What is this travel promotion legislation?

A new survey of travel management professionals reveals that more than 60 percent aren’t aware of legislation recently passed by Congress that would create a public-private partnership aimed at promoting the United States as a top international travel destination.

An additional 29 percent of respondents were unaware of the act’s details, according to the survey from AirPlus International.

The Travel Promotion Act of 2009 would be funded through “private sector contributions” and $10 “user fees” paid by international visitors. The bill does not rely on American taxpayer dollars and would result in a $400 million Travel Promotion Fund, its sponsors say.

The survey also revealed 53 percent weren’t sure how the money would be used and 73 percent said any fees “would be reciprocated for U.S. travelers into other countries.”

“This Act will certainly have an impact on the travel industry overall, not just business travel,” Richard Crum, president of AirPlus International Inc., said in a news release. “We polled our industry colleagues to learn how they felt on the topic. Clearly, the results indicate that there is not enough awareness of the Act.”

Opponents say the legislation could actually hurt tourism because of the increased costs to visit the country.

Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving Holiday

Voice of America

Millions of Americans are celebrating the annual Thanksgiving Day holiday with a traditional feast with friends and family.

Thanksgiving, which is held in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November, is one of the biggest travel holidays of the year.  The day is centered on a meal typically including turkey, potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.

U.S. President Barack Obama and his family handed out Thanksgiving meal supplies to needy Washington residents at a local soup kitchen (Martha's Table) on Wednesday.

In his weekly radio address, broadcast Thursday for the holiday, President Obama expressed hope that next Thanksgiving, many of those who lost their jobs in the recession will be back at work.

In addition to the feast, many Americans are spending the day watching nationally-televised events such as New York City's annual Thanksgiving Day parade (sponsored by Macy's department store), complete with musical performances, elaborate floats and giant inflatable cartoon characters.

On Wednesday, Mr. Obama granted a presidential pardon to a turkey named "Courage," saving the bird from becoming part of a traditional Thanksgiving feast.

Courage - and another turkey named "Carolina" - were due to appear Thursday at the Disneyland amusement park in the western state of California as part of another Thanksgiving Day parade.

The Friday after Thanksgiving is seen as the start to the holiday shopping season, with many stores offering big discounts and opening in the pre-dawn hours for a rush of shoppers.

The United States has officially observed Thanksgiving since 1863, although the first Thanksgiving is believed to have taken place in 1621.

That year, British colonists at the Plymouth settlement in what is now the northeastern U.S. state of Massachusetts held a feast with a Native American tribe, the Wampanoag, which taught the colonists how to grow food and hunt for game in their new home.

A Reason to Give Thanks! National Thanksgiving Turkey Will Celebrate Presidential Pardon at New Home in Disneyland Park

Special to The Travel Trolley

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The National Thanksgiving Turkey will really have something to celebrate following today's traditional presidential pardon ceremony in the White House Rose Garden.

"Courage" and his alternate, "Carolina," are going to Disneyland! It starts with a ride to Dulles International Airport. Then the birds will "fly" on United Airlines Flight "Turkey-1" to their new home at Disneyland Resort in Southern California. The trip from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles will mark the fifth consecutive year that the National Thanksgiving Turkey has celebrated his pardon at a Disney resort.

Accompanied by National Turkey Federation Chairman Walter Pelletier of Butterball LLC, Courage, a 20-week-old, 45-pound tom turkey, will be the honorary grand marshal in the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" Thanksgiving parade down Main Street, U.S.A. Following Thursday's parade, Courage and his alternate, Carolina, will find a home at Santa's Reindeer Round-Up at Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland, where they'll remain throughout the holidays and the rest of their lives.

Joining Courage and Carolina in the Disneyland Park parade on Thanksgiving Day will be 200 volunteers who, as part of National Family Volunteer Day on Saturday, Nov. 21, packed 20,000 boxes of food for Thanksgiving for those in need. Marching behind a Thanksgiving banner, the volunteers are being celebrated for their spirit of community service, the focus of Disney Parks' "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program in 2010. Disney Parks hopes to inspire 1 million people to perform a day of volunteer service for a participating organization by giving them a free one-day admission ticket to a Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort theme park.

