This report analyzes the economic and tourism impact of The Florida Aquarium on Hillsborough County and the broader Tampa Bay region in 2023. Conducted by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (TBRPC), the study underscores the Aquarium’s pivotal role in driving local economic growth, supporting employment, and bolstering the region’s tourism sector.
Key Insights
- Record-Breaking Attendance: In 2023, The Florida Aquarium welcomed over one million visitors, indicating its continued popularity as a tourist destination.
- Visitor Spending: Out-of-town visitors, who accounted for 45% of total attendance in 2023, made a significant contribution to the local economy, particularly benefiting the hospitality and retail sectors.
- Employment Impact: The Florida Aquarium directly supported 249 full-time equivalent jobs in 2023 and contributed to a total of 407 jobs when including indirect and induced employment.
- Economic Output: The Florida Aquarium generated a total economic output of $53.6 million in Hillsborough County, with a Gross County Product (GCP) contribution of $28.8 million.
- Local Spending: The Florida Aquarium’s operational spending within Hillsborough County totaled $5.2 million, supporting an additional 39 jobs and generating $7.7 million in economic output.
- Future Growth: The planned expansion of The Florida Aquarium is projected to increase its economic impact by creating additional jobs and attracting more visitors in the coming years.
