The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that cumulative expenditures by international visitors in February, 2009 were down 13% when compared to this same period last year. Cumulatively year-to-date, this represents a 10% period over period drop for international visitor spending in the United States. Passenger airfare receipts were down 11% for the month when compared to the same monthly period one year ago. As we turn our attention to when this down streak can be snapped, there were some positive comps as well.

Bright spots for international travel to the United States include Brazil and Argentina. Brasilian travel to the US was up 26% vs. the same period one year ago, Argentinian tourism to America was up 10%, and French travel was up 4%. In fact, for Brazil and Argentina, this represents a continuing 2 1/2 year period for increasing tourism to the United States.

Based on feedback, international tourism may be down to the city, but it appears that market share trends for Orlando vacation home rentals in the overall accommodations market may be favorable. As we have indicated in prior posts, staying in a vacation rental has become more accepted by the American public in general, and this product has begun to rapidly gain market share over hotels. If properly marketed to consumers in developing markets, vacation rentals can be the accommodation of choice for these travelers.

Our site aims to provide independent consumer information which gives a prospective Orlando traveler a sense of confidence in the quality of the vacation home community based on their expectations.