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Sin City Takes Top Spot

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: December 31, 2008

TAMPA - Las Vegas replaced Chicago as the top domestic destination and New York as the top holiday weekend destination in 2008 in an Orbitz.com report of its hotel and air bookings.

Las Vegas rose from sixth as a domestic destination and seventh as a holiday weekend destination in 2007, reflecting deep discounts hoteliers there have offered throughout the year to counter consumer fears about the recession.

Tampa ranked 26th among destinations for five holiday weekends through Labor Day this year and 28th overall on bookings through Nov. 26. Data was not available on Tampa's 2007 rankings.

The Tampa destination rankings mirror the national ranking of Tampa International Airport in passenger numbers. Based on 2007 passenger data, Tampa International is the nation's 27th busiest airport.

New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, Washington, Boston and Atlanta ranked in order behind Las Vegas as the top domestic destinations booked by the online travel agent through Nov. 26.

New York, Chicago, Orlando, San Francisco, Washington, Miami, Los Angeles, Boston and Atlanta followed Las Vegas as the top holiday weekend destinations through Labor Day.

The busiest weeks nationwide for Orbitz patrons were Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, Christmas, Memorial Day and the third week in March.

"By looking back at travel data in 2008, we can identify trends that will help consumers make smart decisions in travel planning for the year ahead," said Jeanenne Tornatore with Orbitz Worldwide.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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