TAMPA (May 22, 2018) – Visit Tampa Bay honored Joe Collier, president of Mainsail Lodging & Development as its Gonzmart Family Tourism Ambassador of the Year at the National Tourism luncheon Wednesday at The Gathering at Armature Works.
The award was part of Visit Tampa Bay’s sold-out celebration of tourism, which is currently the fastest-growing segment of Hillsborough County’s economy. More than 500 people, including industry partners, attended the luncheon that also honored industry workers with the Bern Laxer Award of Excellence, named for the founder of South Tampa’s iconic Bern’s Steak House, and Visit Tampa Bay’s Talk Up Tampa Bay Tourism Champions, who have helped bring millions of dollars in economic development to the destination through meetings and conventions.
Visit Tampa Bay and the FADMO, the Florida Association of Destination Management Organizations, honored state Sen. Dana Young of Tampa for her outstanding advocacy on behalf of tourism during this year’s Legislative Session.
The luncheon culminated in the Ambassador of the Year Award to Joe Collier.
“Over the last 20 years, Mainsail has grown into a hospitality company known across Florida and beyond for its vision and innovation,” said Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “From South Tampa’s Epicurean Hotel to the Carolinas and British Virgin Islands, Mainsail has made a name for itself by one-of-a-kind experiences for its guests amid a sense of community stewardship. Visit Tampa Bay is proud to have Joe and his team as partners promoting tourism here on Florida’s Gulf coast.”
Mainsail Development Group opened its first lodging – the Mainsail Suites Hotel & Conference Center — in 1999. In 2002, Mainsail began its relationship with Marriott, buying, furnishing, and managing long-term temporary housing under contacts with government, corporate, and leisure clients in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. In 2011, Mainsail began its relationship with Marriott’s Autograph Collection, opening the Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina in the British Virgin Islands. In 2013, Mainsail added to its Autograph Collection portfolio with the food-themed Epicurean Hotel in South Tampa. In 2017, Mainsail opened the Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club on Anna Maria Island.
