Evansville CVB Lauds Boost in Hotel Occupancy Rate

Officials say attractions such as the Deaconess Sports Park will continue to contribute to tourism successes.

A report released by the Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau suggests the city’s hotel industry is outperforming nearly a dozen of its peer cities in a key measure. The data, compiled by Smith Travel Research Co., show Evansville had a 2015 total hotel occupancy rate of more than 67 percent.

Year-over-year, the report shows 8.6 percent growth in the rate in 2015, compared to 2014. The organization says the jump builds on a 3.1 percent increase from 2013 to 2014.

Rates have also risen for hotels in the city. A revenue statement from the Vanderburgh County Treasurer shows Average Daily Rates for the local hotel industry increased from $$88.57 in 2014 to $91.44 in 2015, generating a $3.6 million boost in sales.

The CVB says a concentrated marketing strategy to increase leisure travel has benefited the local hotel industry. It credits a 8-15 percent rise in Friday and Saturday stays to campaigns pushing weekend events to potential visitors within a 50-mile or greater radius from the city. In a statement, the organization says "while other factors also contribute to this growth, the Evansville CVB believes their marketing strategy has been successful in attaining the goals and objectives."

This year, the CVB is launching one study involving the overall economic impact of tourism in 2015 and another focusing on consumer awareness and perception.