Travel on Tap: The Rise of Craft Beer Tourism
Photo Credit: Beermakers like Coppertail Brewing in Tampa Bay are opening bars and tasting rooms to welcome locals and tourists. Visit Tampa Bay
Skift Take
Craft Beer is big business in America with a proven ability engage a new travel consumer who will spend added dollars to visit local neighborhoods and beer-themed events.
The Coppertail Brewing Company in Tampa Bay produces a Night Swim porter beer described as “dark, luxurious, rich, and roasty with a hint of chocolate that’s best enjoyed with a partner,” hence the name, "which pairs well with barbecue brisket."
Craft beer is big business in America with a passionate following of consumers who appreciate the nuances of beer flavor, texture, and character as much as their wine-loving brethren. According to the Brewers Association, U.S. sales of small batch suds jumped 16 percent in 2015. That translates into a growing demographic of niche travelers who are willing to spend incremental dollars in craft brewpubs, local independent breweries, beer trails, and a growing array of beer-themed special events. Tourism bureaus in Denver, Portland, Seattle, San Diego, and San Francisco were some of the first to develop travel experiences and digital storytelling around craft beer. Over the last couple of years,
