For hotel owners in Phoenix last weekend’s Super Bowl was a big, big money-spinner.
In the week leading up to the game, metro Phoenix hotels recorded an increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) of 318% year on year.
Occupancy rates were at 96% on the Saturday night according to the findings of travel research firm STR.
Michael Mooney, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Visit Phoenix said: "In terms of revenue, 2008’s Saturday night RevPAR was up 185% over 2007. This year’s 318% is unprecedented for a market this size."
"The last Super Bowl was successful, but this year’s Super Bowl had more corporate participation," he said.
"We were a warm-weather event following a cold-weather city. Many companies sat out last year’s cold weather and high costs in New York City and came back into play for Phoenix."
"I think we have shown the world that we know how to put on a large event," added Mooney.
