PHOENIX, AZ. (MAY 22, 2020) –– The most recent weekly Arizona tourism data shows hotel occupancy in the Phoenix region at 33.6% for the week of May 10 - May 16, representing a gain of nearly 3 percentage points over last week. Occupancy is down 52% year-over-year, but 5 percentage points better than last week. Phoenix has the 8th highest occupancy rate among the Top 25 U.S. markets.

View May 10 - May 16 Occupancy chart here.

Additionally, Revenue Per Available Room, or RevPAR, for the week in Phoenix was down 72% over the same week last year. This is in line with the national figure of 74%. RevPAR, which is used industry-wide, is the most comprehensive measure of lodging performance.

“We’re happy to see hotel and resort occupancy across the Phoenix area continue to increase,” said Debbie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “As we launch our Rediscover Arizona tourism recovery campaign this week, we’re expecting to see our industry metrics maintain their upward trajectory.”

Arizona drive traffic holds steady
While still far below how frequently they were traveling prior to COVID-19 (Arizonans are traveling by car away from home 40% less now than they did prior to the beginning of the crisis in February), each week has seen steady increases in the number of Arizonans venturing out, according to data measured on May 19 by the Arrivalist Daily Travel Index. However, the most recent week-over-week comparison shows this travel leveling off. With Arizona’s stay-at-home order expiring on May 15, this number may increase next week. The index measures data through the movement of cars and defines a visitor as someone who travels at least 50 miles outside their home area. The initial phase of AOT’s tourism recovery plan encourages residents and those in close drive markets to take road trips to help them (re)discover Arizona.

Travelers altering trips remains steady
As of May 13, 2020, 77% of American travelers with trips planned in the next six months said they’ll change their travel plans due to COVID-19. This data is from a weekly survey of American Travelers, conducted by Longwoods International.

The Arizona Office of Tourism provides this data on a weekly basis to help paint an accurate picture of the challenges facing Arizona’s tourism industry, which employed 192,000 Arizonans and contributed $1 billion to the state’s budget in 2018, and to track its recovery as a critical driver of Arizona’s economy.

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Media Contact: Josh Coddington, (480) 438-4700, [email protected]

 

About the Arizona Office of Tourism
The Arizona Office of Tourism works to strengthen and grow Arizona's economy through travel and tourism promotion, positioning Arizona as the leading tourism destination for domestic and international travelers. Tourism is a key industry that provides positive economic impacts to every community, city and county across the state.