The Idaho Travel Council heard optimistic projections for 2004 from key tourism industry representatives during an Idaho Travel Council meeting in Boise last week.

�After a period of little growth, we�re excited to see so many positive signs that things might be turning around for the travel industry,� said Carl Wilgus, administrator, Idaho Tourism Division. Jim Manion of AAA Idaho told the council Idaho recently participated in an automobile travel survey testing travel intentions for the next 12 months. Of those surveyed, 55 percent plan at least as many automobile trips as last year; 24 percent anticipate they will take more trips; and only 19 percent said they might need to cut back on their travel plans. Manion said western travelers top the nation in the number of trips they take and how much they spend. Other positive signs include rising hotel occupancy and room rates in the U.S. and online bookings growing at double-digit rates.

The RV industry continues to outperform the economy with shipments of new RV�s for 2003 at the highest levels ever. Executive Director of the Idaho RV and Campground Owners Association, Anne Chambers, attributes the upward trend to a strong appeal for domestic road trips, low interest rates, and added discretionary income from home refinancing. If ownership rates remain the same, Chambers told the council the current 6.9 million RV owners will grow to 7.2 million in 2010. The RV rental market skyrocketed in 2002-2003, up nearly 30 percent; the majority of renters are first-time RV�ers who want to sample the product and lifestyle before purchasing.

The snowsports industry is also enjoying a banner year in Idaho according to Ed Lodge of the Idaho Ski Area Association. All 16 Idaho ski areas are reporting excellent snow levels and ski/snowboarding conditions.

Good snowpack translates to a good water year on Idaho�s rivers. The U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service recently reported stream-flow forecasts at 90 to 110 percent of average for spring through summer.

Executive Director of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, Grant Simonds, told council members that while 2003 was an average year for hunting, demand is strong; all Selway Wilderness tags sold out last month. Fishing is a growing and positive segment of the industry. Idaho Department of Fish and Game is forecasting the second largest salmon return to Idaho since 1975. Simonds added that good equipment, good guides and stock owned by outfitters continue to be ingredients for success.

Although the Boise Airport was not represented at the council roundtable, declines in passenger traffic in Boise in 2003 were slightly less than the national average.

According to the Air Transport Association of America, security concerns and other factors resulted in a passenger decline of 2.7 percent nationally, while Boise experienced a decline of 2.5 percent. The US domestic air market experienced a year of stabilization, mirroring worldwide trends and ending the year with 3 percent more flights in December than January 2003.

Council members also unanimously approved a motion declaring their support for the Boise Auditorium District�s efforts to increase visitor expenditures in Idaho by promoting meetings and convention business in Boise.

Representatives serving on the Idaho Travel Council include: Mike Shirley, Chairman, Boise; Marty Smith, Vice-Chair, Kooskia; Nancy DiGiammarco, Athol; Bill Reagan, Coeur d�Alene; Louise Mahoney, Pocatello; John Webster, Burley; Brent Gillette, Sun Valley and Tadd Jenkins, Idaho Falls.

Visit www.visitid.org for more information on events and activities in Idaho.

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Media Contact: Ron Gardner +1 208-334-2470 rgardner@idoc.state.id.us