TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
When summer season closes, Tourism Development is always eager to review data and client conversations in evaluating one of our key priorities: to flatten the seasonality demand and help create a more year-round destination. Preliminary indications continue to show strong leisure demand for Greater Palm Springs, and we see our traditional overseas source markets returning to pre-pandemic results. However, with the strong U.S. Dollar as of this reporting, future international bookings will be monitored closely.
Initial STR data indicate June through August occupancy was slightly down from last year but still marginally higher than historical monthly averages. Leisure-specific occupancy tells much the same story, but ADR continues to pace well above typical summer averages and higher than last summer.
We have several marketing initiatives active in our international markets and have been busy this summer hosting clients with Flight Centre Australia, Golfbreaks.com, TravelZone AG, and Assurever.
Our travel schedule has remained robust with recent participation in ASTA’s Global Conference, TravelBrands, and WestJet agent shows in Canada. Upcoming events include Germany, Northern California Mission, ASTA San Diego, CalTravel Summit, Routes World, California Luxury Forum, and Visit California’s UK Mission. We are also busy in our RFP review for our UK trade representation and expect a decision by the end of November.
We are happy to welcome our new UK-based Tourism Development Manager, Gerry Boyle, who will be starting on October 1. Gerry is based just south of London and will oversee our European markets while also working alongside our offices in the UK, Germany, and France. Gerry has extensive experience with British Airways Holidays, Mark Travel, and with our current UK rep agency Black Diamond, where for the past 11 years he led the trade representation team as well as oversaw the Brand USA account. Gerry has visited Greater Palm Springs on several occasions, and I know he is excited to join our team. Welcome Gerry!
Finally, we want to extend our appreciation and best wishes to Robyn Gallegos, who after 7-years with Visit Greater Palm Springs has accepted a position with La Quinta Resort & Club. We are very thankful for Robyn’s contribution and excited she is remaining close-to-home to allow continued partnership and friendship.
If you have any questions about Tourism Development, please contact:
Gary Orfield, Director of Tourism Development
gary@visitgreaterps.com | 760.969.1335
