September 2024 saw modest increases to airport volume, and increases in hotel revenue despite small declines in demand.
Hotels Finish Summer Strong
September occupancy was 73%, a decrease of -5% from the same month last year and bringing the YTD occupancy to 72%. Total hotel revenue reached $41.4 million in the month, which was an increase of 5.6% from 2023 revenue at the same point in the year. Hotel revenue is important for Anchorage in several ways: it's a signal for bed tax collections, since most hotel stays are assessed a 12% tax on their bill.
Airport Passenger Volume Increases
More than 235,000 people passed through security at Anchorage's airport in September, essentially flat from the same period in 2023 but 7% higher than September of 2019. TSA counts include both visitor traffic and residents passing through the security checkpoint, and so the counts are sign of overall travel activity in the airport, rather than solely leisure visitors from outside of Alaska.
Encouraging Signals for Convention Season
With large fall meetings including First Alaskans Elders and Youth and the Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention, approaching, Anchorage is on track for strong returns from meetings and conventions. Spending by convention delegates and event attendees this year is expected to total more than $111 million in Anchorage. The estimate is based on a national model for spending in the community from delegates, and is a conservative benchmark for the economic benefits of meets held in the community.
