Discover Newport Predicts Busy Labor Day Weekend
Thursday, September 03, 2015
President and CEO of Discover Newport Evan Smith is predicting a busy Labor Day weekend across the region. Smith says that there are three key factors that led him to this prediction.
“First, occupancy rates have been at or near capacity throughout the summer. Specifically, Newport’s lodging tax was up 36.5% in July over the same time last year and the food and beverage tax was up nearly 14% – these are very assuring figures,” said Smith. “Second, gas prices are steadily declining and our destination is within driving distance of 10% of the U.S. population including key markets like New York, Philadelphia, Hartford, New Haven, Boston and points north. Lastly, we’re seeing a promising weather forecast which is critical for so many day trippers and weekend getaway travelers," Smith said.
Smith's predictions match up with what AAA Northeast is projecting which is 35.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Labor Day Weekend. AAA noted that almost 86 percent of those traveling will do so by car.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“We’re equally optimistic about the early fall travel outlook. Autumn traditionally welcomes a significant amount of visitors including an increase in international travelers as well as thousands of motor coaches and cruise ship passengers. It is also the time of year we see a surge in meetings and conventions; a critical component of tourism business. We look forward to welcoming all of these visitors to our destination during what we believe is one of the most spectacular times of the year," said Smith.
Discover Newport
Discover Newport is the official destination management organization dedicated to promoting the City of Newport and the surrounding coastal townships in Newport and Bristol Counties.
Discover Newport is a non-profit organization that partners with stakeholders throughout the tourism and hospitality industry to market the region as a premier destination for business and leisure travel.
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