Park City-area lodging occupancy is projected to drop sharply during the upcoming holiday stretch compared to the figures during the same period a year ago, something that points to the possibility of smaller crowds during an important period for the tourism industry.
The occupancy forecast, compiled on behalf of the Park City Chamber/Bureau by a firm called Inntopia, shows the projections for this holiday season trailing those of last year through Dec. 31 before leveling out around New Year’s. The report is dated Nov. 30 and does not include bookings or cancellations that have occurred since then.
The daily year-over-year projection drops are dramatic in many cases, including the crucial time between Christmas and New Year’s. That week is traditionally one of the busiest in Park City as skiers and snowboarders celebrate the holiday at home and then arrive for vacations shortly afterward.
Some of the daily projections include:
• Dec. 26: 60% as compared to 90% the year before.
• Dec. 27: 68% as compared to 94% the year before
• Dec. 28: 72% as compared to 96% the year before
• Dec. 29: 73% as compared to 93% the year before
• Dec. 30: 68% as compared to 84% the year before
• Dec. 31: 63% as compared to 70% the year before
The actual occupancy numbers a year ago tracked closely to the projections.
The projections are based on a survey of 22 properties representing a range of lodging options.
The numbers are an important measure in the broader Park City-area economy since visitors staying in the lodging properties tend to also spend money in the resort, restaurant and transportation sectors.
The Chamber/Bureau said bookings through the ski season are down by upward of 12% from the same time a year ago. The organization said, though, the 2021-2022 ski season was record-breaking. The organization also said the forecast for the next 60 days includes certain days that are outpacing the actual numbers from 2019, prior to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a prepared response to a Park Record inquiry about the lodging numbers, Jennifer Wesselhoff, the president and CEO of the Chamber/Bureau, said “Christmas weekend appears to be especially soft.” She explained Christmas this year is on a Sunday, something that likely impacted the projection for that weekend. Wesselhoff also acknowledged other reasons for the overall drop in the projections.
“The economy is always a driving factor in tourism bookings. And ski getaways are amongst the more expensive options for travelers. Fears of recession, high gas prices, high airline prices, inflation, the timing of Christmas day, and shorter booking windows, all impact bookings,” she said.
Wesselhoff, though, said “we’re still seeing solid bookings on the higher end of the lodging sector (which is least impacted by inflation worries.)”
She said the average daily room rate, an important metric in the lodging industry, is approximately 15% higher than the numbers a year ago.
Wesselhoff also said the recent snowfall could lead to additional bookings during the holidays.
“We do anticipate that we’ll gain some extra reservations in December for December. We’re also excited for all the snow – the phones always ring when the snow falls,” she said.