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These tourists are truly valued
By SHARON L. BOND, Neighborhood Times Business Editor Bringing hundreds of travel and tour operators from all over the world to a county with such a large tourism industry helps business any time. But as the Florida Huddle comes in the months after Sept. 11 and in a weakened economy, the timing is even more important. "It's an awesome event and couldn't come at a better time," said Debbie Stambaugh, head of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce, which is hosting the group on one of the nights. The Huddle takes place in south Pinellas next week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and involves about 800 people in the travel and tourism industry. "We really need it now more than ever," said Wit Tuttell, spokesman for the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Convention and Visitors Bureau in Clearwater. "Our numbers in October and November were off. We can afford that then, but not in the heart of the season," Tuttell said. January through May is considered the winter season, the biggest for Pinellas. One aftermath of the terrorist attacks was a slowdown in tourism, particularly air travel. In Pinellas, many hotels reported losing conventions, and some had to lay off workers. "We're slowly coming back," Stambaugh said. "I think we will have an okay season, but we will not set any records." Her chamber represents 12 beach towns. The travel trade show itself will boost this season. Organizers expect an immediate infusion of about $1-million into the local economy -- from the money spent on hotel rooms and on any meals and activities not provided by organizers. Long-term benefits will come from the deals struck by local hotels and attractions with tour operators. The trade show, the biggest for travel in Florida, takes place at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. About 200 of those attending will be travel and tour operators from 20 countries. Operators want to create travel packages from blocks of hotel rooms, airplane or rental car accommodations, cruise ships and attractions. Another 450 attendees will be suppliers from throughout Florida who will set up booths and show the operators why they should send their business to Florida. Booths cost a minimum of $2,000 each and usually are shared by suppliers. Also on hand will be about 50 members of the travel press, according to CVB director Carole Ketterhagen. The CVB spent three years and about $200,000 bidding on and hosting this event, according to Ketterhagen. Part of that was a $40,000 preview luncheon at last year's Huddle in Orlando. The gathering is an industry show and not open to consumers, Tuttell said. And for the industry, it is not just an exhibition, Stambaugh said. "Actual business is done. It's not just where you go in and look at brochures. A hotel will negotiate a deal with a tour and travel company," Stambaugh said. The city of St. Petersburg will be the showcase location Wednesday afternoon and evening, according to Jacqulyn Schuett, event marketing manager for the city. Lunch at Tropicana Field will highlight baseball in the city. Schuett said the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who play at Tropicana, cooperated with the city setting up a meal of burgers and hot dogs. A tour of bed-and-breakfast inns will be one of the optional offerings, Schuett said. An evening reception at the Pier will be followed by a trip to BayWalk. Both the Pier and BayWalk will remain open to the public while hosting the trade show. Those attending will have bus transportation from the beach hotels where they are staying. They are free to visit any of the local areas on their own, according to the CVB. On Thursday evening, the beaches chamber will host the group in St. Pete Beach, starting with a parade on Gulf Boulevard, a fireworks display and then a private party on Corey Avenue. The parade and fireworks are open to the public.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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From the Times South Pinellas desks |
