Park City Chamber budget cut $1M after low-snow winter

Park City Chamber Bureau CEO Jennifer Wesselhoff discusses the early-summer lodging and tax trends, as well as the $1 million impact the low-snow winter had on the organization's budget.
She says July occupancy data shows a drop of about 2% to roughly 43%, while the average daily room rate (ADR) was up about 6% to about $400 per room night. Smith Travel Research data, also showed consumers choosing more affordable lodging, with July occupancy and ADR more moderate and economy hotel properties. Overall, Wesselhoff says occupancy over the past six months was down about 11% due to the weak snow conditions through winter. When compared to 2025, about seven months of data show sales tax collections up about 4%, restaurant taxes down about 5%, and transient room taxes down about 8%. That's led to cuts to the chamber's budget of more than $1 million, including funding for visitor education, destination management, and stewardship while protecting visitor-attraction spending. No staff layoffs were required.