Tourism Rebounds; Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport Slumps

December 29, 2003

Tourism Rebounds; Airport Slumps
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, FL

Southwest Florida tourism rebounded in 2003 from the terrorist attacks that 
crippled Florida's biggest industry two years ago.

But while visitors resumed traveling, the average length of stays was shorter 
and most spent less money during their trips. The nation's uncertain economy in 
2003 also put a squeeze on many area hotel room rates.

"The area has seen a good comeback," said Virginia Haley, executive director of 
the Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau. "But we still haven't gone back to 
the record levels experienced in 2000." 

Although more people are visiting, fewer are traveling through 
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Through November, the total number of airport passengers slipped 4.5 percent 
compared with 2002, to 1.06 million. To counter the trend, airport officials 
tried unsuccessfully to lure AirTran Airlines or another low-fare carrier.

Sarasota visitors had much to see, as development mushroomed downtown. 
Construction began on the 16-story Plaza at Five Points and the 11-story Whole 
Foods Market Centre. They are valued at $130 million. 

More development is ahead as well. By 2005, the city could have hundreds of 
additional condominium units valued at more than $400 million.

Development also was on the minds of tourism officials in 2003. They fretted 
over the conversion of the 146-room Holiday Inn Holidome--Longboat Key and 
other hotels to luxury condominiums. More than 600 rooms in Manatee and 
Sarasota counties were targeted for conversion.

Tourism leaders in Sarasota also gathered support for development of a 
conference center. Its fate will be decided in 2004. 


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