Posts Tagged ‘airlines’

Aqua Talks returns to Blu Halo for a roundtable (or, as Larry puts it, a “square table”) with managing partner Andy Donato, restaurant relations lead Shannon Ruedt, and PR partner Mary Ellen Collins. The theme: Blu Halo isn’t just a special-occasion spot — with cocktails starting at 11:30, a come-as-you-are no-dress-code vibe, and a location…

Aqua Talks stays at The Blu Halo for a second helping, trading the dining room for the kitchen with executive chef David Smith — the guy making the magic happen. A Maryland native who came up through Hyatt and Two Roads Hospitality banquet kitchens (grinding from commis to banquet chef, cooking for parties of 50…

Aqua Talks heads on-location to Blu Halo, where managing partner Andy Donato walks host Larry Aldrich through the restaurant’s second location — nestled between St. Pete and Tampa, right off Ulmerton near the Howard Frankland Bridge. Ten years after the original opened in Tallahassee, this spot just passed its one-year anniversary, and Andy makes the…

Returning guest Oliver Kugler of Visit St. Pete Clearwater delivers an energetic rundown of a destination firing on all cylinders. Record bed tax collections are rolling in — January and February 2026 are in the books and March looks like th e best ever — powered by short-term rentals and hotels coming back online after the fall 2024 storms (though he notes some south-county properties are still recovering). The event calendar is a headliner: Red Bull Cliff Diving arrives at the St. Pet Pier in June (a 90 foot scaffold over a dredged Vinoy Basin), and The Ocean Race makes St. Pete Clearwater its North American stop in May 2027 — a 12-day international sailing event promising major global exposure. Oliver also unveils a new brand campaign, “Beach. Culture.” — an evolution beyond “Home to America’s Best Beaches” that leans into the destination’s cultural depth: the Dalí Museum, an incoming 2026 Michelin guide, 600+ murals, food and beverage, music, and pro sports from spring training to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. He rounds it out with the community and economic case for tourism (Pinellas County’s number-one economic driver, saving the average household roughly $1,730 a year), plus the ease of a car-free visit via the Grouper shuttle, Jolly Trolley, PSTA, and Sun Runner. SPONSORED BY: ABOUT OUR GUEST: Oliver Kugler – LinkedInCommunity Relations ManagerVisit St. Pete-Clearwater…

This podcast episode revolves around the ever evolving and increasing trend of sports tourism and its transformative impact on destinations, particularly in Florida. Larry and Mady delve into the art and science of capturing attention within this dynamic field with Sean Doherty, Tourism Executive Director and Sean Walter, Sales/Sports Business Development, Director, both with the…

This podcast episode revolves around the ever evolving and increasing trend of sports tourism and its transformative impact on destinations, particularly in Florida. Larry and Mady delve into the art and science of capturing attention within this dynamic field with Sean Doherty, Tourism Executive Director and Sean Walter, Sales/Sports Business Development, Director, both with the…

Our discussion centers around the innovative marketing strategies employed by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, particularly in the context of revitalizing the area’s image and attracting diverse visitors. Joining us is Oliver Kugler, the Community Relations Manager, who shares valuable insights into the evolving landscape of tourism and marketing within Pinellas County. We delve into the challenges…

This discussion centers on the significance of seasonal tourism, particularly emphasizing the economic benefits derived from Halloween-themed events and attractions. We delve into the multifaceted nature of haunted tourism, exploring its capacity to enhance local economies through increased visitor numbers and engagement with unique cultural experiences. Our conversation traverses a variety of haunted locales, including…

This episode dives into the transformative impact of travel on young individuals, particularly through the lens of the Student Travel Group, founded by Matthew Wade. Our discourse delves into the essence of fostering authentic experiences that transcend conventional tourism, as Matthew shares his mission to inspire students to embrace travel and cultural exploration. We engage…

This episode delves into the recent Destinations International conference held in Chicago, a pivotal gathering for destination marketers. We, your hosts, Larry Aldrich and Maddie Dudley, reflect on the significance of this event as an educational platform that fosters connections among professionals dedicated to enhancing tourism and local economies. Throughout the discussion, we share our…