Saturday, January 12, 2008

Advance bookings give hoteliers reason to smile, at least for now

Christopher Boyd writes:

Hoteliers expect a strong start to 2008, with reports of solid advance bookings following a run of rising occupancy levels during the final months of 2007.

But the confidence begins to buckle when industry leaders look further into the future. Uncertainties about the economy and gasoline prices could turn a strong start into something less hearty -- especially in an era when people seem more inclined to make travel plans at the last minute.

"I think everybody is very cautious about 2008," said Laura Sherman, incoming chairman of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association. "For now, cold weather in the Northeast and gas prices going down are positives."

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