Mid-Michigan's tourism organization is celebrating a record 2016.
The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) announced its year-end data at its annual meeting Tuesday, which included good news for the local economy.
“We’ve enjoyed a record-breaking year in the area,” said Jack Schripsema, President and CEO of the GLCVB. “For the first time in the history of the GLCVB, lodging partners in the region reported over one million hotel rooms consumed for the year. It’s a milestone to be shared and celebrated with the entire Greater Lansing hospitality community.”
The Greater Lansing region experienced a 4.8% increase in year-to-date area lodging occupancy, setting a record high for the region at 64%, according to Smith Travel Research (STR) data. Additionally, the Greater Lansing region experienced a 3.4% increase in Average Daily Rate (ADR), or average cost per available hotel room.
In 2016, ADR was reported at $101.82 compared to $98.28 in 2015. The GLCVB says overall demand for regional hotel rooms and the rate area lodging partners are able to charge for them both went up for the fourth consecutive year, a prime indication of a healthy hospitality and tourism market.
Also at Tuesday's meeting, the GLCVB and Greater Lansing Sports Authority formally recognized numerous partners with awards.
The Community Champions program was created to recognize local residents who advocate bringing convention and event business to the Greater Lansing area. Those recognized as Community Champions include: Dr. Huey-Wen Lin, Dr. Alexei Bazavov, Dr. Andrea Shindler, Dr. Shannon Schmoll, Dr. James Tiedje, Kathie Dunbar, Scott Dane and the Lansing Derby Vixens.
The Great Lakes Ice Cream & Fast Food Association and the Michigan Assisted Living Association were recognized with Milestone Awards for 50 years of meeting in Greater Lansing. The Greater Lansing Sports Authority was proud to recognize NUWAY Wrestling as Partner of the Year and Nancy Simpson with the Lansing Skating Club as Volunteer of the Year.
