According to an article in the Sarasota Herald Tribune, 2011 tourism numbers during spring, our traditional high season, were on the rise.
They were up a full 7% over 2010, which doesn’t sound too impressive, but makes a huge difference to a town who relies in large part on tourism and seasonal visitors for our city’s economy.
The love-hate relationship which I have expounded on in the past seems to have dulled to a thankful one, whereby residents are happy to wait on line at their favorite restaurant if it means health for the region. Last years numbers were down due to the ongoing economic woes across the nation, aggravated by the fears over the oil spill repercussions.
As you know, Sarasota suffered no ill effects from the oil spill. Siesta Key public beach was named the #1 beach in the nation this year, and the Sarasota real estate deals are so hot they are spurring a Siesta Key real estate mini-boom. Can I put up with an extra wait at a restaurant in order to see a healthy local economy? Yes, I can – after all, this is paradise, mon – relax and enjoy!