Growth clearly is driven by the robust U.S. economy.
The number of people staying in all kinds of for-hire accommodations increased. The overall average weighted occupancy rate for hotels, motels, and resorts in Ohio was up in 1999 - but in the lower sixty percent range. Even in mid-summer there is room for overall growth without adding to room inventory, though there may be local tightness in some areas. Average room rates, weighted, are in a reasonable range, so Ohio's HMR properties appear to be competitive. Thus, Ohio's market is quite diversified, which should help to keep the travel industry fairly stable short of a major economic downturn.