SAM Magazine—Denver, April 24, 2017—The 2016-17 season started slowly for Western destinations, strengthened mid-season, and then lost momentum in the final weeks, according to Denver-based DestiMetrics. The season will likely record some year-over-year declines by the end of April. As of March 31, aggregated occupancy reservations from November through April were down 0.3 percent. Overall revenue, though, rose 6.8 percent compared to the same time last year. Four of the six winter months showed increases; November and April were down.

DestiMetrics data are drawn from 290 property management companies in 19 destinations in Colorado, Utah, California, Nevada, Oregon, Wyoming, and Montana.

“It has been an unpredictable and erratic season as both Mother Nature and geopolitical forces created some interesting dynamics that shaped destination visitors' mountain travel behavior,” said Ralf Garrison, director of DestiMetrics. “This winter season marked the first time in a decade that we have seen declines in year-over-year occupancy.” He added, “While occupancy increases have been slowing as resorts approach practical capacity in high demand periods, the increase in rates suggests that demand remains high.”

In a departure from recent years, in which summer bookings have risen sharply, advance reservations for summer are mirroring this past winter. Reservations are up a slight 1.6 percent as of March 31 compared to the same time last year, with revenue up a strong 11.2 percent. May and June are currently showing slight decreases, while July, August, and September are posting strong increases.

“Instability and uncertainty in the Middle East and North Korea, along with rising interest rates at home, could impact the consumer travel market as events unfold,” cautioned Tom Foley, director of business intelligence for DestiMetrics.

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