By LOGAN HAWKES Has the slumping economy and its negative impact on the travel industry run its course? What will the summer travel season bring? It may be a good summer for travel -- finally! The South Padre Island Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, for example, is predicting an increase in the number of summer visitors over the Memorial Day weekend following strong spring and winter visitor traffic experienced so far this year. The optimistic forecast is fueled by new projections from the American Automobile Association (AAA) which indicates more Americans will be traveling over the holiday weekend this year compared to 2009. The SPI-CVB reports that the number of visitors to the island in the last six months has definitely increased over the previous year.  In the  first quarter of 2010, taxable lodging sales on South Padre Island were up 29.5 percent, an encouraging increase considering the sluggish economy. “Strong numbers throughout the winter and spring point to a very good summer season for us this year,” says Dan Quandt, executive director of the South Padre Island CVB. “Although the economy still has some challenges, it’s much better than it was a year ago.” Quandt says that with new developments and expanded offerings, the island is poised for a busy summer. New lodging options on the island have expanded the room inventory, accommodating more overnight visitors. Also, a new shuttle service is providing affordable, door-to-door transportation between Valley International Airport in Harlingen and South Padre Island accommodations, which could add to the overall numbers of visitors traveling from great distances. In addition, new attractions, including the new South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, which opened in September 2009, are giving visitors more options for activities on the island. AAA predicts a 5.4 increase in the number of Americans vacationing this Memorial Day weekend. The travel organization estimates that the average distance traveled by Americans over the holiday weekend will be 626 miles, putting South Padre Island well within reach of several major metropolitan areas in Texas.