Credit: Washington Crossing Historic Park
Occupancy for hotels and bed and breakfasts in Bucks County have reportedly reached record levels this summer.
Statistics that point out the increase in in out-of-town visitors to attractions in the county were released by Visit Bucks County Wednesday.
According to tourism officials, key lodging statistics have been thriving throughout the year in the county, but specifically rose from Memorial Day to Labor Day – where occupancy was at 75.2 percent, the best it’s been in nearly a decade. Average room rates were also up for the summer months in Bucks, where overnight guests paid an average of $112.80 per room, up from 109.40 last summer.
“Tourism plays a crucial role in Bucks County’s economy and the rise in occupancy reflects a significant increase in overnight visitors to the area,” said Jerry Lepping, president and COO of Visit Bucks County. “Visitor spending generates $895 million in economic impact and supports 12,000 local jobs making tourism a vital part of Bucks County.”
According to the county tourism agency, vacation package sales were also up by 11 percent at Middletown’s Sesame Place – a hit attraction for both residents and non-residents.
“This resulted in an increase in the number of guests visiting the park this summer from markets including Scranton, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Albany, NY,” said Bob Caruso, Sesame Place Park President.
Joe Capone, executive director for Washington Crossing Historic Park noted that the park saw a 20 percent increase in revenue this summer fueled by out-of-town visitors.
Tourism officials noted what may have helped boost occupancy were the abundance of accolades that the county received this past summer from national publications like USA Today, Brides, Country Living, and even Refinery29.
