Laws of attractions: Tourism exec offers advice for uncertain times

Visit Tampa Bay, a destination marketing agency for Tampa and Hillsborough County, watched with frustration as the coronavirus pandemic caused the region’s top attractions to shutter during peak tourism season. Closing their doors were Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, the Florida Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, TopGolf, the Glazer Children’s Museum — and the list goes on. 

The agency itself suffered alongside the amenities it promotes. President and CEO Santiago Corrada says Visit Tampa Bay slashed its workforce, from 61 to 21 people, and cut remaining staff members’ salaries by at least 20%.