GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Fewer visitors are booking overnight stays in Palisade hotels, reflecting a dip in lodging fees from 2023 to 2024. Despite the decline, town officials aren’t sounding the alarm, pointing out that current numbers align with pre-pandemic levels.

Lodging Fee Revenue Sees Slight Decline

A key topic at an upcoming Palisade Tourism Advisory Board meeting will be the town’s lodging fee revenue, which fell by $4,160, translating to 691 fewer hotel stays compared to the previous year. While that might seem concerning, officials emphasize that this is more of a market correction than a crisis.

“With COVID happening, there were kind of some unrealistic numbers,” said Town Trustee Jeff Snook. “As we’ve progressed, we’ve been able to continue advertising to maintain lodging numbers or at least keep up with pre-COVID levels.”

Following the pandemic, 2022 and 2023 saw a surge in travel as people were eager to leave their homes and explore. That spike has now eased, bringing numbers back to what they were in 2019.

Hotels Feel the Slowdown

Local hoteliers have taken note of the decline, with some seeing a significant drop in bookings.

“It’s definitely significantly slower this year than it has been in years past,” said Ian Kelley, general manager of the Wine Country Inn. “We’ve seen about a 30% decrease in room nights here.”

For hotels that rely on seasonal staff, the decrease has made hiring more challenging. However, optimism remains high for the rest of the year.

“I think we’re going to make a good rebound,” Kelley added. “I also think we’re going to have a really strong spring.”

Lodging Fee Increase Offsets Some Losses

In 2022, Palisade voters approved a lodging fee increase from $2 per night to $6. The additional revenue is split between the town’s Emergency Service Fund and marketing campaigns aimed at boosting tourism.

Despite the lower hotel occupancy rates, Snook doesn’t expect another ballot measure to address the issue. The town plans to focus on targeted marketing efforts to attract visitors instead.

Marketing Campaigns and Special Events

To reinvigorate interest in Palisade, the town has been rolling out special promotions, including the ‘1904 Palisade’ event celebrating its 121st birthday.

• Local businesses, including restaurants, retail shops, hotels, and wineries, are offering exclusive discounts and deals.
• The campaign is expected to draw visitors looking for unique experiences and savings.
• Additional marketing efforts will continue throughout the year to maintain steady tourism numbers.

More information about these promotions can be found on the Visit Palisade website. While the town may be experiencing a temporary dip in hotel stays, officials remain confident in their ability to keep Palisade a desirable destination.