Lewisburg — Summer business is not 100% back to pre-pandemic levels, but business is strong and hotels are optimistic that things will improve and they will return.
Overall, Miller said most hotels are optimistic about what this summer will bring, with the Little League World Series (LLWS) and fall season just around the corner.
Jason Fink, president and CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, said international teams are returning to the competition this year.
$35 million“Last year we didn’t have many opportunities to welcome the fans,” Fink said. “It was a U.S. competition. But everyone is excited that the international team is back this year and that this will be his 75th Little League World Series.”
Looking at the previous economic impact on the region, Fink said: It has regional implications. Those who come here for the series stay within a 60-mile radius of the county. In two weeks he sees an impact of over $35 million. ”
All of the series-related activity adds one more day and four teams (20 teams) to the kick-off event of the Grand Slam Parade on August 15, Fink said: Everyone is excited. ”
economic impactThe Little League World Series is back in full swing, and event producers expect the full participation of pre-pandemic teams and fans, Miller said. “This expectation has reached the ears of our local properties and they have a solid base of bookings leading up to the big event.”
A big change in hotel bookings this year is that bookings are usually made at the last minute, usually two to three days. That said, I feel hotels are getting closer to selling out with LLWS, if not yet.
According to Miller, the LLWS is estimated to bring just over $2 million in visitor spending to the Susquehanna River Valley in 2023, to say the least.
“For the foreseeable future, all accommodations are realistically aware that COVID could impact bookings and visits at any time,” he said. Team, it looks like fall is going to be a very busy season for our hotels, with both new and rescheduled wedding bookings.
Revival of hospitalityOne trend Miller and his team are happy to see is that “we’re seeing more stays from Penn State football home games because the rates are far more attractive than at State College.”
The Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau is happy to facilitate accommodation for PSU football fans. By saving money on PSU hotels, you can afford to pay for gas to drive to PSU.
“If you drive on Route 45 or Route 192, you’ll experience some of the most beautiful autumn foliage views in the area,” says Miller.
Overall, there is solid optimism that the hospitality industry, and especially lodging industry, is headed for a full recovery.
Back in 2020, tourism/hospitality industry experts predicted that a full recovery would take three to four years.
“It looks like we’re on track for that prediction,” says Miller. “2023 is a very positive year for the industry and the Susquehanna River Valley and we hope to be ahead of that schedule.”
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