The mountain travel industry is optimistic, as lodging occupancy saw a 9.6% increase in the month of March, as compared to March of 2009. These results are the latest in a three month upswing which have all shown increases on a year-over-year basis.
The March performance is strong on its own and as the third month in a row with an increase in occupancy, these figures indicate that a positive trend has now been established, said Ralf Garrison, author of the monthly report.
This leaves lodge owners hopeful that profits nearing the end of the year will surpass those of 2009. Results as of March 31 indicate that occupancy at mountain travel destinations officially surpassed last season, but barely-by 1.3%. However, the question is whether these results are the product of lower daily rates, which are down 5% from last year. This is offset, however, by the results shown in the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) which has seen consumer confidence rebound 13.1% in March.
In his report, Garrison said, It is now virtually certain that the winter season occupancies will exceed those of ‘08-09, but our enthusiasm remains cautious since occupancy rates remain fragile and overall revenues continue to lag behind those of last year.
Although April reservations are down 4.6% from last year, all occupancy on the books is up in three of the next six months-July, August and September-by 2.9%, 13.1% and 21.8% respectively.
