Spring Break Success
Reporter: Candace White


Spring break 2007 is in full effect, and the Tourist Development Council members are saying it's a huge success.

Some hotel and business owners say this season is (so far) just a couple of dollars shy of the best year ever.

TDC Chairman Jim Lawson says the council started marketing earlier this season and stepped-up their internet marketing tactics.

Promotional company's involvement also contributes to this year's success.

Jim Lawson said, "For some of the properties, it is up over previous years. One of the measuring sticks is the corporate involvement . We have corporate groups like Gillette, the United States Army, Geico."

Cody Khan with Hotel Operations added, "Last year, we were a bit hurt by Hurricane Katrina because a lot of people thought the entire Gulf Coast was wiped out, but this year's been back to normal."

Another reason for a profitable spring break is for the first time, a trip to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda requires a passport.

Passport services have been swamped and those people who waited, may not have been able to get the paperwork in on time.