Spring break business slow in Panama City

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. -- Local tourism officials worried spring break may not be as prosperous as in the past.

The reasons: Fewer rooms, higher prices, a weak economy, the threat of war, stricter law enforcement and more competition.

This Florida Panhandle resort city has been the nation's leading spring break destination in recent years. Businesses usually rake in about $200 million from the last week of February through the middle of April.

That number could fall this year because seven hotels and motels totaling 1,621 rooms are being torn down for redevelopment.

"That's a serious number," says Jack Bishop, chairman of Bay County's Tourist Development Council. "Based on a total 15,000-plus rentals on the beach, that's a 10-percent reduction."

Bishop says he also is worried room-rate increases could keep budget-conscious college students away.

Cody Kahn, general manager of the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort, says he expects a good spring break but still has vacancies among 900 rooms at five locations.

Americans forsake picnics for fast food

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Americans are increasingly forsaking simple outdoors pleasures like picnicking and camping for fast-growing activities like golf and sightseeing while driving, a state survey in Oregon suggests.

"In some ways, our study results are reflective of what's going on in our society as a whole," said Terry Bergerson, project manger with the Oregon Parks and Recreation department.

Bergerson said national studies suggest that picnic baskets are being left at home because of the growing numbers of fast-food outlets near parks and wildlands. Travelers are increasingly more likely to hit the drive-through restaurant on the way to their destination rather than pack homemade lunches.

Officials will use the study's results to plan recreation projects that dovetail with the needs of residents and tourists. The survey wa conducted by telephone and mail.

--From wire reports