SAM Magazine—Denver, July 15, 2013—Hot temperatures throughout the western U.S. and increased summer programming have led to growing summer lodging occupancy, according to DestiMetrics (formerly the Mountain Travel Research Program). The June occupancy rate rose 3.9 percent compared to a year ago, and revenue increased by 9.9 percent. Projected occupancy for July is up 4.5 percent compared to July 2012, and through December, 7.3 percent. Lodging revenue is projected to be up 14 percent for the period.

The data are drawn from 260 property management companies in 17 mountain destination communities across Colorado, Utah, California, Nevada, and Oregon.

“The significant increases we are seeing in both occupancy and room rates in June, coupled with the fact that reservations for July and August are still running ahead of last summer, indicate at the current pace we will see a second consecutive record-breaking summer for lodging at mountain resorts this year,” said Ralf Garrison, director of DestiMetrics.