More than seven out of 10 tanning facility owners say they feel better about the future of tanning at the end of 2011 than they did a year ago, according to the results of a SmartTan.com poll conducted this month.

According to the poll, 71 percent feel more positive about the future of the tanning market today as compared to a year ago. Only 29 percent felt less-optimistic. Those results are consistent with a similar poll from June.

“The number of stores succeeding today, along with indications that tanning retailers are once again ramping up for increased business, is underscoring a real sense of optimism in the market,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “A lot of people are looking for good things from the market in 2012. It’s going to be an exciting year.”