Issue link: http://visitithaca.uberflip.com/i/549770
Following a record-setting spring, the local tourism economy finished Q2 on a sustainable pace with modest growth in all key metrics—occupancy, rate, demand and revenue. Though the 4.2% revenue growth was slightly slower than the state and nation, it still led us to record Q2 room revenue that surpassed $25 million for the first time. All three CVB departments had a role in the success. Marketing delivered a highly effective integrated campaign that retargeted potential visitors who found us during the Key West PR effort, generating response rates 40 times the industry average. Sales maintained its aggressive pace, once again surpassing the number of group leads and bookings delivered in the comparable quarters of 2014. And with the new online chat feature bringing in 17% of all consumer touchpoints, the visitor services department succeeded in reaching more than 17,000 visitors during the quarter—2% ahead of 2014—even with an intentional downsizing in print guide distribution (an intentional cost-saving measure). We look forward to continued success through the key summer-fall tourism season, particularly the launch of a new, mobile-friendly VisitIthaca.com. We've given you a sneak peek at the new site in this report; the design of the ensuing pages mimic the unique image-based navigation system you'll find at the new VisitIthaca.com. We trust you'll like the new site, and the continued success of your county tourism program through the remainder of 2015. Ithaca-Tompkins 56.2% $148.49 $83.51 299,763 168,578 $25mil +1.7% +2.3% +4.1% +.1% +1.8% +4.2% NY Ex. NYC 56.1% $109 $61.22 +1.5% +3.1% +4.7% +1.1% +2.7% +5.8% USA 65.2% $119 $77.57 +2.3% +4.8% +7.2% +1% +3.3% +8.2% Q1-Q2 2015 Lodging Market Performance (STR) OCC Rate* Avg Daily Rate** RevPar Supply Demand Revenue *Occupancy Rate **Revenue per available room Intro / Visitor Services / Marketing / PR / Sales Bruce Stoff, Director Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention & Visitors Bureau A Message from Bruce Stoff, Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention & Visitors Bureau Director