07/02/09 - 05:09 PM
The 4th of July is just 2 days away and if you’ve been out and about you’ve noticed the influx of tourists. The beaches are packed and ready for this Saturday’s celebration.
It’s good news for Panama City Beach. Most hotels and condos on are booked solid.
“We’re predicting we will have a sold out weekend. The hotels and condominiums are showing a very strong occupancy right now,” said Beth Oltman, President of the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce.
While there are still openings, most say there are only a few rooms here and there. Annie Holcombe for Oaseas properties, manages 7 condos on Panama City Beach, and says they are completely sold out.
“We actually have a couple of oversells on some properties where we’re going to have to relocate some people. The demand has been tremendous so we’re really pleased with what this weekend is going to hold for us,” Holcombe said.
However, there are differences from years past.
“It being on the weekend itself kind of shortened it to a three day window where last year we were able to get a 4 day stay out of it,” Holcombe said.
Holcombe says the traditional Saturday to Saturday stay is dwindling. People are booking later for shorter trips. The rates are also significantly less than last year.
“They’re also looking for the deal and the economy has made people more aware of the money that they’re spending,” said Holcombe.
Property managers also say these aggressive deals are helping them to keep these high occupancy rates. Gas prices are also around $2.60 a gallon compared to last summers $4 a gallon.