Talib McDowell, General Manager, AC Hotel Tampa Airport

In an interview with Invest:, Talib McDowell, general manager of AC Hotel Tampa Airport, highlighted resilience following two major storms, achieving near-full occupancy post-reopening. He also emphasized Tampa Bay’s growth as a hospitality hub, driven by new developments and a thriving food scene.

What were some key highlights for AC Hotel Tampa Airport this past year?

The last year has been eventful for our property. Two major storms, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, hit us, and while they were challenging, they ultimately strengthened our team. Facing what was considered the worst storm we’ve ever encountered taught us a lot about resilience. We had high hopes for 2024 to be a steady year, but nature had other plans. Despite those challenges, we’ve come out stronger. Since reopening after the storms, we’ve been almost fully booked every day. Restoring power, reopening the hotel, and getting staff back were major accomplishments. This year truly became a testament to our resilience as a team.

What makes Tampa Bay a standout destination in the tourism landscape?

Tampa Bay has so much to offer, whether you’re here for business or leisure. For business travelers, the healthcare industry is a huge draw, with strong institutions like BayCare, Advent health, Moffit and others driving growth. The hospitality industry is also booming, especially with developments like Water Street Tampa, Midtown Tampa and the revitalization of the Westshore district.  All these projects have been the driving force around attracting new business and tourists to the area to enjoy our hotels, convention spaces, dining, and entertainment.

Food and beverage are thriving, with more Michelin-starred restaurants popping up recently than in the past 5 years. Tampa Bay also offers affordability compared to cities like New York, Chicago, or Miami, where high taxes and fees can add hundreds of dollars to your stay. Here, you get a range of options, from luxury to budget-friendly accommodations, without those extra costs.

The region’s location is another big plus — close to beaches and attractions like Orlando, making it an ideal mix of everything. Tampa Bay is truly a standout destination with something for everyone.

What are some of the biggest trends and opportunities in Tampa Bay’s hospitality sector right now?

Tampa Bay’s hospitality sector is experiencing significant growth, with numerous new properties opening. Recent additions include the Edition Hotel downtown, the JW Marriott in Clearwater, The Aloft and Element dual property at Midtown Tampa, and AC Hotels in Clearwater and St. Pete, along with other properties like the luxury collection Vinoy in St. Pete or the newly opened Moxy in St. Pete. 

What’s exciting is that the growth is diverse — it’s not just large convention hotels but also smaller, boutique properties, like 150-room ACs and similar-sized developments. This variety appeals to different traveler segments. Remarkably, this growth hasn’t negatively impacted occupancy rates. Instead, it’s created compression, drawing more visitors to the area and benefiting everyone. The momentum is strong, and we’re eager to see it continue.

What sets AC Hotel Tampa apart from its competitors and gives you an edge in attracting tourists?

At AC Hotel Tampa, we stand out through our exceptional service execution. We consistently rank among the top hotels globally within the AC brand, thanks to the quality of our amenities and the personalized experiences we offer. Guests can enjoy a luxurious stay and easily access high-end dining, cigar shops, and International Plaza, all within walking distance.

Our prime location also makes us the closest hotel to Raymond James Stadium, perfect for concerts and football games. Beyond location, our commitment to service is what truly sets us apart. High occupancy rates allow us to recruit and train top-tier talent, and the reputation we’ve built makes us an employer of choice in Tampa. This cycle of excellence helps us maintain a competitive edge.

How have demographic changes, particularly the rise of millennial travelers, influenced your business?

Our client profile has shifted significantly since COVID, with a stronger focus on the leisure market. Younger travelers, particularly millennials, are now a larger share of our guests. This demographic values unique and curated experiences, and they’re willing to spend if the experience justifies the price.

To meet these expectations, we’ve created programs like our monthly Elegant Saturday activation. Held on the first Saturday of every month, it features a local DJ in the lounge, a cigar roller on the patio, and a sophisticated ambiance that draws locals and visitors alike. Guests can also book discounted room packages tied to the event.

Additionally, we’re planning unique offerings like art shows, where hotel guests receive complimentary entry. These initiatives cater to younger travelers who want more than just a room. They want memorable experiences that add value to their stay.

You’ve emphasized the importance of integrating arts and music into your marketing. What standout partnerships or events have you implemented?

We’ve continued fostering connections with creatives and local professionals to bring dynamic experiences to our guests. One major initiative for 2024 has been the introduction of an activation toolkit. This toolkit helps us create consistent, high-quality activations, capturing them with excellent photography, videos, and reels to boost our marketing. It’s about recognizing and sharing “capturable moments” that showcase the unique experiences at our property.

For 2025, we’re rolling out three key experiences. The first is a warm welcome designed to make every guest feel as though they’re arriving at a friend’s home. The second is a lavender turndown service, which includes a small lavender sachet by the pillow to promote relaxation and better sleep. Finally, we’re introducing shower bombs, akin to spa treatments, to enhance guests’ morning routines. These thoughtful touches, combined with storytelling and team communication, will strengthen our brand identity while delighting our guests.

How would you assess the local labor market for hospitality professionals in Tampa, and what steps are you taking to attract and retain top talent?

Tampa’s labor market for hospitality is strong, particularly for hourly and entry-level supervisory roles. Proximity to institutions like the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Tampa has been a tremendous advantage. USF, in particular, has an excellent hospitality program. I’ve engaged directly with their students, teaching classes and recruiting talent — some of whom now work at our property.

This influx of educated, enthusiastic young professionals has been great for roles like servers, where strong communication skills can elevate the guest experience. Tampa is still a relatively new city in terms of hospitality, so while we don’t yet have the deeply rooted, lifelong hospitality professionals you might find in places like Charleston or Savannah, we’re developing a strong talent pipeline.

Additionally, Tampa benefits from being close to major attractions like Disney and Busch Gardens, which also serve as talent pools. It’s an exciting time for the market, and I’m confident we’re cultivating a service-driven culture that will set Tampa apart in the years to come.

With Tampa’s growth, what trends will shape hospitality in the next two to three years, and what are your goals for AC Hotel Tampa?

A major trend shaping the industry is Tampa’s focus on creating walkable, communal spaces. Historically, Tampa has been a driving city — you had to drive and park everywhere. Now, we’re seeing live-work-play areas with sidewalks, parking garages, and vibrant neighborhoods where people can dine, network, and explore without leaving. This shift is attracting attention, especially from people relocating from cities like Miami. As Tampa becomes more pedestrian-friendly, it enhances the guest experience and makes the city even more appealing as a destination.

For AC Hotel Tampa, our goals include continuing to elevate service standards, expanding unique guest experiences like the lavender turndown service and sensory-driven amenities, and fostering deeper connections with the local community. These efforts help us remain competitive and ensure we provide memorable stays that keep guests coming back.

Sensory elements, like lavender sachets and shower bombs, play a huge role in creating memorable guest experiences. My time with Ritz-Carlton ingrained in me the importance of engaging all the senses. What guests see and smell when they walk in immediately shapes their perception. At AC Hotel Tampa, we aim to leave a lasting impression with thoughtful details that add relaxation and luxury. These elements resonate with guests and help make our brand unforgettable.