North Dakota Tourism's 2009 Year-end Numbers are Up Posted on 3/3/2010
As reported throughout 2009, North Dakota's tourism industry is in an upswing, even as the tourism industry struggles nationally. In its 2009 Annual Report, released today, North Dakota Tourism reports additional statistics that further demonstrate the strength of this industry.
The 2009 year-end numbers show the following: State park visitation up 19% Business/leisure travel up 10% Hotel profitability up 5.8% Airline boardings up 5% Lodging tax up 4%
"Throughout 2009, we've released various studies and statistics showing the growth of North Dakota's tourism industry, and our 2009 year-end numbers reiterate this continued growth" said Sara Otte Coleman, director of North Dakota Tourism. "It doesn't matter which number you use, North Dakota tourism is growing."
Aside from showing the consistent growth in the tourism industry, Otte Coleman points out other significance of the news statistics. "North Dakota was the only state in the U.S. with positive hotel profitability in 2009. In addition, global airlines suffered the worst decline ever in passenger demand in 2009 - a decrease of 3.5 percent - according to the International Air Transport Association, while North Dakota airports posted a 5 percent increase in boardings."
Previous statistics released throughout 2009, demonstrating North Dakota's tourism growth include: From 2006 to 2008, North Dakota's core tourism grew by 10.7 percent, compared to national growth of 8.1 percent during the same timeframe. (Source: IHS Global Insight) Every county in North Dakota saw positive growth and 46 counties posted double-digit growth, with overall growth at the county level at 11.5 percent between 2006 and 2008. (Source: IHS Global Insight) Canadian travel to North Dakota was up 32.1 percent, yielding 1.5 million trips for the timeframe of 2006 to 2008. Within the same period Canadian expenditures grew 86 percent, totaling $273 million in 2008. (Source: Statistics Canada)
"All of these statistics show our strategic marketing of North Dakota as an affordable, close-to-home destination is right on target and in tune with current trends," noted Otte Coleman.
All of these statistics are featured in the 2009 Tourism Division Annual Report, which is now available. To request a copy, contact North Dakota Tourism at 701-328-2525 or 800-435-5663 or download a copy at NDtourism.com.