"It is a tremendous honor to represent the turkey industry at the White House and to continue this 62-year-old tradition," said Pelletier. "Like all Americans, the men and women of our industry faced a very challenging year economically, so it will be gratifying to be at the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation and then participate in Disney's Thanksgiving event to reflect on the true meaning of Thanksgiving and the holiday season."

Added Capt. Bob Hart of United Turkey-1: "Flying from coast to coast is a 2,288-mile journey and would be exhausting for a turkey. United is going to make sure that this flight is the most enjoyable and smooth cross-country journey these birds will ever take and a memorable experience for all customers onboard."

U.S. President Harry S Truman was the first commander-in-chief to be presented with a Thanksgiving turkey (in 1947) by the National Turkey Federation. This year's presentation marks the 62nd anniversary of a tradition that has continued through 11 successive White House administrations. The 2009 National Thanksgiving Turkey was raised under Chairman Pelletier's supervision on a farm in Goldsboro, N.C.

The National Turkey Federation is the advocate for all segments of the U.S. turkey industry, providing services and conducting activities which increase demand for its members' products, as well as enhance the ability to effectively and profitably provide wholesome, high-quality, nutritious turkey products.

Holiday festival of trains pulls into the Nixon Presidential Library

Special to The Travel Trolley YORBA LINDA, Calif. -- The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is kicking off the season with a spectacular Holiday Festival of Trains featuring a huge LEGO train city and a multilevel "Mountain of Trains" showcasing classic model and miniature toy trains. This magical special exhibition is open now through Jan. 10. Highlights include: A sensational LEGO presentation with hundreds of thousands of LEGO bricks creating a breathtaking cityscape with LEGO trains running through a high-rise downtown. A warm Santa Claus Christmas Village featuring Department 56 model buildings. A special 8x8 interactive display where kids can play conductor by running the trains and operating the signals. Great train classics from the magnificent American Flyer and Sante Fe Super Chief, to the playful Polar Express and Thomas the Tank Engine. Historic pieces of the Blue and Red Monorail trains used at Disneyland in the '50s, plus photos of the Monorail grand opening and ribbon cutting by Walt Disney and Vice President Nixon. Plus, the full-size sugar plantation engine restored by Ward Kimball, one of Walt Disney's original animators. A Holiday Festival of Trains will be on display now through Sunday, January 10, 2010, and is included with museum admission. The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum is located at 18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard, Yorba Linda, California 92886. The Library is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9.95 adults, $3.75 children 7 to 11, free for children 6 and younger; $6.95 for seniors 62 and up, and students; $5.95 for active military. For additional information visit www.nixonlibrary.gov, or call (714) 983-9120; or www.nixonfoundation.org or call (714) 993-5075.

Pay special attention to law enforcement officers patrolling roadways

Special to The Travel Trolley

On the day before Thanksgiving 2008, Deputy Nick Pham of the Monroe County, Fla., Sheriff's Office was on patrol on U.S. 1 in the Florida Keys when his police cruiser collided with a semi-tractor trailer.

A four-year veteran of Florida law enforcement in Florida, the 43-year-old husband and father died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Pham was one of six law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty on the nation's roadways last holiday season -- the period between the Thanksgiving holiday and New Year's. That can be a particularly dangerous time for law enforcement, as millions of Americans take to the roads and officers step up their safety patrols.

In 2008, 71 law enforcement officers nationally died in traffic-related incidents -- the leading cause of officer fatalities for the 11th consecutive year.

To help prevent officer deaths and injuries this holiday season, the "Drive Safely" campaign of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) is again reminding motorists to pay special attention to officers on the roads and to follow other common-sense traffic safety measures.

"Again this year, our dedicated law enforcement officers will be called on to give up time with their own families so the rest of us can travel in safety to spend the holidays with our loved ones. Every time we get behind the wheel -- and especially during the holidays -- we owe these brave men and women our full attention and consideration," said NLEOMF Chairman and CEO Craig W. Floyd.

"In addition to doing the obvious things -- not speeding or driving drunk -- drivers need to be especially mindful of officers who will be out enforcing traffic laws. If you see a police cruiser stopped by the side of the road, please slow down, move over and allow the officers to do their jobs safely and effectively," Floyd added.

The Memorial Fund's "Drive Safely" campaign promotes a number of actions motorists can take to protect law enforcement officers, other drivers and themselves.

