Duval County’s tourism industry was steady in March amid events including The Players Championship, AAU college hockey, a Spartan Race, Monster Jam and spring break travel bringing an annual surge in visitors along with conference and transient business.
Countywide hotel occupancy reached 74.9%, a slight increase of 0.1% over last year. Room demand rose 1.9%, supported by a 1.8% increase in new hotel supply.
The average daily rate was $131.97, up 1.1%, and revenue per room increased 1.2% to $98.88.
Overall room revenue in March topped $59.3 million, a 3% gain.
Four out of six areas – Arlington, Beaches, airport and Southside – saw occupancy rates decline in March compared with February.
The Beaches saw the highest occupancy in March at 77.77%, down 0.8% from February. The average rate of $225.87 fell 0.4%.
The Westside saw its occupancy surge 12.1% in March over February, but it didn’t boost its average room rate, which fell 2% to $100.92.
STR is a company that offers analytics and marketplace information about the hospitality industry.