TIA sets record, hotel occupancy down

Friday, March 14, 2008

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A record number of travelers came through Tampa International Airport in 2007.

TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- Despite the gloomy economic forecast, more travelers are using Tampa International Airport than ever.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 18.2 million passengers passed through Tampa International in 2007 -- up 1.5 percent from 2006.

Annual visitors, such as those coming for spring training games, are helping Tampa International Airport sport record numbers for travelers.

"We're looking at different baseball programs to see which teams are going to be good," visitor Paul Doyle said.

More people may be flying in, but the Convention and Visitors Bureau reports hotel occupancy rates are down.

Last year Hillsborough hotels were at 63.7 percent occupancy -- down almost 6 percent from 2006.

Last winter rates dropped by almost 2 percent from 2006, and last summer it was down just under 1 percent.

David Disalvo with the Hyatt Regency in Tampa said 2007 may have been down, but 2008 is looking good.

"This year the uptick has been terrific," Disalvo said. "Citywide convention business has been up."

He said the rise in business is due to international travelers.

"We think that the dollar -- although it is devalued -- people, with international travel, are taking advantage of that," Disalvo said.

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