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Omaha Magazine

Omaha CVB: Economic Rebound For Omaha Tourism

Feb 01, 2022 11:29AM ● By Deborah Ward
Omaha CVB's Deborah Ward

 Since pandemic travel restrictions were eased, tourism has been on the rebound across the United States. Omaha has seen multiple tourist sectors trend upwards, including business meetings, sporting events, and leisure travel. 

There’s more good news for the tourism and travel sector as the overall economy continues to recover. STR and Tourism Economics, groups that analyze global tourism data, report that hotel demand in the U.S. is expected to be near a full recovery in 2022.

During the International Hospitality Investment Conference, hotel business leaders reported demand would continue to increase. Executives from around the industry, including Hilton, Marriott International, and IHG Hotels & Resorts, reported advance bookings surpassing 2019 numbers and even predict record-breaking revenue in the United States during the second and third quarters of 2022. 

With industry experts calling for further gains next year, Omaha has every reason to expect continued improvements. STR data for Douglas County projects that 2022 hotel revenue will total $245 million, exceeding 2019 revenues by $26 million. While the number of hotel rooms occupied during 2022 will still fall short of 2019 numbers, STR projects that Omaha hotels will be able to charge more for their rooms, which will make up for the
lower occupancy. 

Visitors to Omaha make a strong economic impact on the metro, benefitting our whole community. During a typical year, Omaha tourism generates $1.3 billion for the metro area and employs almost 18,000 of our friends, families and neighbors. So, when your company or professional organization asks where they should hold their next meeting or conference, make sure to suggest Omaha and let the Visit Omaha team do the heavy lifting. 

This article originally appeared in the February/March 2022  issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.  

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