By Amy V.T. Moriarty
Islander Reporter
A downturn in local tourism in early October may be a blip on the radar — or the beginning of a concerning downward trend.
Anne Wittine of Research Data Services reviewed tourism trends and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the local industry during a meeting Oct. 19 of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto.
The TDC makes recommendations to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners regarding operations in tourism development and how tourist development tax revenue is spent.
Wittine’s research for August showed Manatee County saw the result of a steady increase in the comfort level of travelers after safer-at-home orders in the spring. he state began phase 1 of its reopening plan in May.
Room occupancy was up 5.7%, with the average daily rate seeing a…
