Reno-Tahoe Welcomed 4.6 Million Visitors In 2008
2009-02-26
RENO, Nev. (Thursday, February 26, 2009) - The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) announced today that an estimated 4.6 million people visited Washoe County in 2008. This marks a 10 percent decline when compared to the 2007 figure. The decrease in total visitors to the destination is attributed to the faltering economy.
An estimated 5.1 million people visited Washoe County in 2007, and California continues to be the core market for the destination, accounting for 40 percent of all visitors to the destination, according to the most recent visitor profile study.
"Given the economic challenges facing our nation I am not surprised that the visitor count decreased slightly for 2008," said Ellen Oppenheim, RSCVA President and CEO said. "Despite the decline in visitors to the area the future is bright for Reno-Tahoe."
In mid-January American Express polled its travel staffers and identified several travel trends for 2009. Trends identified noted that travelers are seeking value vacations, bypassing major destinations to visit lesser-known areas that offer an enjoyable experience closer to home.
"Based on what travelers are looking for during these challenging times, it’s clear that Reno-Tahoe is a destination that can easily suit their needs," Oppenheim said. "Reno-Tahoe is a destination that is easy to get to, offers great value, exceptional amenities and a good time."
The RSCVA is currently working on a variety of projects to keep Reno-Tahoe top-of-mind in its core markets. For example, the organization - along with six hotel properties - launched ‘Reno Rules,’ a research-based cooperative marketing campaign valued at $5 million in the Bay Area and Interstate 80 corridor. The RSCVA is also working with meeting planners and wholesalers to increase awareness of the destination and encourage travel for both leisure and business.
The destination is hosting a variety of city-wide conventions this year including: Hearth Patio & Barbeque Association, March; 2009 USBC Women's Championships, March - July; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, May; and the National Tour Association, November.
Additionally, the Downtown Reno Triple A Baseball Stadium is scheduled to open in April, a new whitewater park will open this summer at Rock Park in Sparks, in June the second phase of tenants will occupy the Legends at Sparks Marina and the Golden Eagle Regional Park, the largest public works project in the history of the City of Sparks, is complete. Furthermore Expansion projects at the Peppermill Hotel Casino, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and the Grand Sierra Resort are complete.
"All of these new developments will leave the destination in a more competitive position once the economy rebounds," Oppenheim said.
The RSCVA is the primary tourism agency supporting convention and tourism business for the Reno-Tahoe region. Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place, supports unlimited possibilities from outdoor recreation to 24-hour Nevada style gaming and entertainment. For more information about Reno-Tahoe call 800-FOR-RENO (800-367-7366) or visit www.VisitRenoTahoe.com.
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An estimated 5.1 million people visited Washoe County in 2007, and California continues to be the core market for the destination, accounting for 40 percent of all visitors to the destination, according to the most recent visitor profile study.
"Given the economic challenges facing our nation I am not surprised that the visitor count decreased slightly for 2008," said Ellen Oppenheim, RSCVA President and CEO said. "Despite the decline in visitors to the area the future is bright for Reno-Tahoe."
In mid-January American Express polled its travel staffers and identified several travel trends for 2009. Trends identified noted that travelers are seeking value vacations, bypassing major destinations to visit lesser-known areas that offer an enjoyable experience closer to home.
"Based on what travelers are looking for during these challenging times, it’s clear that Reno-Tahoe is a destination that can easily suit their needs," Oppenheim said. "Reno-Tahoe is a destination that is easy to get to, offers great value, exceptional amenities and a good time."
The RSCVA is currently working on a variety of projects to keep Reno-Tahoe top-of-mind in its core markets. For example, the organization - along with six hotel properties - launched ‘Reno Rules,’ a research-based cooperative marketing campaign valued at $5 million in the Bay Area and Interstate 80 corridor. The RSCVA is also working with meeting planners and wholesalers to increase awareness of the destination and encourage travel for both leisure and business.
The destination is hosting a variety of city-wide conventions this year including: Hearth Patio & Barbeque Association, March; 2009 USBC Women's Championships, March - July; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, May; and the National Tour Association, November.
Additionally, the Downtown Reno Triple A Baseball Stadium is scheduled to open in April, a new whitewater park will open this summer at Rock Park in Sparks, in June the second phase of tenants will occupy the Legends at Sparks Marina and the Golden Eagle Regional Park, the largest public works project in the history of the City of Sparks, is complete. Furthermore Expansion projects at the Peppermill Hotel Casino, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and the Grand Sierra Resort are complete.
"All of these new developments will leave the destination in a more competitive position once the economy rebounds," Oppenheim said.
The RSCVA is the primary tourism agency supporting convention and tourism business for the Reno-Tahoe region. Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place, supports unlimited possibilities from outdoor recreation to 24-hour Nevada style gaming and entertainment. For more information about Reno-Tahoe call 800-FOR-RENO (800-367-7366) or visit www.VisitRenoTahoe.com.
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