SAM Magazine—Denver, June 21, 2016—Following a record-breaking winter, summer bookings at Western destinations are continuing at the same torrid pace. According to DestiMetrics, which compiles data from 290 property management companies in 19 western mountain destination communities, aggregated summer occupancy and reservations are up 10.5 percent and revenues are up a whopping 17.9 percent compared to the same time last year. Numbers are for the six months from May through October, tallied as of May 31.

Well-established summer destinations in the Far West states of California, Nevada, and Oregon show a 4.8 percent increase in occupancy and reservations and an 8.9 percent increase. The Rocky Mountain resorts in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming are strengthening their position as summer destinations, up 11.1 percent in occupancy and reservations and 19.1 percent in revenue for the season.

Ralf Garrison, director of DestiMetrics, said, “We're seeing notable growth in all six months, and double-digit revenue growth in May, August, and September, which is being driven by increases in both occupancy and daily rates.”

The month of May saw a 14.2 percent increase in occupancy and a 20.7 percent increase in revenues. The booking pace (bookings made in May for arrivals from May through October) is also strong, with increases being posted in five of the six months, and up 5.8 percent overall.

However, softening key economic indicators, including the Dow Jones, consumer confidence, and unemployment figures, provide a note of caution.

Politics could also dampen conditions, according to Tom Foley, director of operations for DestiMetrics. “Although presidential election years typically lead to gains in the financial markets, this year's unconventional campaign may result in unconventional market performance which could, in turn, impact discretionary spending,” he said.

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