Thus, Greater Raleigh will boast 116 properties with 13,005 rooms. Like the simmering economy, though, hotel construction slowed down in Wake County with only three new properties adding 129 rooms to the market in 2000 and four new properties adding 278 rooms to date in 2001. According to a recent analysis by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, good times and banner profits may be just around the corner for the U.S. hotel industry. Corporate travel is likely to rebound after cutbacks this year.
Vacationers are likely to maintain their far-flung travel habits.
And a drop-off in construction in new hotels also will help keep existing hotels full. Thus, occupancy rates, which have mainly been falling since 1996, are expected to rise next year. That, in turn, will make it easier for hotels to raise their prices. Greater Raleigh's golf promotional efforts are in full swing this spring. Besides participating in the Montreal Golf Show, the annual AENC Golf Tournament and incorporating six area courses into the TGIF weekend promotion, the Bureau also hosted some top international decision-makers and influencers.