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Full speed ahead: Despite COVID-19, resort revenue booming in states such as Florida

April 17, 2021
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2 min read
Florida, Deerfield Beach, Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort
Full speed ahead: Despite COVID-19, resort revenue booming in states such as Florida
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Ask anyone from Florida, Georgia or South Carolina if they feel the highways or beaches have been more congested now than in 2020 in their state and you’re likely met with a predictable look of accordance. We know that eager travelers have been flocking to warm destinations where outdoor activities are abundant and dining outside is common during the coronavirus pandemic, but likely no state has welcomed more visitors seeking a respite from the winter blues and those tired of being cooped up at home than Florida.

Though we know Florida has always been a popular tourist destination due to its warm weather, theme parks and beautiful beaches, according to Travel Weekly, the state’s March 2021 occupancy metrics at resort properties have eclipsed pre-pandemic March 2019 numbers. Along with Georgia and South Carolina, resort properties across these three markets saw occupancy rates increase 5% in 2021 compared to March 2019.

Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive, hotel grounds
Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive (Photo by Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)



Related: Opening America: State-by-state guide to coronavirus reopening

While we’re not surprised by the influx of visitors to these states during the pandemic, the eye-opening statistic is the average daily rate (ADR) -- the revenue made per resort room -- was up an astonishing 29.6% in March 2021, surpassing 36% total increase in revenue from the same time back in March 2019.

With no signs of tourism slowing down in these states, resort booking trends are steadily increasing. As of March 31, resorts in these states are experiencing a 15.7% greater increase in room occupancy between March 2021 and August 2021, compared to the same six-month period pre-pandemic in 2019.

Bottom line

Hotels in the southeast, particularly in Florida, continue to accommodate guests but restrict hotel amenities such as lounge access, restaurant dining and spa services. It’s interesting to see that while the coronavirus pandemic has altered the resort experience, all signs point to universal pent-up demand for travel and a continued influx of vacationers heading out on holiday to these popular states.

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Featured image by Universal Images Group via Getty
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.