May 22, 2007

Durham’s 50+ Visitor Volume Sees Highest Increase Since ‘99

Leisure Travelers Stay Longer, Business Travelers Shorten Visits

Visitation to Durham from 50 or more miles away rose 6.1% over 2005, the sharpest increase since 1999, according to a report on Durham’s visitor volume prepared by D.K. Shifflet & Associates Ltd. In 2006, 2.23 million overnight and day-trip visitors from outside a 50-mile radius came to Durham, compared to 2.11 million the year before.

Durham had slightly fewer leisure visitors due in part to a sharp increase in commercial lodging rates, fuel costs, and other expenses. However, those visitors stayed longer than a year ago with person days up 3.7%.

Visitors to Durham for business saw a rebound, but with almost 10% fewer person-days, meaning they took shorter trips.

There was a nearly 9% increase in day-trip visitors from outside the 50-mile Durham radius over 2005.

Soon, full estimates on all Durham visitor volume, including day trips within a 50-mile radius, will be available.

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Published by the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau. Copyright 2005 Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau,
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