The travel industry has noticed an increase in bookings as more individuals are looking to spend on vacations again. During the brunt of the recession, the sector was faced with some hardship as many people stopped traveling and funds dried up, causing staffing cuts and businesses to close. However, since consumer spending has increased, travel careers are beginning to experience an upswing. Southwest Airlines recently decided to expand their services by offering service to South Carolina at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, according to the Greenville. City officials are pleased with the decision as it will secure travel jobs for local residents. The news provider reports that Southwest had a profitable start to the year after they released their first-quarter 2010 financial results. Executives from the airline carrier said they had expected to continue to see a consumer demand throughout the rest of the year. "Southwest Airlines beginning service to South Carolina is good news for our state, our economy, and the traveling public," Senator Lindsey Graham told the news provider. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the airline industry are expected to increase by 8% by 2018.  |