AirTran predicts busy Thanksgiving travel week

Special to The Travel Trolley   AirTran Airways is predicting a slight uptick in the number of customers it will serve between Nov. 23 and Nov. 30.   The airline predicted it will help an estimated 600,000 customers reach their Thanksgiving destinations. This represents a 5 percent increase in travelers for the same period in 2008.   AirTran Airways expects its busiest travel days of the holiday week to be Nov. 25, Nov. 29 and Nov. 30.   Passengers traveling this week are encouraged to arrive early, 90 minutes before flight if not checking bags and two hours prior if checking bags, be prepared for security procedures at Transportation Security Administration security checkpoints and utilize online check in at www.airtran.com.

U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for Nov. 25

Special to The Travel Trolley   One of the great figures of American industry, who rose from poverty to become the wealthiest man in the world, was born in Scotland on this date in 1835.   Andrew Carnegie sold his steel mills in 1901 for a personal payoff of many billions of dollars in today's money. Believing that such wealth carried a great responsibility, he turned to philanthropy. His best known legacy is the famous Carnegie Hall in New York City. But he also built and equipped some 1,700 public libraries around the country, mostly in small towns without such facilities.   When Carnegie started building libraries, there were only 3,000 librarians in the U.S., today there are nearly 215,000.

Check the car before Thanksgiving road trip

Anyone driving this Thanksgiving might want to take 10 minutes to check their car and make sure it’s ready to roll.

“One way to ensure you will have a hassle-free holiday weekend trip is by making sure that the vehicle you will be driving is running well. In a very short amount of time, you can identify how road-ready your vehicle is and then take steps to have the problems fixed before heading out of town,” Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council, said in a news release. “A 10-minute pre-trip check is a small sacrifice compared to the inconvenience of breaking down many miles away from home.”

The Car Care Council’s 10-minute pre-trip checkup includes:

– Checking fluids: This should include engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission fluids, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

– Checking hoses and belts: Be sure to make sure hoses and belts aren’t cracked, brittle, frayed or loose.

– Checking tires: In addition to tire pressure, be sure to make the tread. Also look for bulges and bald spots.

AAA is projecting 38.4 million Americans will be traveling at least 50 miles this Thanksgiving weekend – an increase of 1.4 percent from last year. According to AAA’s projections, 33.2 million people are expected to drive – an increase of 2.1 percent from 2008.

Greetings From Cobb Pkwy

Historic trestle a landmark in its own right

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Gateway to the New South may no longer be the bustling railroad hub it once was, but the city is home to an impressive railroad structure.

The swing bridge over the Cumberland River dates to 1859. Originally built by Irish stone masons, the 678-foot-long bridge is normally more than 50 feet above the river. The structure, which can swing to allow taller ships to pass through, originally served the Louisville & Nashville Railroad.

“This bridge is an important piece of Clarksville’s past and its future,” Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen said in a recent news release announcing the state of Tennessee is helping to refurbish the bridge. “I’m pleased we could provide the funds necessary to rehabilitate the bridge and transform it into a beautiful gateway into the city’s historic river district.”

The $945,926 from the state will help improve the bridge’s structural integrity and safety. The project will also help with “economic development and urban renewal efforts,” officials said.

“This bridge is so unique and rich with history,” state Rep. Phillip Johnson said in a news release.

The bridge was the scene of an “Appalling Catastrophe,” as newspapers couched it.

In September 1906, a northbound Louisville & Nashville Railroad passenger train – No. 102 – steamed toward the swing bridge, which was open, waiting for a steamboat to pass through on its way to Paducah, Ky. The engineer, apparently unaware that he was supposed to stop, steamed toward the looming catastrophe.

The train’s locomotive, its tender, a mail car and a baggage car plunged into the Cumberland River; the train’s passenger coaches, however, remained on the trestle with passengers inside.

Two crew members died in the crash.

San Jose's airport the least busy this Thanksgiving

Anyone looking for a quiet airport experience should try San Jose, Calif. A new survey from Orbitz reveals that San Jose International Airport will be the “least busy” airport this Thanksgiving.

