ORLANDO— The number of tourists heading to Orlandos theme parks and hotels is likely to shrink this year for the first time in at least a decade. Year-end statistics provided by the Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau showed a significant slowdown in travel during 2000, a year only partially marred by economic woes. Orlando drew a record 43.3 million visitors last year. But the 1.6% increase pales when compared with the 10.1% jump seen the previous year. In addition, Orange County said hotel tax collections were down 7% in June, for the fourth consecutive month. With half of 2001 gone and no economic recovery in sight, bureau President Bill Peeper said Orlando likely is looking at negative numbers for visitor growth this year. (7/31/01) SOURCE: Orlando Sentinel
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