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Mountain travel increasing in 'inches not feet'

Staying current on technology trends crucial, industry told

 

Occupancy at mountain travel destinations was up over last year, according to the figures from the Mountain Travel Research Program (MTRiP).

But the founder of the program, Ralf Garrison, cautioned that the increase was minimal at 1.3 per cent.

"This is good news, but we're continuing to progress in inches, not feet," he said at the Mountain Travel Symposium in Banff in mid-April.

"From a seasonal standpoint, we have finally exceeded last winter's numbers in terms of occupancy. But we need to be very careful when we look at what we're comparing. Last year was an anomaly, and one of the hardest years in our history."

Experts at the symposium also highlighted the fact that rate sensitivity will continue into the future.

They also stressed the impact of technology on how consumers now shop and buy travel.

"Because travellers rely on technology every step of the way, companies in the business have to stay current on technological trends," said Philip Wolf, founder, president and CEO of PhoCusWright.

"It's not an option."

Nearly 1,000 mountain travel professional from around the world travelled to Banff to attend the 35 th annual Mountain Travel Symposium, the largest gathering on its kind in North America. The event launches the sales cycle for the next ski season.