Long in the shadows of its sister cities Miami and Orlando, Tampa has at long last emerged and is shining in Florida’s west coast sunshine. The city has transformed from one that rolled up its sidewalks at 5 o’clock to a vibrant, bustling “place to be,” especially with the development of Water Street right in the heart of downtown. Surrounded by enticing neighborhoods, like Hyde Park with its European vibes, Seminole Heights and its indie shops and restaurants, and historic Ybor City, a National Historic Landmark, there is something for every meeting planner and attendee in Tampa.  

Why Tampa 

• The city is accessible via nearly 300 daily flights arriving from more than 90 non-stop destinations around the U.S. and around the world. 

• Tampa has a thriving dining scene, with several restaurants recognized by Michelin and new spots opening regularly. 

• Tampa enjoys moderate winter temperatures with an average of 62° F, and a summer average of 83° F. 

What’s New in Tampa 

• A multi-billion-dollar renovation is underway at Tampa International Airport, including the addition of a new 16-gate airside terminal that will serve international arrivals and departures. 

• The city’s Meeting the Moment program recognizes organizations and events that go beyond economic contributions, showcasing a deep commitment to corporate social responsibility. 

• Tampa Bay Sun FC, a professional women’s soccer team and part of the USL Super League, kicked off last summer and plays its matches in downtown Tampa. 

There are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do in Cigar City, as well as places to grab a bite to eat, or host a power lunch or dinner. Here, look at a few spots to pique your interest and help ensure your clients will enjoy their time in Tampa. 

SEE 

Ybor City 

Long before Tampa became the bustling city it is today, Ybor City was the heart of the region. At the end of the 1800s, Ybor City was known as the “Cigar Capital of the World,” with 12,000 cigar makers rolling 700 million Cuban-style cigars annually in 200 cigar factories. Take a free streetcar ride from downtown Tampa to join a walking tour and stroll along the brick streets that crisscross the historic neighborhood to not only learn about the neighborhood’s history, but see original buildings that are now filled with shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. 

Tampa Bay History Center 

Twelve-thousand years of Florida history are on display at the Tampa Bay History Center on the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa. Hands-on exhibits and immersive theater experiences bring the state’s history to life, from the land’s first inhabitants to conquistadors and pirates, Cuban cigar rollers to Florida pioneers, beloved sports teams to one of most comprehensive collections of Florida maps in the world spanning 500 years. The center is available for private events. 

Tampa Museum of Art 

For more than 100 years the Tampa Museum of Art has showcased some of the best art found throughout the world, including an expansive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, one of the largest in the southeastern U.S. Add to that an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, and traveling exhibits, and there’s always something interesting to see. The museum’s galleries and public spaces are available for private events. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and e2, a Hosts Global Member. 

DO 

Spot Dolphins 

Set sail with The Florida Aquarium aboard the Bay Spirit II, a 72-foot catamaran, as it sails into Tampa Bay in search of wild dolphins. An experienced naturalist serves as a guide to all of the natural beauty you and your guests will see in, around and above the bay, including not only dolphins but birds and maybe even a manatee. The Bay Spirit II, as well as the aquarium itself, is available for private events. 

Catch a Game 

With NFL and NHL championships under its belt, Tampa is a city that loves its sports teams. Depending on the season, catch a (New York Yankees) spring training game, watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers square off on the gridiron, the Tampa Bay Lightning take the ice, or Tampa Bay Sun FC run out onto the pitch. Most of the venues for these sporting events are available for private events, too. 

Motor Enclave 

Get your motors running with an outing to The Motor Enclave, the world’s largest private garage community where you and your guests can get behind the wheels of high-performance vehicles and drive around a performance circuit. Not quite ready to hit the pavement? Get behind the wheels of professional state-of-the-art racing simulators instead. What’s more, the events center can host groups from 12 to 1,200 guests. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and e2, a Hosts Global Member. 

EAT

The Columbia Restaurant 

Since 1905, people have made their way to The Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant in the heart of Ybor City. First serving Cuban sandwiches and café con leche to local cigar workers, today the iconic restaurant serves Spanish fare in 15 dining rooms (some of which can be reserved for group dining) with flamenco dancing performances every night except Sunday. Keep your eyes peeled for a secret door that led to a speakeasy during the Prohibition.  

Ash 

The newest venture from Tampa native Chef Ferrell Alvarez and his restaurant group is Ash in Tampa’s new downtown neighborhood, Water Street. Serving dinner six nights a week, Ash’s thoughtful menu is filled with dishes that highlight fresh ingredients, prepared in innovative and mouthwatering ways. Complimenting the menu are not only an impressive cocktail menu and wine list, but a stunning, comfortable décor that will have your guests wanting to linger longer. Ash is available in its entirety for private events. 

Craft 

For a different perspective, set sail for lunch or dinner – or even weekend brunch – with Craft and its European river cruise vibe. The two-hour cruises travel along the Hillsborough River, with views of downtown Tampa and area neighborhoods along the way. Find a spot inside or out to enjoy your choice of three courses of brunch, lunch, or dinner dishes from curated modern American menus. Craft is available for groups and private events of up to 150 guests. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and e2, a Hosts Global Member. 

STAY/MEET

ALHI Member Saddlebrook Resort is ready to welcome you and your guests for some fun in the Florida sun. 

Saddlebrook Resort

Treat your guests to an escape from the busyness of the everyday world at Saddlebrook Resort, about 30 miles north of Tampa International Airport (TPA). The property just completed extensive renovations to its 70,000-plus square feet of flexible indoor meeting and events venues, including new chandeliers, sleek lighting, plush carpeting, enhanced sound systems and more. When work is done for the day, your guests will enjoy the resort’s top-tier tennis program, pools, spa and village-style layout, not to mention two Arnold Palmer signature golf courses and The Saddlebrook Golf Academy. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and e2, a Hosts Global Member.