Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has been voted the nation’s best resort airport for the second year in a row in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.
A panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10BEST editors selected the nominees before the public voted, resulting in SRQ repeating its 2025 win.
The airport, operated and managed by the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, projects approximately 4.64 million passengers in fiscal year 2026. Airport officials said SRQ remains committed to preserving its relaxed resort feel, convenience and hospitality as it grows.
Recent passenger experience enhancements include the SRQ Sunshine Squad therapy animal program and more than $16 million in concessionaire-funded dining and shopping
improvements. The concessions blend nationally recognized brands with local favorites, offering travelers familiar choices alongside “the distinctive flair and flavors of the region,” according to a news release.
Paul Hoback, president and CEO of the airport, attributed the recognition to the people who “make SRQ feel special.”
“Our team members, volunteers, airlines, tenants and concession partners share in this win. They’re the ones welcoming travelers and taking care of them every day,” Hoback said in a prepared statement.
“Our goal is to provide unrivaled hospitality, and as we grow, we’re going to protect that relaxed resort feel while giving people even more to enjoy. The best is yet to come.”
SRQ launched Airports Council International’s Airport Service Quality customer experience surveys in 2026 to gather passenger feedback throughout the year. The feedback will help guide improvements as the airport grows, officials said.
Sarasota airport supports tourism and local businesses
The airport’s air service connections support tourism and local businesses throughout the Sarasota and Manatee county area.
Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, said in a prepared statement that the airport “generates tangible value” to the Bradenton area.
“Just one year-round, twice-weekly nonstop route delivers an estimated $10-12 million in annual economic impact to our community, reinforcing how vital air service development is to support our local businesses and growth,” Falcione said. “Together, we’re committed to ensuring this region continues as a vibrant, competitive destination for residents and visitors on Florida’s West Coast.”
SRQ’s resort feel reflects the region it serves, airport officials said. Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island ranked No. 1 and No. 3, respectively, on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Beaches in the U.S. list for 2026, according to the release.
Erin Duggan, president and CEO of Visit Sarasota County, said the airport plays a key role in welcoming visitors.
“The visitor experience in Sarasota County often begins at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, and we are fortunate to have such an outstanding gateway to our destination,” Duggan said in a prepared statement.
“At Visit Sarasota County, we see firsthand the dedication and innovation of the SRQ team to continually enhance the passenger experience and expand air service that benefits both residents and visitors.”
Kendal Asbury is the real estate and development reporter for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Have an idea, tip or question about development? Send her an email at kasbury@usatodayco.com. Connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on Instagram @wordsbykendal, and support local journalism by subscribing to the Herald-Tribune.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota airport voted best resort airport in US for second year