The complete list:

1. San Jose, Calif. – San Jose International (SJC)
2. Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville International (BNA)
3. Richmond, Va. – Richmond International (RIC)
4. Sacramento, Calif. – Sacramento International (SMF)
5. Jacksonville, Fla. – Jacksonville International (JAX)
6. West Palm Beach, Fla. – Palm Beach International (PBI)
7. Hartford, Conn. – Bradley International (BDL)
8. Orange County, Calif. – John Wayne International (SNA)
9. Cincinnati, Ohio – Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG)
10. Fort Myers, Fla. – Southwest Florida Regional (RSW)

These selections are based on air ticket bookings of the top 50 domestic airports on Orbitz.com with arrivals and departures between Nov. 21 and Nov. 29.

Orbitz: Chicago's airport the busiest this Thanksgiving

A new survey from Orbitz reveals that Chicago’s Chicago O’Hare International Airport will be the busiest airport this Thanksgiving.

The complete list:

1. Chicago – Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
2. Los Angeles – Los Angeles International (LAX)
3. Denver – Denver International (DEN)
4. San Francisco – San Francisco International (SFO)
5. Atlanta – Atlanta Hartsfield International (ATL)
6. Boston – Boston Logan International (BOS)
7. New York – New York LaGuardia (LGA)
8. New York – New York John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
9. Newark, N.J. – Newark Liberty International (EWR)
10. Seattle – Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)

These selections are based on air ticket bookings of the top 50 domestic airports on Orbitz.com with arrivals and departures between Nov. 21 and Nov. 29.

Coalition takes issue with rail subsidy survey

The States For Passenger Rail Coalition is taking issue with a new report that found nearly all of Amtrak’s 44 nationwide routes lost money last fiscal year. The coalition notes that all forms of transportation receive federal money.

A study from Pew Charitable Trusts’ Subsidyscope project shows that 41 of the 44 nationwide routes were not profitable, and on average had a $32 loss per passenger. During the fiscal year, Amtrak received $1.3 billion from taxpayers, according to Pew.

But, coalition members argue that all forms of transportation – including highways and aviation – receive federal subsidies.

“Why Amtrak was singled out in this study is a mystery,” Wisconsin Secretary of Transportation and Coalition Chair Frank Busalacchi said in a news release. “The fact is all forms of transportation require federal support. A national transportation system cannot exist without all modes receiving support from the federal government. The irony in this study is that it singles out passenger rail, which receives the lowest level of support.”

The coalition also pointed to a March General Accounting Office report – titled “High Speed Passenger Rail: Future Development Will Depend on Addressing Financial and Other Challenges and Establishing a Clear Federal Role” – that cited a number of advantages of rail travel. The benefits include travel time savings, traffic safety, environmental benefits and economic development, land use, and employment.

“As the debate on the future of our nation’s transportation system moves forward, we ask that the many benefits of passenger rail service be seriously considered.” Busalacchi said. “We need to look at the big picture, and focus on how we can move people and freight more efficiently, by advancing the vision of developing a better transportation system for America, in which high-speed passenger rail service plays a significant role.”

A town so remote, no one knew the war was over

FRANKLIN, N.C. – The town of Franklin is a charming community tucked in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. Its remote location makes it a nice escape from the daily grind.

But, during the Civil War, the town’s location meant it wasn’t among the first to hear the news. In fact, on May 12, 1865, one month after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Union Col. George W. Kirk accepted the surrender of Confederate Maj. Stephen Whitaker at Dixie Hall.

The formal surrender was one of the last of Confederate forces east of the Mississippi.

Lt. Col. William W. Stringfield, a member of a Confederate legion, once described the area as the “most inaccessible portion of the Confederacy.” There was no telegraph in town, and the closest railroad at the time was a half-dozen miles away, according to a historical marker in town.

Today, the Macon County Courthouse stands where Dixie Hall once stood.

Study: Nearly all of Amtrak's nationwide routes lost money

ATLANTA -- Nearly all of Amtrak's 44 nationwide routes lost money last fiscal year, including the routes running through the Empire State of the South, a new study suggests.

A study from Pew Charitable Trusts's Subsidyscope project shows that 41 of the 44 nationwide routes were not profitable, averaging a roughly $32 loss per passenger. During the fiscal year, Amtrak received $1.3 billion from taxpayers, according to Pew.

