Bend Citywide Lodging Occupancy Rates Exceed Pre-Recession Highs

There’s more good news this week for Bend’s economy. According to new data released by Smith Travel Research (STR), the period between March 2012 and April 2013 showed surging citywide lodging occupancy rates during every month of the year.

According to Visit Bend CEO Doug La Placa, Smith Travel Research provided the new data early this week. “Each of the twelve months between last March and this past April showed occupancy rates higher than anything we have on record going back to the pre-recession data of 2007,” he said.

Occupancy rates track the percentage of available rooms rented during a given period. According to La Placa, it’s an important indicator of the health of Bend’s tourism industry.

“Seeing lodging occupancy rates climb in alignment with the city’s room tax collections is another indicator that the foundation of Bend’s economy is strong,” he added. “People want to vacation here, and we’re eager to continue welcoming them with open arms.”

For questions or to see a copy of the new Smith Travel Research report, contact Tawna Fenske at tawna@visitbend.com.

About Visit Bend

Visit Bend is a non-membership, non-profit economic development organization dedicated to promoting tourism on behalf of the City of Bend.  We’re a leading provider of information on Bend, Oregon hotels, restaurants, activities, and Oregon vacation planning. To learn more or to order a complimentary Official Visitor Guide to Bend, contact Visit Bend at 1-800-949-6086 or visit www.visitbend.com.