Hotel occupancy in GR posts great gains

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - It looks like Grand Rapids is turning heads with what it has to offer: ArtPrize, downtown shopping and conventions.
 
Now, hotel occupancy is the highest it's ever been in Grand Rapids.
 
"It's been a good buzz all year long here in Grand Rapids as it relates to hotel activity," said President of Experience Grand Rapids Doug Small. "And it sounds like that's going to continue right up to the end of the year, and that's music to our ears because December,  year-to-year, could be good or bad."
 
Small points to the Grand Rapids brand recognition to explain the success of the industry.
 
"I think our leisure activity is what's really got us excited," said Small. "People are discovering Grand Rapids is a place you can come for a weekend and have a good time. ... They're coming back two and three times, so it's really helped our numbers."
 
According to Experience Grand Rapids, hotel occupancy has increased 7.6% year over year while nationally it has grown by 4.4% and in Michigan by 7.1%.
 
Hotel revenue in Grand Rapids is anticipated to settle in at  a record  $112 million for 2011, which tops last year's $103 million. That's a 13% increase, according to Experience Grand Rapids, and it's notably above the national and state average gains of 8.9% and 9.9%, respectively.

And at this rate, things should be even better next year. Experience Grand Rapids is already predicting a 5% increase in hotel room revenue for 2012.
 
Rick Winn, President of the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association, said tourism will be critical to keep those numbers up.
 
"I think it's probably the future of Michigan and really how tourism goes, is how the state will go," said Winn. "Looking into the future, if the economy continues to grow, then we'll continue to make strides."