Two recent articles each put a different take on the health of the bed and breakfast industry. In the Philadelphia Inquirer, it was reported that "the median occupancy rate for B&Bs in 2008 was 44 percent, the same as it was in 2007 and an increase since 2005, when it was just 35 percent." That compares to an occupancy rate of 60 percent for hotels in 2008, down from 63 percent in 2007. Although those figures are somewhat dated, Jay Karen, president and CEO of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International, told the Inquirer, "We believe many of the trends in traveler behavior have moved people in our direction.
However, the Poughkeepsie (New York) Journal recently reported that local "bed tax" collections were down in the second quarter of 2009, decreasing from $555,000 in 2008 to $462,000. "It was the first time (the second) quarter fell below the $500,000 mark since 2004," according to the report.
Whether or not bed and breakfasts are enjoying a strong year or suffering through a weak year seems to depend in large part on geography. In addition to the two reports above, a discussion in our forum revealed a split opinion. What do you think? Post a note in our forum, or click on "comments" below to share your thoughts: Are B&Bs thriving in the weak economy, or are they suffering through a downturn along with most other businesses?
The page the Poughkeepsie (New York) Journal URL points too doesn’t exist.
Steve: Thanks for the note. I have updated the link, so it should be working now!