TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa takes center stage for Super Bowl LV in less than two weeks, and local hotels hope to make out big.
“It’s been a very difficult 11 or 12 months for our hospitality industry,” said Santiago Corrada.
Corrada is the President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. He said the coronavirus has a major impact on local hotels and their bottom lines.
Those that are still open are struggling, while others, unfortunately, had to shut down.
“We’ve seen a major decrease in business,” said Pablo Molinari, general manager of Hotel Haya in Ybor City.
Hotel Haya opened last September, while COVID-19 cases were rising. He said it was rough, but it gave them time to get the hotel ready for Super Bowl LV.
“We are prepared to take on all the visitors who come from across the country,” said Molinari.
To keep every safe, Molinari said they are following the CDC and Hillsborough County’s guidelines, including making masks and social distancing mandatory.
Several Tampa Bay area hotels have also limited capacity at their pools and fitness centers and suspended continental services.
If you have to cancel your reservation, you should call your hotel, because some are waiving cancellation fees.
“Tampa and the surrounding cities are doing what needs to be done to make sure we all have a good time, and we’re safe,” said Santiago.
