Pasco County attracted roughly 1.5 million visitors during fiscal year 2023, with a tourism impact on the local economy of more than $1 billion, according to a report prepared by Downs & St. Germain Research Inc.
In terms of direct spending, tourism generated more than $712.5 million, up 12% over fiscal year 2022.
Spending by visitors to Florida’s Sports Coast supported 12,370 local jobs, up 8% from 2022. Wages generated exceeded $332,301, up 15% from 2022.
Typical travel parties spent $238 per day during their stay, with a total of $1,089 during the course of their visit.
For every 121 visitors, a job was created in Pasco County, according to the report.
In terms of revenues, the county received nearly $6.8 million in Tourist Development Tax revenues, up about 35% from the previous year. The increase includes the impact of a 1% increase in the tax rate, as the tourist development tax increased from 4% to 5%, in June 2022.
Pasco restaurants, gas stations, hotels, shopping and entertainment venues experience increased business from tourists visiting the area, but Pasco residents benefit, too.
The report estimates that visitors saved every household in Florida’s Sports Coast $417 in state and local taxes in fiscal year 2023.
That figure is based on how much more revenue the county would have had to generate, without the economic boost provided by tourism.
Most people visiting Pasco drove into the area, with the research showing that figure at a whopping 91%. Those flying in typically came through Tampa International Airport, the report says.
The report also shows that 49% of the visitors planned their trip within a month of traveling.
Forty-four percent of those visiting the area were day-trippers. Of those staying in the area, 25% stayed in a hotel or motel and 17% stayed with family or friends.
The typical visitor stayed 4.5 nights.
Of those visiting, 72% came from eight states, with 54% coming from Florida, 3% coming from each of these states, New York, Georgia, Ohio and Michigan; and, 2% coming from Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky.
The typical travel party was made up of 2.6 people, and 36% traveled with at least one person under 18 in the travel group, according to the report.
The majority of those coming to Pasco reported they were visiting family or friends, with 30% falling into that category. The next largest group — 19% — were there for a sporting event. The next largest group, which made up 18%, were there for vacation.
Tourists gave the Sports Coast an 8.6 rating, with 10.0 being the highest possible score. Sixty-six percent indicated they definitely will return to the area.
The survey revealed visitors’ top activities: 71% casual dining; 56% shopping; 53% visiting family and friends; and, 53% visiting nature and parks.
It also showed that 28% of visitors said they’d like the area to have more restaurants; 23% wanted more family activities; 23% want more shopping options; and, 20% want more sporting events.
The survey results are based on 2,667 interviews completed with Pasco County visitors, online and in person at local attractions, parks, hotels and events between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2023.
The information in this story is based on the report contained in the Pasco County Commission’s Feb. 20 agenda materials. That meeting was scheduled to occur after The Laker/Lutz News’ publication deadline.
Pasco tourism by the numbers
These figures are from a report compiled by Downs & St. Germain Research for fiscal year 2023
Economic impacts:
- Overall economic impact: $1.03 billion, up 12% over fiscal year 2022
- Direct spending: $712.5 million, up 12% over fiscal year 2022
- Visitors: 1,491,700, up 0.8% over fiscal year 2022
- Room occupancy: 61.8%, down 9.3% from fiscal year 2022
- Average daily rate: $126.30, up 6% from fiscal year 2022
- Room nights: 1,471,000, down 3% from fiscal year 2022
- Local jobs supported: 12,370, up 8% from fiscal year 2022
- Wages and salaries: $33,301,400, up 15% from fiscal year 2022
- Tourist Development Tax: $6,776,922, up 35% from fiscal year 2022
Visitor profile
- Average visitor: Is 50 years old, female, with income of $81,700
- 91% drive into the area; those who flew primarily traveled through Tampa International Airport
- The typical stay is 4.5 nights
- Travel parties spend $238 per day; $1,089 over course of visit
Top visitor activities
- Casual dining: 71%
- Shopping: 56%
- Seeing family and friends: 53%
- Visiting parks and nature: 53%
Top desired additional activities
- More restaurants: 28%
- More family friendly activities: 23%
- More outdoor activities: 23%
- More sporting events: 20%
Published February 21, 2024
