Denver, CO – At the halfway point of summer, lodging properties from 17 participating mountain resorts in the western U.S. were continuing to see steady crowds and are on pace for this summer to be the busiest ever, according to the most recent data released by DestiMetrics, the Denver-based company formerly known as the Mountain Travel Research Program (MTRiP).

The measurements are an aggregate of the 260 participating property management companies in 17 mountain destination communities, representing 24,000 rooms across Colorado, Utah, California, and are comprised of data gathered through July 31. Results reflect overall summer occupancy for May through October which is currently up seven percent compared to last year.

For the month of July, actual occupancy was up five percent and revenue was up 9.8 compared to July 2012 driven by the 4th of July holiday falling on a Thursday, a busy calendar of special events and base area activities at most resorts, and record-breaking heat across the western U.S. On-the-books occupancy for August is currently tracking up 4.7 percent to the same period last year with revenue up 10.3 percent if current trends continue.

“Current summer business bookings have already reached 85 percent of last summer’s final total and with additional bookings yet to come, we can project a 10 to 12 percent increase in summer revenue,” said Ralf Garrison, director of DestiMetrics. “While results vary widely among destinations, many resorts have now surpassed their pre-recession performance levels and are on track for their best ever summer. There are a variety of probable reasons for this robust summer, among them continued strength in the economy, growing consumer confidence, and a maturing summer market with more attractions that serve as magnets to attract destination guests,” he added.

Although ski season bookings are just beginning and the numbers are small, the forecast for the next six months for mountain destinations looks promising. As of July 31, on-the-books occupancy for arrivals in August through January 2014 are up 11.2 percent compared to the same time last year with increases in virtually every month.

The monthly DestiMetrics Briefing also provides an analysis of significant economic indicators that are believed to have an impact on the mountain travel industry—including trends of the past month and projections about potential financial shifts that could shape the economy and discretionary travel spending.

A positive indicator for July was the nearly four percent rebound of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) from June’s losses with a record level on July 23 bolstered by positive earnings reports. The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) dipped 2.2 percent from June but remained above 80 points for the second consecutive month and only the second time since February 2008. A slight increase in the Consumer Price Index and a dramatic increase in crude oil prices, up 9.6 percent, were cited as negative markers for the economic recovery as was the slight decrease in the Unemployment Rate down from 7.6 to 7.4 percent but attributed to a decrease in job seekers rather than an increase in new jobs.

“Recent hints from the Federal Reserve that they may be rolling back monthly securities investments have sparked some fears of inflation and higher interest rates which may represent a roadblock to continued momentum,” explains Tom Foley, DestiMetrics’ director of operations. “But with financial markets continuing to leap forward and confidence moving towards a consumer-driven marketplace, it’s possible that the right defense is in place. If Washington’s lawmakers negotiate a clean resolution to debt ceiling and budget issues in September, this positive momentum should continue.”

At the halfway point of summer, lodging properties from 17 participating western mountain resorts are continuing to see steady crowds and are on pace for this summer to be the busiest ever according to the most recent data released by DestiMetrics, the Denver-based company formerly known as the Mountain Travel Research Program (MTRiP).* The measurements are an aggregate of the participating destinations comprised of data gathered through July 31. Results reflect overall summer occupancy for May through October which is currently up seven percent compared to last year.

For the month of July, actual occupancy was up five percent and revenue was up 9.8 compared to July 2012 driven by the 4th of July holiday falling on a Thursday, a busy calendar of special events and base area activities at most resorts, and record-breaking heat across the western U.S.  On-the-books occupancy for August is currently tracking up 4.7 percent to the same period last year with revenue up 10.3 percent if current trends continue.

“Current summer business bookings have already reached 85 percent of last summer’s final total and with additional bookings yet to come, we can project a 10-12 percent increase in summer revenue,” said Ralf Garrison, director of DestiMetrics. “While results vary widely among destinations, many resorts have now surpassed their pre-recession performance levels and are on track for their best ever summer. There are a variety of probable reasons for this robust summer, among them continued strength in the economy, growing consumer confidence, and a maturing summer market with more attractions that serve as magnets to attract destination guests,” he added.

Although winter bookings are just beginning and the numbers are small, the forecast for the next six months for mountain destinations looks promising.  As of July 31, on-the-books occupancy for arrivals in August through January 2014 are up 11.2 percent compared to the same time last year with increases in virtually every month.

The monthly DestiMetrics Briefing also provides an analysis of significant economic indicators that are believed to have an impact on the mountain travel industry—including trends of the past month and projections about potential financial shifts that could shape the economy and discretionary travel spending.

A positive indicator for July was the nearly four percent rebound of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) from June’s losses with a record level on July 23 bolstered by positive earnings reports. The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) dipped 2.2 percent from June but remained above 80 points for the second consecutive month and only the second time since February 2008. A slight increase in the Consumer Price Index and a dramatic increase in crude oil prices, up 9.6 percent, were cited as negative markers for the economic recovery as was the slight decrease in the Unemployment Rate down from 7.6 to 7.4 percent but attributed to a decrease in job seekers rather than an increase in new jobs.

“Recent hints from the Federal Reserve that they may be rolling back monthly securities investments have sparked some fears of inflation and higher interest rates which may represent a roadblock to continued momentum,” explains Tom Foley, DestiMetrics’ director of operations. “But with financial markets continuing to leap forward and confidence moving towards a consumer-driven marketplace, it’s possible that the right defense is in place. If Washington’s lawmakers negotiate a clean resolution to debt ceiling and budget issues in September, this positive momentum should continue,” he concluded.