Airport, Hotels See Increase in Travelers This Spring on Hilton Head Island
Airport Sees an Upsurge
The Spring season has brought about a significant increase in the number of travelers on Hilton Head Island, resulting in more crowded airport premises and booked-out hotels. The island’s airport has been bustling with tourists in pursuit of the warm weather, spring breaks, and, of course, the highly anticipated upcoming RBC Heritage. The airport’s director, Jon Rembold, discussed the unfolding situation and mentioned that the impact of the travel season on the airport was especially noticeable this year.
Airlines like United, American, and Delta have responded rapidly to the upsurge by introducing or intensifying nonstop flights to the island’s airport from major cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Newark. The airport is set to see more staff, TSA officers, and vehicles in its parking lot throughout the travel season. Rembold highlighted the valuable advantage of the airport’s convenience for both the tourists and residents of the Hilton Head Island. “People can kind of start a pot of coffee in the morning, and drive their loved one to the airport, drop them off and get home in time for coffee…the regional jets are really reliable. So, the record that we’ve got is fantastic,” he commented.
Hotels and Rentals, A Full House
With the airport brimming with travelers, hotels and vacation rentals on the islands are witnessing a surge in room reservations compared to previous years. An approximately 5% increase in occupancy rate on the island has been recorded. Charlie Clark, the vice president of communications for the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, shared views on the progression. He stated that not only was the number of people staying on the island increasing, but the advanced timing of booking was prominent along with a rise in spent money.
“From an economic standpoint and from a great economy standpoint that’s definitely what you want to see,” Clark emphasized, referring to the increase in the average daily rate; the amount visitors are willing to spend on accommodations during their stay.
One of the island’s main attractions this Spring remains the eagerly anticipated RBC Heritage. The upcoming event is expected to further boost the inflow of travelers, thereby contributing additional liveliness to the island.
Truly, Hilton Head Island is soaked in the spirit of the travel season, breathing life into businesses after a year of stagnancy, and welcomes this spring with a more vibrant and zealous appeal.
