways to Make Memories this Summer

Stuck at home or itching to explore? Here are a few entertaining ways to chill out with friends and family in Sarasota.

06/29/2020

Fast Track

Selby Gardens' President and CEO Appointed to Visit Florida Board of Directors

Rominiecki will represent the Tampa Bay region and serve a four-year term beginning July 1.

06/23/2020 By Staff

Reopening

Discover Sarasota Sightseeing Trolley Tours Resume June 19

‘I’m hopeful,’ says operator Tammy Hauser. ‘It’s a forward-moving thing.’

06/09/2020 By Ilene Denton