Anna Maria Island is experiencing a strong resurgence in its vacation rental market, with bookings steadily increasing following the impact of last year’s hurricanes. While repairs took time, the island is now seeing a significant return of tourists, particularly for the upcoming summer months.
Tourism Rebounds on Anna Maria Island
Business for vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island is finally picking up momentum after a challenging period caused by last year’s hurricanes. Eric Pullen, vice president of growth and development for Prime Vacations, noted that all 600 properties managed by the company on the island required some form of repair due to the storms. "Post-hurricane was a challenge," Pullen stated, describing the initial efforts to assess the damage for property owners located globally.
Occupancy Rates Approach Pre-Storm Norms
Prime Vacations, which also manages 50 properties in Bradenton, has observed a significant increase in booking inquiries and demand. While the early months of the year, specifically January and February, saw a slower start, March has shown promising recovery. The company is currently pacing at just over 80% occupancy for March, which is close to their historical average of 85% for the month. This rebound signifies a return to normalcy for the island’s tourism sector.
Gradual Recovery and Future Outlook
The recovery process was gradual, with occupancy levels slowly climbing after the initial impact. Pullen mentioned that by Thanksgiving, approximately 50% of their managed inventory was back online, and this figure rose to 70% by Christmas. The current momentum is strong, with high reservation numbers for June and July. Prime Vacations anticipates that around 90% of their properties will be operational by early May, indicating a robust return for the island’s vital tourism industry. Pullen expressed his pleasure in seeing the island bustling with activity again, with visitors enjoying walking, cycling, and golf cart rides.
Key Takeaways
- Vacation rental bookings on Anna Maria Island are significantly increasing.
- The island’s tourism sector is recovering well after last year’s hurricanes.
- Prime Vacations expects 90% of its managed properties to be operational by early May.
- Summer months, particularly June and July, are showing high reservation rates.