As filming for Hollywood hit Dolphin Tale 2 begins in St. Pete/Clearwater this month, the destination is anticipating an influx of visitors and an economic boost, which was started in 2011 by the first film in the franchise, Dolphin Tale.

Projected to bring in $5 billion (£3.13 billion) by 2016, all sectors of the local economy from hotels to taxis have felt the benefits of Dolphin Tale. Undoubtedly the most affected by the film's popularity however is Winter's home, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. 

The non-profit facility, dedicated to marine life rescue and environmental education, was one of the locations at the heart of Dolphin Tale. Inspired by Winter's inspirational story of losing her tail and learning to swim again with the aid of a prosthetic, thousands of film tourists have flocked to the CMA, which has had to quickly expand its staff and infrastructure to accommodate an increase from 200,000 to 750,000 visitors in back-to-back years. Numbers are expected to grow to 2.3 million in 2016, based on the popularity of the first film alone.

The original cast of Dolphin Tale have all returned for the sequel, due for release in September 2014, which tells the tale of another dolphin, Winter's friend Hope. The CMA will be hosting the stars for filming until January 2014.

In reference to the 'Winter effect' and hopes for further economic growth, the CEO of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, David Yates, says: "Thousands and thousands of kids have had their lives turned around by Winter's story. Every kid has a life challenge, whether that's a medical issue, a physical issue or they're getting bullied at school, they can easily relate to Winter's overcoming nature in a very organic way. We're certain that Dolphin Tale 2 will continue to inspire people to overcome the challenges that life throws at us."

St. Pete/Clearwater is located on a sun-drenched peninsula on Florida's West Coast, boasting an annual average of 361 days of sunshine and 35 miles of white-sand beaches. Located just 30 minutes from Busch Gardens in Tampa and 90 minutes from Walt Disney World, Winter's home is the perfect destination for families.

To find out more about Winter and St. Pete/Clearwater, visit www.visitstpeteclearwater.com.

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Jill Duffell / Linda Cerminara / Laura Jackson
Rooster PR
T: +44 (0) 20 3440 8930
E: jill.duffell@rooster.co.uk / linda.cerminara@rooster.co.uk / laura.jackson@rooster.co.uk 
W: www.rooster.co.uk

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater 

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater (VSPC) is the official destination marketing organization of Pinellas County in Florida and covers 26 municipalities in the area. 

The region is located on a beautiful peninsula on Florida's west coast, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Tampa Bay to the east. 

Just 30 minutes away from Busch Gardens and 90 minutes away from Walt Disney World, the area offers 35 miles of white-sand beaches and uniquely colourful communities to explore.

The destination is renowned for sunshine and currently holds the Guinness World Record for the longest run of sunshine days, a massive 768.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to the star of the 2011 smash-hit Dolphin Tale, Winter the Dolphin, whose real-life story of recovering from losing her tail with the help of a prosthetic is depicted in the film. Winter will return to the silver screen in September 2014 in Dolphin Tale 2 and filming in St. Pete/Clearwater begins in October 2013. 

Also home to the largest collection of Dali artwork outside of Spain, the county has culture, wildlife and beautiful beaches with a semi-tropical climate making it the perfect holiday destination for families, couples and singles.

Tampa International Airport is 30 minutes from St. Pete/Clearwater and many international airlines fly direct from the UK.  Orlando International Airport is less than an hour's drive from St. Pete/Clearwater.

For more information: www.visitstpeteclearwater.com