Profiteers and businesses capitalize on the revelry of spring break.
As the festivities of Mardi Gras come to an end, the anticipation for spring break is building. Many colleges and universities will be on mid-term break within the next week or few, and this annual event is set to have a significant impact on various sectors.
For local hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities, spring break is a time of business boom. These companies are responding to the growing trend of families with children using the spring period by offering family-friendly packages and activities. In addition, local app developers are targeting the college crowd with their spring break apps, aiming to make the most of this digital-savvy demographic.
However, it's not all sunshine and parties. There may be an increase in medical and other claims by winter vacationers, potentially affecting insurance companies. Spring break could potentially lead to a business boost for hospital emergency rooms, cleaning firms, and damage-remediation specialists. The economic impact of the annual influx or outflow of student residents should be considered in certain locales, as some college towns may experience a decline in business during the spring break exodus.
The economic impact of spring break extends beyond the immediate tourist destinations. Spring break travel can be indicative of the entire year's tourism outlook for 2012. It might be interesting to poll students about how they are financing their spring break trips, as many students finance their spring break trips using loan money.
Moreover, the marketing and promotions sectors beyond transportation and hospitality can benefit from spring break. The 'StudentCity directory' lists spring break start dates, providing valuable information for businesses looking to capitalise on this period. Some businesses, like the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Chattanooga, Tenn., are promoting themselves as a spring break stopover, potentially benefiting from an increase in southward traffic.
In some cases, special promotions are offered to locals in college towns during spring break. It's worth considering a feature story about small businesses managing the seasonal ebb and flow of revenue, as they navigate through this busy period.
Spring break is also popular among K-12 students and their families, adding another layer of complexity to the economic implications of this event. There is even potential for a brisk business in legal representation, such as DUI attorneys, during spring break.
As spring break approaches, it's clear that this event holds a significant impact on various sectors. Whether it's a boom or a bust, businesses and communities are preparing for this annual influx or outflow of student residents.
