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Gulf Shores Tourism - We're Back!

By
Real Estate Agent with Re/Max Paradise

It's totallyGulf Shores beach unscientific research, but it does make sense.  In order to "measure" the numbers of tourists enjoying our beaches and hospitality, the tourism leaders count cars in the parking lots.  A check of license plates shows where visitors are from and how far they have traveled to Gulf Shores.

According to AL.com, on June 15, 2011, the tourism group reported that parking lots have been full and all tourism indicators are looking very good.  In a Pleasure Island tourism report, it was stated that this past winter the lodging revenue was higher than it has ever been! The report on AL.com stated that this winter revenue reached $20.7 million. Prior to winter 2010-11, the highest lodging revenue reported occurred in the winter of 2007, and that amount was $17.5 million.

USA Today reported on April 22, 2011 that, "A year after the worst oil spill in U.S. history, tourism is returning to the Gulf Coast."  They reported that fall revenue from lodging is up 15% over the same time last year in the Pensacola and Perdido Key area.

A quote from Freddie Marzan who manages Peg Leg Pete's Oyster Bar in Pensacola said that their business is back up to where it was prior to the oil spill.

The highest tourism revenues are reached in the summer months and those remain to be seen, however the indicators are promising. The mayor of Gulf Shores, Robert Craft, stated that, "Gulf Shores saw a 12 percent increase in tax collections from January - April." The mayor of Orange Beach said that crowds were returning from later in the fall throughout the winter to spring.

Both mayors agree that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will keep the red carpet out for summer visitors. The oil spill devastated the summer business last year, but all are optimistic that crowds will return to their favorite local resorts and beaches. There were large crowds for the Hangout Music Festival and Memorial Weekend this May. The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival will bring many visitors in mid-June. July is filled with concerts and fishing tournaments as well as all the special July 4th weekend events.

Whether its counting cars in the parking lots or reading area tourism reports, the news is good in Gulf Shores! This is a great time to invest in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach real estate. I am ready with the information and options to help - give me a call today. Lance Steffek, 251-981-2225.

 

photo courtesy nola.agent - flickr creative commons

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