WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES, SAYS U.S. TRAVEL OUTLOOK

At year end 2010, the economy is stronger than originally thought and forecasts are being revised upward says the U.S. Travel Association in the January issue of U.S. Travel Outlook. Retail spending increased in late 2010, according to the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, and the National Retail Federation forecasted that holiday spending would be up 3.3 percent over 2009. Employment news has also been more positive in the last weeks. The week ending Dec. 25 marked the fewest new claims for unemployment since the summer of 2008.

Even with the positive economic news, there are still areas of concern. The business sector still remains hesitant to make new investments or resume hiring despite healthy profits and cash flow. The increasing price of oil is also of great concern, particularly to the travel industry, and could approach 2008 levels, thus reducing Americans’ disposable income and spending. According to the latest Conference Board report, there is still weakness in consumers’ mood and the Consumer Confidence Index, which had improved in November but decreased slightly in December.

To balance the bad with the good though, there is new Gallup research to show that Americans are slightly more optimistic about 2011. Fifty-eight percent of Americans say that 2011 will be better than 2010. Americans living in the East and Midwest are more optimistic than those living in the South and West.

International air travel slowed in November, but was still up 8.2 percent from a year ago. Through November 2010, air traffic growth was at 8.5 percent from 2009. Domestic air traffic was up 5.8 percent in November from 2009, though a recent study by the U.S. Travel Association revealed that the current air travel security screenings are damaging the U.S. travel industry, as well as the U.S. economy.

The U.S. lodging industry continues to improve according to Smith Travel Research. November 2010 results were that demand was up 10.5 percent and ADR was up 2.5 percent from a year ago. (North Carolina results can be found at www.nccommerce.com/tourism/research.) According to Mark Lomanno, STR’s president, the room rate growth is the most encouraging lodging news industry-wide and this trend bodes well for 2011. The latest Rubicon Perspective also indicates that room rates are finally approaching pre-recession levels and that transient and business demand continue to lead the way. PKF has amended its forecast for year-end 2010 to a growth of almost 8 percent in lodging demand and a RevPAR growth of 5.6 percent. The outlook for 2011 has also improved (demand +3.3 percent and RevPAR +6.3 percent).

Leisure travel is expected to perform well in 2011. The U.S. Travel Association predicts an increased in travel volume of about 1.6 percent. Research on booking lead times indicates that travelers booking within four weeks of travel are down to 23 percent (from 30 percent). It is thought that 2011 may be the last year where travel deals and bargains are plenty, as travel suppliers begin to raise rates and fares.

International travel has rebounded strongly and is world travel volume is expect to have risen 5 percent in 2010. In the U.S., 45.3 million international visitors traveled to the U.S. during the first nine months of 2010, according to the U.S. Dept. of Commerce (up 11 percent from 2009). 2011 is promising in terms of international arrivals to the U.S. particularly as the Corporation for Travel Promotion begins its work in earnest.

For more information on the most recent U.S. Travel Outlook, visit www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/page/2009/09/Jan2011_public.html.

January 2011 Harris Teeter Update

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Greenpeace ship headed to Port City

Greenpeace ship headed to Port City

Townhomes at Boca Bay

The Oaks at Boca Bay. Pretty descriptive, we have been told. The developers of this special part of Topsail Island have demonstrated their stewardship by saving the live oaks that have graced this property for more than 100 years, and by planting additional trees for the future.

The Oaks at Boca Bay will be a small community, further protecting the unique environment. Secluded island living in the heart of Topsail Island, yet providing convenient access to all the amenities in Surf City, Topsail Beach, Sneads Ferry and Wilmington.
Feel more like following greens than following seas? The Golf Digest top rated North Shore Country Club is just a few miles away. The Surf City park, with its boardwalk around the sound, playground, public boat ramps and picnic shelters is the site of many island celebrations and fun for young and old.

Call Rand today (910.352.1414)for the complete information about this once in a lifetime opportunity on Topsail Island or visit www.randburchfield.com or the website at www.bocabaync.com. Oh, and the pricing begins at $289,900., a great opportunity for island living!

Listing your home during the holidays? Here are some ideas!

Holiday Staging Ideas

Curb Appeal
Remove spent plants from the landscape. Freshen up any pots with cold hardy plants. Hang a welcoming wreath on the front door.

Packing Up
As you break out the holiday cookware and decorations sort through items that you don't use anymore. Try to find a new home for them that is not your home! When the holidays are over be sure to pack items carefully so that you won't have to repack when it's time to move.

Time for Some Warm Glows
The holidays are a great time to decorate with candles. Consider grouping all different sizes. Keep fragrances subtle so buyers won't wonder what you are trying to cover up.

Bring the Outdoors In
Take advantage of our mild winter climate that affords us so many green branches to clip and use for natural arrangements. Tie a red bow around the container and group them for instant fresh decorations!

Less is More
Avoid the urge to decorate every nook and cranny of your house while it is on the market! Decorations can distract buyers from seeing your home's features and make the house appear less spacious.

~ Courtesy of our friends at "Exiting - Staged Right!"

How about this view from your balcony on Topsail Island?

Living on Carolina Time ~ October 2010 Newsletter ~ The Burchfield Group

The first weekend of October was glorious! The 2010 RiverFest is in the history books and from all accounts was wildly successful, with huge crowds on Saturday. After a week of record setting rainfall, the cabin fevered folks enjoyed a bright autumnal day by the Cape Fear River.

Lots more events are on the way in October along the Carolina coast. We've mentioned in few of them in our newsletter (see link) and hope you'll come and be our guest!

Living on Carolina Time October Newsletter from The Burchfield Group.pdf