Florida Tourism and Travel

Orlando, FL - The housing market is slipping, the economy is rolling up and down like a yo-yo, and the consumer confidence index has slipped to its lowest level in 18 month. So what does this mean to the travel industry in Orlando?

The outlook for the first quarter of 2008 looks pretty strong, especially in large markets such as Orlando. Trey Duling of Orlandovacation.com was recently been quoted as saying, “We expect to have another great first quarter in 2008. Yes, a lot of families might be looking to make cuts on their vacations to save some money, but the economy is not as bad as some analysis have been projecting. I don’t think the economy will get too bad, at least in the first quarter of 2008, where families will be cutting out their annual vacations. I don’t see any indications of that yet.”

Even though the major theme parks in Orlando have not come out with their 2008 first quarter forecasting, you should probably expect to see the overall attendance at the theme parks be the same as last year. It is too early to forecast the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2008; however, the first quarter looks to be quite strong.

“The first quarter should be flat as compared to 2007, but we need to remind ourselves that the first quarter of 2007 was very, very good,” said Trey Duling.

One market which should do better than last year is the vacation home rentals in Orlando. These vacations homes have grown so popular that there are almost as many vacation homes in the Orlando area as there are hotel rooms. It is these excesses in inventory which is continuing to drive the nightly rates down, hence providing families with a great bargain. The Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau and Osceola County are both doing major marketing campaigns to promote the Orlando vacation home industry. This extra bit of marketing should make for a pretty strong booking season for the vacation homes.

Destin, FL - Located along the panhandle of Florida, Destin is quickly becoming one of the top vacation locations in the world. Once you have walked through our powder-white sand, taken a swim in our emerald-colored waters, and experienced our breath-taking sunsets you will fall in love. It’s to no surprise that the readers of Southern Living voted Destin the best destination in the southeast.

Known for its white-sand beaches and emerald-colored waters, Destin is becoming the vacation location of many. It’s to no surprise that the readers of Southern Living voted Destin the best destination in the southeast.

Destin has a lot to offer such as: exceptional accommodations, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and an exciting calendar of events all year round. Take a look and see what Destin has planned this fall.

October 5th through the 7th, Destin holds the 29th annual Seafood Festival located at the Morgan Sports Complex. The festivities will include over 100 arts and crafts booths, delicious seafood, live music, and the very popular Kid’s Zone. This family-oriented function was voted “Best of the Best” in entertainment.

For something more relaxed, Seaside has started the Sunset Serenade Concert Series every Tuesday evening from 7-9. Give ears to the many gifted musicians of the Emerald Coast. Bring a chair or blanket to the Seaside Amphitheater and enjoy artists such as: Sticks and Stones, The Underdogs, and Jones & Company.

October 29th through November 4th Destin brings you the World Cup Classic. Be apart of the biggest, loudest, and fastest powerboat race on the Gulf of Mexico. This extreme event will include impressive local entertainment, parties, and the best in offshore racing. The action begins at the Race Village in Destin Commons.

Watch for more exciting events coming this year and celebrate with the City of Destin.