SAM Magazine—Denver, Sept. 18, 2014— As of Aug. 31, occupancy for May through October among Western lodging properties in 19 destination resorts was up 5.4 percent compared to the same time last year, according to DestiMetrics, despite a slight 1.1 percent decline in September. Revenues for the six-month May to October period are up 10.6 percent, with only forward-looking October showing a decline, down 2.8 percent compared to October 2013.

August continued the record-breaking trajectory, with a 7.4 percent increase in occupancy year-over-year, and a 12.7 percent increase in revenue. Overall, participating destinations had either received or booked 101.8 percent of their total revenue collected during the summer of 2013, with additional revenue for September and October yet to be collected.

“Summer business continued its strong performance through August, with double-digit growth in every month from May through August,” said Ralf Garrison, director of DestiMetrics.

Looking ahead to winter, DestiMetrics’ data through February 2015 is showing an 8.7 percent increase in advance reservations for November through February, with gains being reported in all four months. Revenue based on current bookings for the period is currently up 18.9 percent compared to this time last year.

“These preliminary figures are very encouraging for resorts in the Rocky Mountain and Far West,” said Garrison.

DestiMetrics’ data are derived from 290 property management companies in 19 mountain destination communities across Colorado, Utah, California, Nevada, Oregon and Wyoming.