Air Service Still in Trouble

The September 4, 2009 Kiplinger Letter (Volume 86, No. 36) has made some interesting forecasts for 2010. First off, the Kiplinger Letter forecasts for management decision-making. It covers a wide spectrum of topics especially economic trends in a variety of businesses. 

This issue touches on what I consider one of the most critical issues facing the hospitality industry in the foreseeable future. And that is the future of air service…Kiplinger reports that flying to meet clients or sales prospects isn’t going to be easier. Reduced service to big and small markets means less flexibility for travelers and fewer available seats. They are also forecasting airfares to go up about 6% in 2010.

To be more specific air carriers are looking to make another round of flight cuts in the near future with both major and minor markets losing some of their mid-day air service. If that holds true and Louisville loses additional air service it will continue to put a damper on our abilities to effectively grow hotel occupancy and increase travel to Louisville. The impact of reduced flights hurts so many businesses…from restaurants to hotels to attractions; small businesses and big businesses all feel the impact of reduced air lift into any market.

The Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau will be working with a soon to be named consultant to help us develop a long range plan that will be used as a roadmap to help us attract an additional 400,000 room nights to Louisville annually - sometime in the future. Air service will play a critical roll in helping us achieve our convention and leisure growth goals in the future. Destinations that will see growth in the future will be those destinations that have a strong transportation element working for it. Lets all hope that Louisville is one of those cities.