Associated Press - January 16, 2008 4:54 PM ET

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Could Florida tourism feel the effect of an economic downturn?

Rising gas prices, climbing U.S. unemployment and predictions by some economists of a recession are causing economic uncertainty for 2008.

Florida State University business professor Mark Bonn specializes in tourism. He says the state could feel an impact from an economic downturn because people take a closer look at their discretionary spending -- including their travel spending.

But Florida tourism leaders with Visit Florida say they aren't concerned by the forecasts. Jay Schleuning with Visit Florida says they're optimistic that this year will be another strong one for the industry.

Last year's third quarter numbers of those visiting the state were up nearly 5%.

One thing Bonn and Schleuning agree on is that Florida's tourism industry is resilient and has bounced back sooner than other tourism markets.