CRANIS: I think we’re going to see a resurgence of snowbirds
PETER CRANIS: From a tourist and business perspective, it was very good. Tourism tax revenues are rising, more hotels are online, people are traveling again, international borders are open, cruise lines are almost at full capacity, market launches are continuing at a rapid pace, and Orlando is beginning to recover. However, 2022 could get even better. While Father New Year is resting his employees and Baby New Year begins, let’s take a look at some highlights that we can look forward to.
What’s happening? Is it the end of 2021? I think time goes by faster. I have a theory that your perception of time changes with age and that as you age it compresses so that years seem to go by. That has certainly happened this year.
Not only were we in a year of recovery from COVID (supposedly), we moved both our offices and my house, everything seemed so compressed. But it was a good year and we have to be happy about that. Sure there were challenges, but every year brings with it.
It was very good from a tourist and business point of view. Tourism tax revenues are rising, more hotels are online, people are traveling again, international borders are open, cruise lines are almost at full capacity, market launches are continuing at a rapid pace, and Orlando is beginning to recover.
However, 2022 could get even better. While Father New Year is resting his employees and Baby New Year begins, let’s take a look at some highlights that we can look forward to.
Starting with January / February, I believe we will see a resurgence of snowbirds, including Canadians. It’s been 2 years now and I just have a feeling that we’re going to see a great wave of people from the great white north.
Peter Cranis, Executive Director of the Space Coast Office of Tourism: Starting in January / February, I believe we will see a resurgence of snowbirds, including Canadians. It’s been 2 years now and I just have a feeling that we’re going to see a great wave of people from the great white north.
Then we come to the spring break – March and April. I’ve already written that I think we’re about to be about to possibly be the biggest spring break in history, as Easter doesn’t take place until mid-April. It could really make the season longer. We will also be running a $ 1 million marketing campaign promoting the season, which will surely be helpful.
Then we get that gap between Easter and Memorial Day. I don’t think the gap will go down that much as I still think there is some catching up to do out there. We can also look forward to the Thunder on Cocoa Beach boat races and the Space Coast Air Show in Titusville the weekend leading up to Memorial Day weekend.
Then it’s summer. Could this summer beat last summer? I’m not sure, but the indicators are certainly good. We’re going to be running a $ 2 million marketing campaign from May to September, that should give us a good boost.
If we can prevent the virus from resurfacing a high, keep gas prices reasonable, and curb inflation, people will certainly be more willing and able to travel than they were last year.
It’s a bit early to predict but it has the potential to be a strong season. So 2022 could be a great year overall. I just assume it will – we all deserve it! Happy New Year everyone and see you next year!
– Peter Cranis, Executive Director of the Space Coast Tourism Bureau
