“The world’s largest travel site” is reminding travelers everywhere that Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center is a world-class destination.
TripAdvisor has awarded the environmental education facility its Certificate of Excellence for the second year in a row. The recognition comes on the heels of one of the MVC’s biggest seasons so far: more than 300,000 visitors over its 22-week 2013-14 season. More than 4 million people have come to the center since it opened in 1986.
“We’re thrilled to have this honor,” said Stan Kroh, manager of Land & Water Programs with Environmental, Health & Safety. “The MVC is unique, free to visit and a great place for people of all ages to learn about and enjoy natural Florida. TripAdvisor is letting the rest of the world know what we’ve known for many years.”
But don’t take Kroh’s word for it. User comments on tripadvisor.com include more than 500 positive reviews, such as “Best place to see manatees in natural habitat” (from “Sherstur” from New Jersey) and “Hands down best place to visit in Tampa!” (from “Ashley H” in Bozeman, Montana).
Kroh said visitors can look forward to new and exciting enhancements when the center reopens for the public this fall. Improvements include additions to the coastal habitat trail that will include a 50-foot-high wildlife observation tower, a quarter-mile boardwalk and an interpretive kayak trail. That’s in addition to the work going on south of the MVC to create the Florida Conservation and Technology Center – as well as the many new plants and other upgrades volunteers add each year at the MVC before it opens.
“It’s an exciting time for the MVC,” Kroh said. “A lot of people – from our docents, hosts and cashiers to the visitors that promote us by word-of-mouth – have a role in our success. They do so much to help us make each season better than the last.”
The MVC is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Nov. 1 through April 15 annually.
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