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Hello, 2010
Everyone, take a deep breath and welcome the start of a new year.
For the most part, this change in the date evokes change in all of us. We
all want to be better and do better, and this is our chance. We all get
a redo or a start fresh. It seems that this year more than ever, people
were ready to say goodbye to the old year. The air is filled with
hope and optimism that this year will be better for everyone.
Here at Southern Hospitality Magazine, we spent the last two weeks
of the year reviewing and prepping for the new. How would travel
change? What would the economy look like? Would people feel the
hope of a fresh start? And while you could probably track multiple
surveys, watch the news and read until your eyes are blurry, we just
decided to watch and listen to people.
How? On facebook. Not scientific, no agendas, just talked and
listened to people. We call it a “slice of real life” ... or a “publisher’s
experiment.” I have 300+ facebook friends that share their stories,
their laughter and their heartaches ... and yes, their travel plans. I was
amazed. Regardless of circumstances, roughly 275 of the 300 friends
traveled in the last three months of 2009. I noted multiple trips to
North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Florida, North Georgia, Alabama,
Mississippi, New York and even Alaska and France. They traveled to
see family, for weddings, for sporting events, for retreats, for work,
for the holidays and for no other reason than they deserved
it! The destinations and the reasons for going were many, and most
revolved around family. The trips ranged from 2 days to 10, with
an average of a week. Not bad for a recession, huh? Regardless of
circumstance ... and in some cases because of circumstance, 275
of 300 everyday people got up and went.
That slice of 300 people came from
all over the country, and we at Southern Hospitality Magazine were
more than delighted by how many of those trips were to the Southeast.
Together we can show people what you have to offer. Are people
still feeling the effects of the economy’s downturn? Yes. But when
people make their plans to travel, and they will, it is up to Southern
Hospitality Magazine-Traveler and each destination to be in front of
them, inviting them to our beautiful region.
Visit Southern Hospitality Magazine-Traveler’s newly designed
website! We have editorial, video, digital and print options ... all
wrapped in a fun, interactive website and beautiful leisure publication.
So hello, 2010! We are ready.
Happy New Year!

Debbie Dewell, Publisher
P.S. Subscribe to Southern Hospitality Magazine-Professional’s digital version by emailing editor@southernhospitalitymagazine.com or visit www.southernhospitalitymagazine.com to subscribe to our print edition.
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