Rich Pollack: "Snowbirds flocked to beaches/coastal hotels in record numbers this season"

The latest issue of The Coastal Star is out. Rich Pollack has this article on the incredibly successful Winter season here in Palm Beach County; hotel occupancy rates are at all-time highs. Here's an excerpt:

     You can credit bad weather up North, the recovering national economy or the growing reputation of Palm Beach County as a popular winter tourism destination. [emphasis added]
     Whatever the reason, Palm Beach County continued to be a mecca for winter visitors this year, with occupancy rates reaching records in some areas and with local hotels being close to sold out for many days during the winter season.
     “This season has been unprecedented in terms of tourism for Delray Beach,” said Stephanie Immelman, executive director of the Delray Beach Marketing Cooperative, which promotes the area as a tourism destination. “Occupancy levels are up year over year even with a new hotel — the Fairfield Inn & Suites — opening.”
     Countywide, total occupancy rates remained strong, reaching almost 82 percent in January, close to 90 percent in February and a little more than 86 percent in March, according to statistics compiled by the county’s tourism agency, Discover the Palm Beaches.