Travel–Tourism

By Brian Hartz
March 24, 2022

Local movie shoots on the rise despite lack of political support

Local movie shoots in Pinellas County, Florida, are on the rise despite lack of political support from state legislators in Tallahassee.

Travel-Tourism

By Amanda Postma
February 25, 2022

Restaurants turn to automation to fill positions — and increase productivity

As the hospitality industry grapples with a shortage of workers, robots are becoming more enticing.

Travel-Tourism

By Business Observer Staff
February 3, 2022

Tampa hotel revenue tops $758M, breaking previous record set in 2019

The Tampa Bay region has been rated the No. 1 U.S. destination in terms of hotel occupancy.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

By Amanda Postma
January 6, 2022

Yacht club looks to build on membership surge in 2022

In 2022 the Sarasota Yacht Club is dedicated to supporting its growing membership base, starting with adding new entertainment options.

Travel-Tourism

By Mark Gordon
January 6, 2022

New owners of storied cafe have high hopes for 2022

Sharon Carole aims to attract new customers without sacrificing the tradition and history of the Bijou.

Travel-Tourism

By Mark Gordon
December 30, 2021

Restaurant tech company chews on growth opportunities

Momentum keeps building at Omnivore, with high hopes for a feast-like 2022.

Travel-Tourism

By Beth Luberecki
December 2, 2021

Brewery quenches thirst for growth, buys spot for new taproom

Up next in the multimillion-dollar expansion plan at Calusa Brewing ? A likely doubling of both the payroll and production barrels.

Travel-Tourism

By Louis Llovio
December 2, 2021

Room boom: Hotels have become a hot commodity

Hotel properties across the region are generating solid returns for investors. The trend appears to have staying power.

Travel-Tourism

By Brian Hartz
December 2, 2021

Sunny side up: Restaurant group's focus on beachfront locales pays off

The pandemic was a gut punch for Florida’s hospitality industry. Tampa, Florida-based SunPubs, owner of the MacDinton's and Caddy's brands, used the time to regroup and reinvest in its future.

Travel-Tourism

By Amanda Postma
December 2, 2021

USF announces new partnership to give students access to 93 teaching hotels

USF and McKibbon Hospitality have teamed up to attack an industry-wide issue: an acute talent shortage.

Travel-Tourism

By Amanda Postma
December 2, 2021

Longtime traveler takes on new adventure of owning a business

Travel entrepreneur Michael Distler goes the distance for clients — such as traveling on his own dime to navigate COVID-19 protocols so his clients don’t have to.

Travel-Tourism

By Brian Hartz
November 12, 2021

Game on: County tourism leaders break away from Florida stereotypes

With a massive sports complex, soon-to-open adjacent hotel and signature craft beer, Pasco County has embraced its new identity as Florida’s Sports Coast. Competition abounds.