Fears of recession continue into 09

Many that have been riding Orlando's tourism coat tails with the build-it mentality may find themselves going out of a business in 2009.

Key indicators that determine the direction of the market are bookings at the major hotels including Hilton, J.P. Marriot, Ritz Carlton, and Disney hotels.

Hotels look at several factors including average occupancy, and revenue to project wealth. But these are expect to be perhaps 5 - 10% below average in 2009. Some are predicting 3 -4 percent down in leisure and domestic tourism said the chief executive officer of the Orlando County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Experts suggest several key factors in staying in the game for 2009

• Strong Brand Name
• An ubiquitous Internet presence
• An aggressive marketing plan

People that are experts in the hotel business and know how to tighten their bellts during this downturn will survive said Scott Smith lodging instructor for Central Florida Rose College.

Nevertheless high profile projects continue ahead due to some inside information? Some hotels like Hilton Orlando will be adding 1,400 rooms to south International Drive in an attempt to catch the overflow of executives who want upscale hotel reservations.

Still others like the Waldorf-Astoria hotel of the famed Park Avenue in New York, is building adjacent to Disney World and will be adding 47 signature Manhattan rooms. Construction is set to begin at Rival Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek near Waldorf housing 150,000 square feet of conference space including the resort Rees Jones Golf Course.

And the list goes on, Marriot is opening a several hotels including Springhill Suites and the Fairfield Inn near SeaWorld Aquatica each offering 200 rooms apiece.

The fact is, when the economy declines, those that are resilient with the best business plans will survive and the rest will close.