Positive Destination Trends Continue Out West

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18 March 2016

Push to The Latest: No

snowboarder SAM Magazine—Denver, March 15, 2016—According to a recent report by DestiMetrics, winter business is on its way to a strong finish at western resorts and their surrounding communities. Bookings made in February for arrival in February were up a dramatic 19.2 percent compared to the same time last year.

The lively reservation activity was also seen for bookings from February through July—up 8.9 percent. As of Feb. 29, lodging occupancy and reservations for the winter season are up a modest 3.6 percent and overall revenues are up 5.2 percent compared to the same time last year, with increases being posted in every month except April.

“The 2015-16 season's increases, while less than those of recent winters, are still proving respectable given the interesting season, starting with the promise of El Niño and strong bookings in November and December but offset by economic volatility which conspired to slow things down,” observed Ralf Garrison, director of DestiMetrics. “Our initial projections are still holding, strengthened by an increase in booking activity during February which was presumably led by regional visitors who are more likely to make reservations with a short lead time,” he added.

“It's been a bit of a roller coaster season this year, shaped by the slowing of the consumer and financial marketplaces since November, the emergence of a strong dollar, and its impact on the international market as Canadian, European, and South American visitors have had to contend with meteoric exchange rates,” said Garrison.

Garrison also noted that good snowfall in the Far West region has led to a tremendous rebound in occupancy and revenues after four drought seasons.

“The recent warming and drying trend is throwing another twist into the booking mix, although some recent snowfall may help offset any downturn for the balance of the season. The ‘winners' will be determined by those who best anticipated and adjusted to the anomalies this season bestowed,” Garrison concluded.