Latest News, WVPA Sharing

West Virginia hotel occupancy soaring statewide; revenues up 20 percent

Governor Justice announces increased traveler spending, infrastructure development at Logan County event

LOGAN, W.Va. – Governor Jim Justice today unveiled new data that show a sharp increase in West Virginia hotel occupancy.

Governor Jim Justice showing off new data representing a sharp increase in hotel occupancy and revenue in June, 2018, compared to the same month the previous year. The announcement came in conjunction with a W.Va. Tourism Commission meeting at Chief Logan State Park in Logan County. WV Press Association Photo

Joined by the state’s Tourism Commission and dozens of hospitality industry representatives, Justice announced that statewide hotel occupancy in June jumped 16.1 percent from the same month last year. Combined with a robust average room rate, the occupancy boom also produced a 20 percent revenue increase in a year-over-year comparison with June 2017.

“What you see here is hard work paying off,” said Justice. “Since I started this job, one of my top priorities has been to get the word out about what an amazing place this is. We have four beautiful seasons, the friendliest folks in the world, and activities to fit every budget and interest.

The occupancy gains have been widespread. Justice announced increases for every region of the state and shared impressive year-to-date figures. In the first two quarters of 2018, occupancy is up 11.7% producing revenue growth of 14.9%.

“One of my first decisions in office was to launch a new tourism campaign that would spread that message like never before,” Justice continued. “West Virginians should be proud of what we’ve done here, because it takes all of us, telling our story and rolling out the welcome mat, to make this happen.”

Justice delivered the news from the front porch of a newly constructed luxury cabin at Chief Logan State Park. Dedicated just last week, the new Chief Logan cabins will serve visitors to the Hatfield McCoy trail system, one of the state’s fastest growing tourist attractions.

Cabin 3 at Chief Logan State Park is one of three newly renovated cabins at the park. WV Press Association Photo.

“From day one, the Governor had a vision for what could happen with West Virginia tourism,” said state Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby. “The success we’ve seen this year is a direct result of that vision and the Governor’s commitment to growing our tourism industry. Tourism means jobs, and the numbers that the Governor released today translate into more West Virginians working in a sector that still has enormous room to expand.”

“When I took office, our tourism industry had dropped for five straight years,” Justice said. “Just as in other sectors of our economy, we’re getting this one turned around and heading in the right direction. This is just the beginning of what we can accomplish as a state if we invest wisely, work hard, and keep our eye on the ball.”

Statewide hotel occupancy rates are reported by STR, a global hotel research company. STR collects monthly data from more than 58,000 hotels around the world, representing more than 7.9 million rooms in 600 different markets.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Hatfield, 304-957-923, [email protected]

Comments are closed.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

And get our latest content in your inbox

Invalid email address