A recent survey suggests more holiday travelers visited Central Oregon at the end of 2012 compared to the year before.
Michael Clapp / OPB
Mt. Bachelor from Vista Butte
The Central Oregon Visitors Association conducted the post-holiday survey. The query went out to operators of hotels, resorts and vacation rentals as well as other businesses tied to the tourism trade. Those who responded indicated it was a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Occupancy rates for those two holiday weeks were up by 4 to 15 percent compared to the year prior.
President Alana Houson credits this years' good weather along with the help of some good timing. She says in 2011, both holidays fell on a Sunday which probably led to shorter stays.
"This year with both Christmas and New Years falling mid-week, we captured additional business over the weekend that really are going to help boost these numbers when they come in," said Houson.
Houson expects to have a more accurate snapshot of the holiday season come February with the release of December's room tax collection totals.
