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.