Yahoo Finance Local hotels saw record revenues in '23
Local hotels saw a banner year in 2023.
Mark Calitri, president of the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the occupancy rate was 59.2%.
That’s down slightly from 59.3% in 2022.
The only year that topped that was 1994 — 30 years ago — with 59.63%.
But the average room rate in town increased from $103.04 to $107.24 last year.
That led to revenues of $31.9 million at local hotels — a new record and $1 million above the 2022 mark, according to Smith Travel Research, a national company that tracks such data around the world.
That’s nearly double the $16.1 million local hotels took in in 2020 during the COVID pandemic.
The occupancy rate that year dropped to 37.3%.
“This economic surge was fueled by a robust calendar of events at the convention center, and by being strategically tapped into the sports market, both indoor and outdoor,” Calitri said.
He said, “From hosting inaugural events like the ACO World Cornhole Championships to welcoming back the S3DA National Archery Competition, Daviess County solidified its standing as a versatile sports hub. The convention center witnessed record sales, drawing key associations such as the Green River Clerks, Elevate Kentucky, Kentucky Public Library, Kentucky School Nutrition Association, Kentucky Jailers, and Kentucky Property Valuation Administrators.”
The Adidas Summer Classic attracted more than 50 basketball teams, the River Valley Cluster Dog Show brought in 3,699 dogs from all over the country, the Jack Harlow performance brought in 4,057 people and the PBR Challenger Series sold 2,841 tickets.
Sharon NeSmith, general manager of Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown, who serves on the CVB board, said, “Downtown hotels are witnessing exceptional results, fueled by dedicated team members committed to outstanding customer service. Our community partners have played a pivotal role in our success to welcome and provide a reason to return for our guests and visitors.”
Mark Shook, vice president of intercollegiate athletics at Kentucky Wesleyan College said, “Our athletic department actively recruits and hosts top-tier events, like the Great Midwest Athletic Conference championships in golf and tennis, Panther Growl wrestling, and volleyball invitationals. All of these are key parts to creating an economic impact and exposure to our great city.”
He said, “We have additional events in the planning stages now and we are excited about our future. I know that they will move us all forward in doing our part in helping our community continue to grow and succeed.”
Jeff Esposito, general manager of the Owensboro Convention Center and the Sportscenter, said, “Each event at our venues not only delivers exceptional experiences but also drives notable economic impact. For instance, the Jack Harlow concert and the Eastern S3DA Indoor National Championships brought thousands of visitors to Owensboro, who then contributed to the local economy by staying in our hotels, dining in our restaurants and enjoying our city’s attractions.”
