New data released by Smith Travel Report (STR), which tracks hotel transaction statistics, show that hotel occupancy rates in VenturaCountyWest (Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura) increased significantly in 2014 over 2013.

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - February 5th, 2015 - Ventura, Calif.--New data released by Smith Travel Report (STR), which tracks hotel transaction statistics, show that hotel occupancy rates in VenturaCountyWest (Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura) increased significantly in 2014 over 2013. 

            Hotel occupancy rates for January through December 2014 were 71.7 percent for Ventura, 70.2 percent for Oxnard and 74.5 percent for Camarillo. These numbers represent a year-over-year increase of 4.5 percent for Ventura, 6.4 percent for Oxnard and 6.5 percent for Camarillo. Taken in context, the lodging occupancy rate for California increased by 3.1 percent last year. 

            “The Ventura Lodging Association (VCLA) aggressively markets VenturaCountyWest through digital, radio, television, outdoor and print advertising as well as PR and social media. We primarily target Southern California but also reach out to out-of-state and international visitors as well including Canada and China,” says Victor Dollar, general manager of the Ventura Four Points Sheraton and VCLA chair.

            Revenue per available hotel room increased significantly in 2014 over 2013: 10.2 percent for Ventura, 14.8 percent for Oxnard and 12.8 percent for Camarillo. “Double digit increases are fantastic,” Doug Wood, general manager of the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach. “It is also the first time that all three cities each had over a 70 percent average occupancy rate for an entire year.”

            VenturaCountyWest is on the radar of tourists, media planners and sports event organizers. “People are discovering our great outdoor activities, meeting and sports venues, antique and outlet shopping, farm-to-table restaurants and museums,” says Rebekah Evans, executive director of VCLA. “They can choose from a variety of lodging—from beachfront to bed and breakfast to resort style accommodations. Compared to Santa Barbara or Los Angeles, VenturaCountyWest offers all this at a great value.” 

            The City of Point Hueneme has expressed interest in joining VenturaCountyWest. The official announcement is expected later this year.

            For a copy of the 2015 VenturaCountyWest Meeting & Event Planning Guide, go www.VenturaCountyWest.com/meetings. 

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Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA)

 The Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA) is comprised of lodging facilities and destination marketing organizations in the California cities of Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura. VCLA represents 60 members including hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, RV Resorts, resort rentals, the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce, Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau and Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau. Its "VenturaCountyWest" marketing campaign is designed to attract overnight leisure and business visitors to the region. www.venturacountywest.com  www.facebook.com/venturacountywest

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