The New Orleans-to-Los Angeles Sunset Limited carried 72,000 passengers during the year and cost $462 per passenger to operate.

"The nation's railways are an important mode of transport for many Americans, whether it's for commuting to work or seeing the country," Marcus Peacock, director of Subsidyscope, said in a news release. "But we have an obligation to ensure that where taxpayer dollars are at stake, people can see a more realistic picture of financial performance."

Amtrak's Acela Express turned a profit of $41 per passenger, the study found.

"Let's not hold rail up and say it needs to make money when highways don't make money, transit doesn't make money and a lot of small airports don't make money and they all get subsidies," The Associated Press quoted Stephen Van Beek, president of the Eno Transportation Foundation, as saying.

Take it slow on this country road

SKY VALLEY, Ga. – It’s amazing how peaceful a scenic overlook can be – nothing but the sound of the breeze rustling the leaves.

Sure, cars pass by every so often, breaking the tranquility. But in between those distractions is pure serenity.

I’m in no hurry, which is a nice change of pace. So, I sit for a few minutes and observe. The changing leaves. The pure blue sky without a cloud is sight. It’s just so peaceful.

The road to this point – the literal one, not the figurative one – was winding, to say the least. Like an ascending airplane in the moments after takeoff, I climb higher and higher. I can feel the altitude change with each pop of my ear. One hairpin turn after another make the drive more scary than scenic.

Sky Valley, which was chartered as a city in 1978, sits on the Georgia-North Carolina border, about five miles east of Dillard. A resort in the area dates to 1969 and is the county’s southernmost ski resort.

I’m not entirely sure of the speed limit on this stretch of road. Regardless, I’m in no danger of a speeding ticket. Besides, on a beautiful day such as this, there’s no need to risk flying off the side of the road to save five or 10 minutes.

Sign: de Soto visited here, too

HIGHLANDS, N.C. – Some time ago, after visiting the Etowah Indian Mounds in Cartersville, Ga., I was intrigued to learn that Hernando de Soto passed through the area.

Imagine my delight when driving along U.S. Highway 64 in Highlands I saw a sign on the side of the road: The famed Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto also passed through this area nearly 470 years ago.

I have a hard time putting that into perspective. In 1540, there was no hardware store across the street; downtown was not even a downtown. Still, it’s fascinating to think that I could be standing in the same place where de Soto once stood.

I’m not sure that “Retracing de Soto’s Route” will be the next travel fad, but it makes an interesting way to see the region.

Greetings From Gainesville Ga.

Ahhh, The Dillard House!

Ahhh, The Dillard House!

MARTA moves to color-coded lines

ATLANTA -- MARTA last month introduced color-coded rail lines -- similar to systems in other major cities -- saying it will help cut down on rider confusion.

"The changes we’re making in our rail-line identification system will help both frequent and occasional users of our system," MARTA General Manager Beverly Scott said in a news release. "Our goal is to ensure that customers continue to move safely through the system without feeling overwhelmed."

With the change, the former North-South Line is now the Red Line, the Northeast-South Line is the Yellow Line, the East-West line is the Blue Line and the Proctor Creek line is the Green Line.

MARTA made the change on top of a 25 cent increase to its fares, which rose from $1.75 to $2 for a one-way trip.

Association: Travel industry will add 90,000 jobs in 2010

The travel industry is expected to add roughly 90,000 American jobs during 2010, the U.S. Travel Association (TIA) announced.

TIA noted that leisure travel is expected to rise 2 percent, while business travel is projected to increase 2.5 percent. At the same time, inbound international travel is estimated to increase roughly 3 percent, according to the association.

“Our industry is uniquely capable of adapting to economic upswings and quickly adding tens of thousands of jobs,” Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said in a news release. “What we announce today is based upon modest increases in travel. Given its immense potential, we call on the Administration and Members of Congress to build a plan for economic recovery that drives significant increases in travel.”

The travel industry currently employs 7.7 million Americans, according to TIA. Any federal recovery plan should include the passage of the Travel Promotion Act, which TIA says encourages millions of travelers to visit the United States.

“Projected growth in leisure travel is an indicator of rising consumer confidence and disposable income,” Suzanne Cook, senior vice president of research for the U.S. Travel Association, said in a news release. “Following a difficult 2009, businesses have a heightened focus on the value and bottom-line benefits of travel. We expect to see a slight increase in business travel next year based in part on pent-up demand for face-to-face meetings that drive growth and productivity.”

