The summer vacation season ends this weekend, it was largely good for the Delaware beaches.
When it comes to visitation and accommodations, it'sbeen a very successful summer season according to Carol Everhart, the president and CEO of the Rehoboth Beach/Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce.
"I would say we've had many, many record breakers with regard to visitation, and especially in our accommodations we've been running 98% plus in our hotels, motels, and rentals," said Everhart. "And I've been advised that many of the rentals have extended their stay through Christmas."
Because of that, the hope is the beaches won’t see the usual stark drop off in visitors when school starts.
Everhart expects a good fall for the area, which is highlighted by the Sea Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach in October.
But a worker shortage did create issues for businesses throughout the summer.
"I would say for some, depending on what they were selling, they did see a boom through all of this, but not the majority. And the biggest problem - which continues to be the biggest problem - is the lack of workers," said Everhart. "We just do not have the applicants applying regardless of job fairs, regardless of bonuses."
Everhart adds some businesses had to reduce store hours or be open fewer days to make up for the lack of workers, and to not overwork those who were hired.
