Bend lodge occupancy is on the rise, with tourism on the rebound

BEND, Erz. (KTVZ) – With the summer season here, many tourists return to Bend.

“We were pretty much sold out every night this month,” said Christina Tovar, EconoLodge property manager on Monday.

Tovar said she turned down several walk-ins because her motel was always full.

Kevney Dugan, President of Visit Bend, said tourism in Bend accounts for 15-20% of the city’s revenue.

“So tourist investments in our community go a long way in supporting local businesses, the community and also many urban services that we depend on year-round,” said Dugan.

Dugan added that hotels are getting busier from now on.

“We are in this phase right now where the load will be between the mid and high 80s from now to the end of August and really for the whole of summer,” said Dugan.

Tovar suggests that guests book at least a room a week in advance as Bend “is a very big tourist town and once the rooms are booked they are booked up to Madras and Sisters.”

Element, a new hotel that opened earlier this year, is experiencing its first summer in downtown Bend.

Eric Rock, the general manager, sees heavy workloads, both during the week and on the weekend.

Rock predicts the new hotel will be busy all summer.

Dugan said hotels have also started charging their normal rates again.

“That’s good for these hotels that have struggled for the past 16 months or so to know they have good, stable business,” Dugan said.

Tovar said the key to booking a room in Bend this summer is planning ahead.

“It’s easier to cancel a room than it is to find one at the last minute,” she added.