Greetings From Augusta Ga.

Athens cemetery added to national register

A historic cemetery in Athens is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Jackson Street Cemetery, on the University of Georgia's campus, was added Oct. 2. The 2.5-acre cemetery has an estimated 800 graves, UGA said.

“Getting this honorary designation reinforces the importance of the site on a broader level,” Janine Duncan, a UGA campus planning coordinator in the grounds department, said in a news release. Starting as a graduate student, Duncan headed a preservation project to have the cemetery listed on the register.

The cemetery was primarily used between 1810 and 1856. At that time, the Oconee Hill Cemetery, which is located behind Sanford Stadium, opened.

“The recognition is a great gesture in noting the significance of the cemetery,” Dexter Adams, director of the UGA grounds department. “Our research and investigation into conditions at the cemetery have confirmed that there are many, many more burials there than are represented by the surviving markers and monuments. The National Register listing is at least a noteworthy and honorable means of recognizing those otherwise anonymous individuals.”

A number of famous Athenians are buried in the cemetery, including two UGA presidents.

“Cemeteries are some of the hardest sites to get on the register because you have to prove the historic integrity is still there,” Duncan said in the release. “Cemeteries are hallowed spaces. They are also artistic spaces. The designs in the headstones and monuments speak to the period in which they are created.”

Railroad depots: The 'center' of town

PENDERGRASS, Ga. – A few years ago, when the city of Pendergrass’ train depot needed to be refurbished, the city wasted no time getting to work.

“That’s the center of our town,” the city’s mayor told the Athens Banner-Herald newspaper in 2005. “We couldn’t very well tear down what was the center of downtown. It has a lot of significance.”

The railroad played an important role in the town’s history. Built in 1883, the same year the Gainesville, Jefferson and Southern Railroad was completed through town, the small train depot served passengers until 1927. In about 1940, the edifice was moved to the other side of the train tracks to make room for an updated U.S. Highway 129.

Railroad stations are as old as railroads themselves, dating to the first half of the 19th century. Stations come in all shapes and sizes and styles of architecture. While there are a number of grand structures that dot the country – New York’s Grand Central Terminal comes to mind – many of the depot nationwide are much smaller, along the lines of Pendergrass’ depot.

While a number of train stations are still in use by Amtrak, local commuter railroads or even freight railroads, a significant percentage have new uses, ranging from museums, to civic halls to private businesses. Many are on the National Register of Historic Places, including Atlanta’s 1918 depot on Peachtree Street.

While the Atlanta depot still serves Amtrak’s Crescent, it was not originally the city’s main depot; it was a suburban stop, as hard as that may be to believe. However, two of the city’s grand structures – Terminal Station and Union Station – were demolished in the 1970s – a fate many stations have suffered over the years.

“Station restoration is more than simply a tribute to our past; it is also an investment in our future,” former U.S. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan once said, according to GreatAmericanStations.com.

www.greatamericanstations.com, www.railfanning.org

Index: Fla., Ga. see lodging price reduction

Florida and Georgia both saw the biggest decreases in lodging prices among southern states, both experiencing a 14 percent decrease over a year, according to a recent hotels.com Hotel Price Index.

The Index revealed that a pair of Florida cities ranked among the most popular U.S. destinations for both domestic and international travelers. Orlando – home to a number of popular attractions – ranked third most popular travel destination for Americans; Miami was the eighth favorite among U.S. travelers and sixth most popular travel U.S. destination for international travelers.

“Cities up and down the coasts of Florida, from the least expensive cities like Tallahassee to the most expensive like Panama City, are experiencing deep cuts in hotel rates across the board,” Steve Dumaine, senior director of merchandising at hotels.com, said in a news release. “And some of the lowest prices in the country can be found throughout the South, not just in Florida.”

While Florida and Georgia experienced a 14 percent decrease, South Carolina closely followed with a 13 percent reduction. The index also revealed that Knoxville, Tenn., offered the lowest average price per room in the South at $83, placing in the top five least expensive cities in the country.

The decrease in prices in southern cities reflected a national trend, hotels.com said.