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Bargains, Burdens Ahead For Travelers

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: December 11, 2008

TAMPA - The volatile economy has created positive and negative effects on travelers heading in and out of the Bay area and challenges for the area's mainstay tourism industry, which has more employees than any other sector. Here are some highlights.

Ted Jackovics

GOOD

•Some airfares for Christmas, New Year's and Hanukkah holiday travel periods have declined at Florida airports.

•Travelers are likely to find some bargain airfares after New Year's, says Tom Parsons, founder of BestFares.com.

•Hotel prices nationwide also are in decline, with bargains available in Hawaii and Las Vegas in particular.

•Gasoline prices, already at their lowest level in three or four years, could decline even further.

•The Super Bowl is coming to Tampa on Feb. 1, which will boost local hotels, restaurants and retail sales.

BAD

•Airlines have trimmed flights by about 10 percent this holiday season compared with last year.

•Pricing travel is made more complicated by the numerous fees that nearly every airline has added in the past year on items such as baggage and refreshments.

•Competition from both domestic and international destinations continues to build for Tampa Bay area hotels and attractions, with that impact felt on restaurants and retail outlets.

Local visitor numbers drop. DETAILS, Business, Back of Sports

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