Number Of Palm Springs Airport Passengers Drop In Beginning Of ’09

PALM SPRINGS- For the first two months of 2009, the 11 airlines operating at Palm Springs International Airport served 11.9 percent fewer passengers in January and February, compared with the same period of time in 2008, officials said Monday.

In February, 165,315 passengers passed through the airport, down 14.3 percent from 192,857 travelers in the same month in 2008.

Airport officials projected in December that its revenue will drop 5 percent this year.

The Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism announced in January that it is tapping into low-cost marketing techniques by advertising the city via a blog, e-mail, newsletter and a new section on the city’s tourism Web site.

The newsletter and blog contain information about upcoming events and vacation packages.

The city has been focusing on attracting tourists from nearby Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties.

Airport officials did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment.

City of Palm Springs tourism web site: www.palmspringsca.gov/index.aspx?page303.