L.A. County Tourism Revenue Up in May

The Los Angeles County hotel industry was flush with new revenue in May as the average price per room shot up nearly $8 over a year ago while average occupancy ballooned close to 80%, local tourism industry watchers said. The May figures, the most recent available, indicate that Los Angeles County continues to be a strong magnet for leisure and business travelers, said Michael Collins, executive vice president of the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau. According to PKF Consulting, average price per room in May rose roughly 7% from $115.34 to $123.09, while occupancy increased from 73% to 78%. Year-to-date, average room prices hit $122.23, a 5% increase, and average occupancy hovered just above 76%. Tourism trends have been on the increase in the county for the last several months, and Collins predicted more of the same over the traditionally busy summer. In Orange County, May room rates and occupancy were also up. According to PKF, the average price per room rose 5% to $106.01, while occupancy shot up from 66% to 74% compared with a year ago.