2005 is shaping up to be a strong year for tourism.
According to numbers from San Diego-based CIC Research, visitors to Orange County are expected to number 44.8 million this year, a 3% increase from 2004.
Those visitors are expected to spend $7.85 billion, a 7% increase from 2004.
Disneyland’s 50th anniversary marketing push is a big factor, according to Charles Ahlers, president of the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau.
Strong consumer confidence and an increase in business travel also are factors, Ahlers said.
Since the March-April spring vacation period, Ahlers said Anaheim-area hotels have been reporting a hefty increase in business.
“Area hotels are reporting business up as much as 10%,” he said.
