Summer tourism stagnant

“Surveys show that people took fewer trips, stayed fewer nights, traveled closer to home and spent less money on their trips,” said Schultz.

An Explore Minnesota Tourism report indicates that although tourism remains a stable sector of the state economy, the lodging and other tourist dependent businesses had a difficult summer. The report indicates that the bottom line is that consumers are not spending as they would in a stable economy.

Until consumer confidence in the economy comes up again, Schultz said that it would likely impact travel spending.

Koochiching County lodging and revenue was up just over 1 percent from 2007, according to Schultz, who attributed some growth to Canadian travelers, according to U.S. Highway 53 hotel reports.

“Recreational travel is stable,” he added.

The Explore Minnesota report blamed cool weather for a slow start this vacation season. Stable gas prices could bring people in the fall for leisure trips such as watching the leaves turn on scenic roadways.

“The outlook for the fall is moderate,” Schultz added.

Borderland resort owners offered the most positive outlook on the summer. They credit regular customers on family vacations from all over the state and region. They often stay in the same cabin each year. They also said fishing groups did not let gas prices get in the way of their getaway planning.

Dick Garbe, co-owner of Northernaire Houseboats of Rainy Lake, reported an identical year to 2007, which is an average season in the past 10 years.

“People are used to gas prices now and it’s not bothering them,” he said.

Garbe does outside marketing to attract tourism from around the country. He says the guests stay in local hotels before boarding a houseboat, and also buy groceries and supplies in area stores for the lake trips.

The major hotels report no significant changes, but said it would have been a better summer in a stronger economy.

Steve Fox, general manager of the Holiday Inn, said there were good months and slow months. The Boise Inc. shutdown brought a lot of workers in May. The International Falls Bass Championship and Christian Motorcyclists Association event filled rooms in August. June and July were on par with 2007, he said.

“The extra local events and activities really make a big difference,” said Fox.

Fox said winter months are mixed, with January and February bringing the cold weather car testers, out-of-town hockey teams and snowmobilers. He would like to see more events to bring people during the slowest months from October through December.

“We never look forward to winters,” he added. “We call that our shoulder season.”

Chuck Coombs, managing partner at the Super 8 Motel, said this summer was as good as previous years, but it could have been better.

He says the diehard anglers will come no matter the economy. He also credited the construction and summer events with picking up business.

Coombs said Borderland would progress as a tourist destination area with attractions for Rainy Lake, Rainy River and Voyageurs National Park.

“The potential is there and just it needs to be pushed on and the attractions created,” he said.

The ‘mom and pop’ hotels reported a slower summer than the chain hotels.

Karen Hedtke, owner of Tee Pee Motel, said it was her slowest summer in 21 years. She said the hotel is usually filled on weekends in summer and recalled being at capacity just six times all summer.

“August was our best month,” she said.

Most said her customers were salespeople and anglers on their way to Canada. She is hoping for a lot of snow this winter to bring the snowmobilers.

Jerald Netland said his first full summer as owner of the Voyageur Motel was good, but that his business did not come from where he expected.

Occupancy was up, but not from families or tourists. They were Indiana boilermakers working at Boise and Canadian Northern railway workers. He talked with them daily to encourage them to return for fishing and vacations.

Netland said the overcrowded metro area campgrounds and parks indicate that the economy and gas prices are keeping families closer to home. He did report having some anglers and a tourists from as far as Germany and Denmark. The retirees were taking advantage of a strong Euro, he added.

“I am surprised we had as good a summer as we did, but it was due to construction,” Netland said.

Netland is keeping Voyageur open year round and rents units by the month during the winter. He said more jobs in the area would bring more business to everyone.

“People would like to come here to live and work because of the fishing,” he said.

For next year, the CVB is printing 35,000 vacation planners.

Schultz said he would like to see more family events created throughout the year to draw people to the area. The bass championship has grown with simultaneous events, activities and prizes for non anglers alike, he added.

“Now if we can do that in April,” he added.

To learn more, call 1-800-FALLS-MN or visit online at www.rainylake.org.