BC & Yukon Hotels' Association

May 2007 Newsletter

BC Hotel Room Revenue Rebounds

Room rate fluctuations
Hotel room revenue fluctuates with changing conditions, but has climbed rapidly over the past six years, according to BC Stats InfoLine. Between 2001 and 2006, annual room revenue at hotels increased 19.6%. The only year that room revenue dropped during this period was in 2003 (-3.1%). Over the same period, the average cost for a hotel room in the province rose to $122.90 from $116.10, a 5.8% increase.
Business drops
The attacks of 9/11 exacerbated an ongoing decline in business. Overall receipts were off 9% in September and October of 2001. The SARS outbreak in 2003 also depressed revenue and prices significantly at hotels. During March alone, business fell 6.3%. This was met with similar decreases in the average room rate for both March (-2.1%) and April (-2.3%). In Vancouver, hotel room rates reached a low of $111 in August 2003, having shrunk 15.6% since March when the outbreak first showed up in Canada.
Grey Cup boost
Hotel operators enjoyed a sharp rise in revenue in November 2005, with the Grey Cup being held in Vancouver. The effects of this increase were keenly felt in the city of Vancouver where hotel room revenue was up 19% and hotel room rates rose 10.1% in November 2005. Overall though, while the average room rate has climbed somewhat with room revenue, beyond a few significant shocks, the increase has been modest.

~Courtesy of BC Stats InfoLine, Issue 07-17, April 27~

(Editors note: Analysis has yet to be completed on the impact of the 2007 Stanley Cup that was played in Vancouver.)

Canadian Tourism Development Corporation: Clarification

A matter of confusion has been brought to our attention relating to the look/feel of the Canadian Tourism Development Corporation's drive for memberships and similarity to Tourism British Columbia's listing program. Several of the accommodation suppliers that typically enroll in Tourism British Columbia programs have brought this matter to our attention.

The Canadian Tourism Development Corporation is not affiliated with any federal or provincial organization, (not CTC, TBC, HAC etc).

Tourism British Columbia's "official" response to enquiries is that there are dozens, if not hundreds, of private and publicly owned websites that supply travel information to the consumer. Like many other products and services that we all purchase, it is "buyer beware." It is always appropriate to request more information about a company before making a final decision about participation. Tourism BC has no affiliation, nor do we have any additional information about the "Canadian Tourism Development Corporation" or www.officialtourism.ca.

Government, Industry Launch New Serving It Right Program

After 18 years, BC's responsible beverage service program, Serving It Right (SIR), has been updated with a new program launching June 1, 2007.

The new program places an increased emphasis on signs of intoxication, legal liability, duty of care on and off premises, and the necessity to create and enforce responsible beverage service policies.

BC Hospitality Industry Conference & Exposition
November 18-20 2007
Vancouver, BC

The BC Hospitality Industry Conference & Exposition brings together the hospitality industry for three days of networking, buying and the latest in education development. The Conference attracts over 500 industry professionals representing all aspects of the hospitality industry. The Exposition hosts over 250 exhibitors displaying the latest goods and services and approximately 4000 industry professionals attend the two day Trade Show.

For more event details or to book exhibit space, visit: www.hospitality-trade.com

Hosted by:
The BC & Yukon Hotels' Association
The Alliance of Beverage Licensees
The BC Restaurant and Food Services Association