“Aquariums are popular because they fill what people are looking for in a vacation. There has been a trend toward family-oriented vacations and traditional type of vacations. People also want their vacations to have an educational component that is disguised as fun. When you are doing a big downtown revitalization project, it makes sense to have a flagship attraction that you can build around.”
“We know that if people are confident in their discretionary income and the health of the economy, they tend to worry less about rising travel costs, including gas prices.”
“It's a phenomenon, and it has really taken hold in the industry, ... It really brings people into some of the smaller areas, the rural areas that are not like first-tier destinations.”
“Whether you were a greeter at Wal-Mart or a sales manager or bookkeeper in another industry, these are skills that can transfer easily to the hospitality industry.”
“It's had a big impact on the economy, especially as conventions have had to relocate. But by the end of the year, I think we are going to see recovery workers leaving and more venues opening up. I don't think tourists are going to give up on the city for long.”
“It’s a phenomenon, and it has really taken hold in the industry, ... It really brings people into some of the smaller areas, the rural areas that are not like first-tier destinations.”