Pensacola Tourism Leader To Head Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

PINELLS COUNTY, FL — An experienced leader with Tampa Bay ties is assuming leadership of Pinellas County’s tourism marketing agency. Steve Hayes will become president and CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater effective Dec. 16.

Hayes comes to Pinellas County with more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality, travel and tourism industries. He has led Visit Pensacola since 2013 and developed the Destination 2020 tourism strategy for the Greater Pensacola Bay Area. Before that, he spent 25 years working for Visit Tampa Bay in various management and leadership roles, including serving as executive vice president.

“Steve’s tourism leadership experience and vast knowledge of our region will make him a tremendous asset to our organization,” said Pinellas County Administrator Barry A. Burton. “He has the talent and vision to take our tourist development efforts to the next level.”

Hayes will be responsible for overseeing daily operations of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, which is responsible for marketing Pinellas County around the world. Hayes comes to Pinellas County after a nationwide recruitment to fill the vacancy left earlier this year when former CEO David Downing resigned.

Related stories:

Finalists Named For Visit St. Pete/Clearwater President

SeaWorld President Named Interim CEO Of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater