A note from Todd Brooks at Island Getaway

The first half numbers indicate that the vacation rental industry on Hilton Head will see a much welcomed increase in business in 2010 vs. 2009.  The Spring season numbers held in check, but the Summer has shown a double digit increase, with July shaping up to be record numbers.  The tragedy in the Gulf has exposed Hilton Head to thousands of new visitors.  The Island’s overall tourism numbers will see the impact of this new exposure for years to come.  We have yet to see what kind of retention rate we will have with first time visitors and if they will put Hilton Head in a rotation with their other annual vacation destinations, or even make it a permanent one.  Nonetheless, it has our company’s inventory at capacity for every week in July.  One thing I have noticed about the displaced vacationers from the Gulf, is that they are primarily looking for oceanfront accommodations.  The majority of inventory in the Gulf Coast region consists of oceanfront condos, and people are creatures of habit. Read the rest of this entry