A poor economy and higher prices for fuel, food and lodging have travelers re-evaluating vacation plans, Tampa Bay tourism industry officials have learned. The key to success in this year's tourism season will be how well the tourism industry can tap into travelers' perceptions. Here is a sample of what some travelers are thinking these days from interviews at Clearwater Beach and Tampa. ...more

May 6, 2008

SEBRING – The U.S. Sport Aviation Expo was established to showcase Light Sport Aircraft, promote the industry and bring business to Sebring Regional Airport and Highlands County. It has accomplished those objectives and – hopefully – will continue to attract companies. A newcomer to the airport is Paradise USA, whose parent is a Brazilian company that has set up its Florida operation in Sebring after having a booth at last year's expo. "We had been looking for a place to establish our base in Florida," said Paulo Oliveira, general manager of Paradise USA. "Why Florida? Because of Florida weather and flying in paradise. The name of our company is Paradise, and I think that has a lot to do with Florida, so I think it fits right in there." A resident of Palm Beach, Oliveira initially looked for hangars in West Palm as well as along the coast. ...more

January 6, 2008