Hillsborough County reels in record-setting amount of bed taxes

Hillsborough County collected more than $6.07 million in tourism development taxes, also known as bed taxes, in May.

According to a news release from Visit Tampa Bay, the destination marketing agency for Tampa and Hillsborough County, the record-setting intake represents a 51.7% increase over May 2021. Hotel revenue was also up, totaling more than $88 million, as was occupancy, at 73% — a 7.8% improvement from May 2021.

Hillsborough County, the release states, has now collected more than $39.5 million in bed taxes in the first seven months of its 2022 fiscal year — an 82.6% increase compared to the same period in 2021.  

“With the United States now 100% open to international audiences, Tampa Bay is in a very strong position to see a continual rise in visitation numbers throughout the summer months, especially with some large conventions already planned and our summer advertising rolling out,” Visit Tampa Bay President and CEO Santiago Corrada states in the release. “We are a premier destination in a world-class region. With new attractions, luxury hotels and Michelin recommended restaurants, our potential visitors are inspired to travel.”