Rising energy prices, falling home prices and the nationwide credit crunch have all been factors in decreased numbers of visitors to our region. Approximately 31.4 million people visited the county throughout 2007. That number reflects a 2.1% decrease from 2006 numbers. The number of overnight visitors fell 3.6% and the number of day visitors fell 7/10ths of one percent in a report published December 27th.
Hotel room occupancy rates dropped slightly from 73.3% to 72.9%. Hotel and Motel occupancy rates increased due mainly to an average room rate increase of 6.2%.
The October wildfires took their toll on tourism as well. Concerns about air quality in the region coupled with misconceptions regarding overall access to the region which lingered for weeks following the fires attributed to the decline as well.
For the coming year the Convention and Tourism Bureau estimates that the region will play host to 32 million visitors who will spend upwards of $8.1 billion dollars, reflecting increases of 1.8 and 4% respectively. Experts say that these numbers are good, but not necessarily great.
Hotel occupancy rates are expected to not remain consistent through the coming year as the region will have an additional 3,100 room than it did at the end of 2006.
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