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During Holiday Season |
| KEY WEST, Fla - Jan. 2, 2002-- Florida Keys lodging businesses enjoyed
strong occupancy during the Christmas and New Year's holiday season, Monroe
County tourism officials reported Wednesday. They added that the outlook
for future tourism flow to the Keys is beginning to brighten.
"Our occupancy levels averaged 85 to 90 percent for the past two weeks," said Peter Ilchuk, executive director of the Lodging Association of Key West and the Florida Keys. "But most importantly, general managers are telling me their reservations phones are ringing again with advance bookings." Ilchuk and other Keys tourism officials credited several factors for the comeback after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist events which had a disastrous effect on the worldwide tourism industry. They include:
TDC Director Harold Wheeler believes signs of an improving economy, combined with more frigid temperatures, are positive factors that are motivating vacationers. "People are beginning to move again," Wheeler said. "The Consumer Confidence Index, which declined dramatically after 9-11, rebounded nicely in December. "When consumer confidence increases, there is a rise in consumer spending. Hopefully, we may have an economic recovery sooner than expected, leading to a strong second half of the year," Wheeler added. Even with an improving economy the shorter time frame between when a traveler makes a reservation and when he travels is making financial forecasting difficult for tourism-based businesses. "We continue to experience a trend that has emerged during the past few years," Ilchuk said. "Americans today are taking shorter vacations and booking closer to departure. "People are being cautious about planning ahead, but at least they are still taking vacations," he said. Ilchuk reported that Keys properties capable of hosting meeting groups have seen an increase in small-conference bookings, but many of those had short booking time frames as well. Although the travel industry seems poised for recovery, Keys tourism officials cautioned that the region is "not out of the woods" yet. "We're encouraged, but we have a long way to go before occupancy numbers return to historical levels," Wheeler said. Ilchuk concurred, noting that most area properties' average daily rate declined significantly during the past quarter. "Travelers still realize supply exceeds demand, consequently, bona fide 'value-added' incentives, in conjunction with a strong marketing program, are effective in attracting visitors to the Keys," Ilchuk said. |
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The Florida Keys & Key West Tourism Council Andy Newman 305/461-3300 |
| Also See | Economy Slowdown to Affect Florida Hotel Industry's Summer Business / April 2001 |
| Florida Hotel, Tourism Industry Continues to Suffer Big Losses / Oct 2001 |