The vacation home rentals have been hit hard this year by the economy. Tourism is down this year nationwide about 40%. People are not traveling and not renting the vacation homes like they have in the past. Therefore, we have seen an increase in foreclosures in this market and a slowdown in sales.
Fortunately Mentone, Alabama in DeKalb County is only experiencing about a 9% drop in tourism. At Mentone Cabins we are almost even with last year's rentals. DeKalb County is fortunate to be able to weather some the storm. We are finding that people are not traveling as far this year so they are choosing to come to DeKalb County.
The one area that we have seen a difference in at Mentone Cabins is the advanced reservations. Our system allows people to make reservations 24/7. In the past people would reserve cabins several days in advance. That just is not true now. Many people are waiting until the week of their stay to make a reservation. I guess in this economy they are waiting to see if they still have a job and or a pay check coming in for the week.
People are still traveling so if you want to keep them in your properties you might have to add some specials or change your marketing to keep them coming to you.
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