Ron McAnaugh, Area General Manager, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street I Tampa Marriott Water Street

In an interview with Invest:, Ron McAnaugh, general manager of JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and Tampa Marriott Water Street, emphasized a return to pre-pandemic business stability and the rise of “bleisure” travel as key milestones. He highlighted Tampa Bay’s transformation into a luxury destination, driven by its integration with the vibrant Water Street District and marquee events to come.

What were some key milestones and achievements for your properties over the past year?

This year has been highly successful for our properties. We’ve transitioned back to a stabilized business model, similar to pre-pandemic conditions, with normalized business volumes and a balanced mix of convention and leisure traffic. A positive shift has also occurred in our workforce. Open positions are being filled faster and candidate quality has improved. There’s now a more realistic understanding of pay expectations among management-level candidates, which was a challenge right after the pandemic. Florida’s unique position during the pandemic as one of the few states open for business allowed us to capitalize on opportunities. Now, we’re focused on sustainable, moderate growth. Pricing and buying power are stable, giving us confidence in the future.

What makes Tampa Bay such a compelling destination for tourism?

Tampa Bay offers an authentic Florida experience. Unlike Orlando’s manufactured theme park attractions, we connect visitors with Florida’s natural beauty alongside world-class amenities. Although Tampa itself doesn’t have a beach, it’s a short drive to some of the best beaches in the country. Our professional sports teams, vibrant nightlife and entertainment options further set us apart. Tampa is also a safe urban destination, a priority for many visitors. A standout feature is Tampa’s Riverwalk, which stretches for miles along the water and connects key venues. It’s a scenic, walkable area with great dining, entertainment, and outdoor spaces. It truly showcases the beauty of the region.

How has being part of the Water Street District shaped your operations and the guest experience?

Being part of Water Street has been transformative. We’re on the western edge of the district, so we’re like a book-end to this dynamic area. For us, it’s been a game-changer in terms of guest experience. Previously, we had to ensure everything guests needed was onsite. Now, we can confidently host private events and know guests have plenty of nearby options, from restaurants to attractions. Sparkman Wharf and Water Street offer an excellent range of choices, making Tampa a multi-faceted destination. This development has allowed us to integrate seamlessly into the city’s broader appeal. Guests can explore fine dining, casual spots, and entertainment within walking distance, elevating their overall experience.

How do culinary offerings, like the guacamole experience at Luna, enhance your appeal to guests and locals?

We’ve made a conscious effort to create unique, engaging experiences that attract both guests and locals. Offerings like guacamole and cocktail classes at Lona and Beacon are popular, alongside new initiatives like weekend tea service and bottomless brunches at several venues, including Anchor & Brine. Our soon-to-open Riverwalk Terrace at the Marriott is a standout addition. This patio space along the water is designed for year-round use, providing an ideal setting for dining with marina views. These experiences not only delight guests but also encourage locals to visit. With 10 dining outlets between our two hotels, guests can explore a variety of options without leaving the building, though the broader Water Street district offers even more for those who venture out.

How are you balancing business and leisure travel, especially with the rise of “bleisure”?

The “bleisure” trend — combining business and leisure travel — has been a major focus. We encourage convention attendees to extend their stays by offering group discount rates for extra days when availability allows. This lets guests transition seamlessly from work to leisure while enjoying everything we offer. We also book events that align with this blend. For example, the UFC fight event we hosted brought in about 600 room nights. Fighters came with entourages of trainers, nutritionists and family members, which meant eight rooms per fighter booked for a week. While it involved work, much of their time was spent enjoying recreational activities.

How does Marriott help make stays more experiential for guests?

At Marriott, we focus on creating memorable, immersive experiences that go beyond the typical hotel stay. One way is through our destination fee, which is $30 but immediately gives guests a $30 food and beverage credit, making it essentially cost-neutral. The fee also includes access to activities like water taxi rides, kayaking and more, all tied to our waterfront location. Unlike nearby properties, we fully embrace our waterfront identity. Guests can enjoy a range of experiences, whether out on the water or simply appreciating the views. This unique connection to the water helps set our properties apart and encourages repeat visits.

How are you using technology to enhance the guest experience and improve operations?

Real-time booking technology has been a game-changer. Through the Marriott Bonvoy app, guests can book cabanas, restaurants, spa services and more, all integrated seamlessly into their room bookings. It simplifies the process for guests and ensures everything is centralized in one place. Internally, tools like the Guest Experience Platform (GXP) help us monitor guests’ stays in real time. If something goes wrong, we can address it immediately and ensure it’s resolved for future stays. For example, a feather-free room request is noted and automatically applied to subsequent visits. It’s a small detail, but it makes a huge difference for guests. While data collection through Bonvoy is a concern for some, we’re fully transparent about how it’s used. The goal is to improve the guest experience by tailoring services and addressing needs more effectively.

How are you fostering a workplace culture that helps retain talent and remain competitive?

That’s a critical focus for us. We focus on offering a comprehensive benefits package. While we may not offer the highest pay across industries in Tampa Bay, we lead in hospitality and ensure all full-time employees receive heavily subsidized benefits. Unlike industries that rely heavily on part-time staff, we prioritize full-time hires. Our benefits include an excellent 401(k) program, a discounted stock purchase plan, and access to the Explore program, which allows employees to stay at Marriott properties at significantly reduced rates: resorts for under $100 a night and Courtyards for as low as $40. Additionally, our company store offers discounts on gyms, cars and more. We also strive to maintain a positive work environment. Some roles, like housekeeping, are demanding, but we ensure employees feel valued and appreciated. Guest feedback often highlights the team’s hard work, and we make sure to share that recognition.

With Tampa growing as a luxury destination, what opportunities do you see for your properties? 

Tampa has significantly evolved in luxury offerings. Between the JW Marriott and The Edition, we’ve addressed the need for high-end accommodations. Groups like the NFL had previously expressed concerns about Tampa’s lack of luxury options, but that’s no longer an issue. Looking ahead, the Pendry Hotel from the Montage Group will open in a few years, further strengthening Tampa’s luxury market. While it’s not our property, we welcome the momentum it brings. Beyond Tampa, the St. Regis Longboat Key opened this year. Although outside Tampa, it’s a significant addition, with many guests flying into Tampa to access it. This property was Marriott’s 9,000th hotel worldwide, highlighting Tampa’s importance in our portfolio.

What is your outlook for Tampa Bay’s tourism sector in the next few years?

The outlook for 2025 is strong. We expect steady growth, driven by a balanced mix of convention and leisure business. Securing summer conventions will be critical, as they lay the foundation for a solid year. Looking further ahead, 2027 presents challenges, but we’re confident the Convention and Visitors Bureau will help us address them. A highlight for 2025 is hosting the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four. Interest in women’s basketball has surged, particularly after last year’s Caitlin Clark phenomenon. Corporate sponsorship and ticket demand are already unprecedented, and we expect this event to be a major success. Additionally, Raymond James Stadium has become a key entertainment venue. Ten years ago, it hosted one or two concerts annually. Now, it has a robust program featuring top acts across genres. Events like Taylor Swift’s concerts generated revenue comparable to a Super Bowl, creating demand citywide. The stadium’s programming has truly elevated Tampa’s entertainment scene.