Island Tourism Defies State Trend
Recent tourism numbers translate to increased occupancy rates and income for island property owners looking for a return on their investment.
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By Rick Catlin
Islander Reporter
At a time when tourism in Orlando is off 40 percent and other Florida destinations are suffering drops of 15-30 percent, Anna Maria Island continues to defy the trend.
According to figures available from the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the two-month average of occupancy figures on the Island for September and October was 14.7 percent higher than the same two months last year.
“We’re booming and I’m delighted,” said David Teitelbaum, a board member of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council and owner of three resorts in Bradenton Beach.
