'22: Time for tourism

Last year was far better for tourism revenue than you might have thought.

This year is shaping up pretty darn well, too.

Tourism and hospitality leaders are expecting 2022 to bring more visitors to North Idaho in pursuit of outdoor adventures and memorable experiences.

"Thus far, we’re having a great year," said Mark Robitaille, executive director of the Coeur d’Alene Convention and Visitor Bureau.

Some of the success of Idaho's tourism industry is quantified using the state's lodging tax collection data. Region 1, which stretches from the Canadian border to St. Maries, finished with an increase of 31% for fiscal year '20-'21 (July 1 to June 30) over the previous year.

Robitaille said that's not surprising, as the region was still seeing recovery numbers from COVID in 2020. Region 1 is already up another 31% fiscal year to date.

"We don’t anticipate these dramatic increases moving into the next several months, although we anticipate more historically normal numbers of around 8-10%," he said. "Events in our region have been happening pretty regularly for quite some time. In fact, the Downtown Association’s Mac and Cheese Festival in January had a record year and most upcoming events that I know of are scheduled to happen as usual. The CVB will continue to support these events as they arise."

With focus on memorable experiences, The Coeur d'Alene Resort has curated one-of-a-kind events for 2022, including Hot Winter Nights in January, Month of Romance in February and the Coeur d'Alene Blues Festival in March.

Marketing director Amy VanSickle said The Resort just launched its 2022 golf packages, with opening day on the horizon for April 1.

"We have seen an increase in visitors to North Idaho in the past two years," she said. "With the abundance of outdoor activities and memorable experiences it is a desired location. With companies like Pinterest predicting trends like 'Lake it 'til you make it' increasing by two times in 2022, we expect the same amount of visitors as we have recently."

The Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn is also projecting another great year for tourism in Coeur d'Alene in 2022, even through COVID-19 uncertainties.

"While we have seen a few group cancellations recently due to the omicron variant, we are hopeful that we are getting through the worst of it and things will start to take off soon in the group market," Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn President J.J. Jaeger said.

Despite group cancellations in 2021 because of COVID, Jaeger said individual travel — families, tourists, couples — "was very strong in 2021."

"We anticipate continued strong demand for these individual travelers along with increased demand from groups and business travelers in 2022," he said. "This should result in more visitors to our area this year."

The hotel is planning to promote packages for golf, romance, Silverwood Theme Park, holiday lights and lake cruises.

"I still believe there is a lot of pent up demand for individual travelers to get out and travel," Jaeger said. "Coeur d'Alene is one of the premier destinations in the country due to the beauty of the area and the abundance of great activities such as golf, lake cruises and Silverwood. I think we will see increased group business and business travel as well. All of this bodes well for tourism in our area in 2022."

In the River City, Post Falls Chamber President and CEO Christina Petit said her team will focus on filling overnight accommodations.

"As travelers are seeking affordable, family-friendly weekend adventures, Post Falls is gaining popularity because of the many activities that are so accessible," she said. "Just minutes off of I-90, people are discovering miles of loop trails, scenic riverfront parks and just about any water sport activity you’re seeking above and below the falls. Post Falls boasts one of the best distilleries, a new whiskey bar with exceptional world class spirits, gastro pubs and diverse dining options from award-winning chefs."

The Post Falls park system continues to add new features and trails.

"The city of Post Falls will be working on the beautification project in Black Bay Park by adding more ADA accessibility including a paddle board launch and a wheelchair accessible path to overlook the river," Petit said. "This will make it possible for any ability to paddle kayaks and boards, up and down the Spokane River. Post Falls 2022 campaign will collaborate with our tourism partners, creating weekend exploration packages to attract leisurely travelers and adrenaline junkies alike."

New businesses are popping up in Post Falls, providing more offerings for shopping experiences.

A new concert series and venue featuring nationally recognized talent will be introduced in Post Falls this year, as well as other exciting offerings. Without revealing too many secrets, Petit said Post Falls is excited about "an outstanding lineup of celebrity performers who will be headlining a concert series at Findlay Stadium at Stateline Speedway along with an already exciting race track series for 2022."

"The River City Market and Music is expanding with a focus on farm-to-table merchants and the Balloon Destination Rides floating over the river and prairie will return this year," she said. "Stay tuned for many other events in the works."