Good News as Summer Travel Increases on Jekyll Island

T2F Editor Note:  Just say "Jekyll Island" and some of our staff members go all "gooey- eyed."  Stories of years long ago of family vacations just bubble out with everyone in the office enjoying hearing them.  A friend of my family owned a couple of hotels on the island way back when and we would spend a lot of time down in Brunswick on the beach.  Ahh, the stories I could tell!  Hey, why not just go and check it out yourself?  Who knows?  You may come back with great memories for your family. In the meantime,  I'm going to check my calendar to see when I can escape back to my island of fun.

/PRNewswire/ -- With revitalization underway, Jekyll Island is beginning to see a return of visitation despite the sluggish economy. At its regular meeting Monday, the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Board of Directors reviewed hotel reports showing strong revenue growth for the month of June. Hotel revenue was up 28 percent over June 2009. The new Hampton Inn & Suites generated nearly $500,000 in revenue and achieved 92 percent occupancy for the month. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel saw revenue increase 25 percent over last year.

"The new Hampton Inn &Suites is attracting people back to Jekyll," stated JIA chairman Bob Krueger. "I spoke with a hotel guest this morning who had not been to Jekyll in many years. He was having a great time."

The growth in business was split between groups and guests on vacation. Several conventions held their meetings on Jekyll Island in June. Groups were rewarded with great weather and businesses ready to serve up a healthy dose of hospitality

Higher visitation translated into more business for island restaurants, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Summer Waves Water Park, whose revenue is 10 percent or almost $100,000 more than 2008.

"Leveraging events to gain earned media and focusing on internet marketing is paying off," stated Eric Garvey, JIA Chief Communications Officer. "We are in a good position. Our message is out there and we are being rewarded with incremental business."

Ben Porter, Chairman of the JIA Board of Directors Marketing Committee, echoed the optimism. "These results are a reflection of the staff's hard work and commitment, and I am very pleased with the direction we are heading."

With plans for two new hotels, beach village shopping and dining and a new convention center moving forward, Jekyll Island is quickly becoming Georgia's premier beach destination. The good news is timely as the economic recovery tries to pick up steam. When looking for bright spots, look to the beautiful Georgia coast and Jekyll Island.

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