Booking pace during February

Short-term and last-minute bookings in February had a dramatic impact on February and March arrivals as travelers responded positively to news about declining COVID-19 cases and aggressive vaccination programs. In a year-over-year comparison, bookings made in February for arrival within the month were up a dramatic 129.4 percent while bookings for arrivals in March were up 31.7 percent and April up 15.1 percent. Though the trend is optimistic trend for May and June arrivals, analysts expect those to turn around in the coming weeks as consumers shift their vacation planning away from the waning winter season.  Overall, February bookings for arrivals for the full six months from February through July are up an aggregated 50.2 percent compared to February 2020 when growing awareness and concern about COVID-19 was beginning to increase.

February Results

In a year-over-year comparison, actual occupancy for the month was down 18.1 percent and the Average Daily Rate (ADR) was down 8.9 percent. The decline in occupancy delivered a 25.4 percent decrease in revenues for the month. Despite the decreases, they were appreciably “less down” than they were in January—marking the continued gradual comeback for participating properties.

How the full winter is progressing

Aggregated occupancy for the full six-month season from November through April is down 21 percent compared to last year at this time but once again marks a significant improvement from last month when the season was down 33.1 percent. ADR is down 5.6 percent compared to last year at this time with gains in three of the six months led by April up a dramatic 40.3 percent and November up 22.3 percent.  However, the seasonally low occupancy and overall rates led to a 25.3 percent decline in revenues for the winter. Again, the decline still represents a notable month-over-month improvement when compared to January when revenues were down 32.3 percent.

A compelling note in the monthly Briefing observed that booking patterns were closely tied to first-time vaccination rates–indicating consumer’s willingness to book destination travel as the pandemic anxiety is moderating with an increasingly vaccinated population.

“Although year-over-year occupancy, rates and revenue remain down sharply compared to last winter, the dramatic decline in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths coupled with good snowfall in many regions helped to drive strong bookings and incremental fill during the past month,” reported Tom Foley, senior vice president for Business Operations and Analytics for Inntopia.  “The increases are almost entirely due to short-lead bookings with visitors arriving less than 60 days after making their bookings. And, we also saw a decline in cancellations this February compared to last February.”

Economic measurements

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) rose 3.17 percent in February to reach its highest-ever monthly closing as markets reacted positively to declines in COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalization as well as positive news about vaccine distribution and economic stimulus legislation. It is 21.7 percent higher than it was at the end of February 2020, a gain attributed somewhat to sharp market declines at the end of February last year. However, the Briefing also reiterated its message that the since mid-summer 2020, over-sold markets continue to discount consumer and employment conditions and are creating some volatility. The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) crept up a cautious 2.2 percent during February but at 91.3 points remains well below its most recent high of 101.4 in October and is dramatically lower than the 132.6 points just one year ago in February 2020. The national Unemployment Rate declined from 6.3 percent in January to 6.2 percent in February and was aided by the addition of 379,000 new jobs that exceeded analysts’ expectations. The vast majority of those positions were in the leisure and hospitality industry as restrictions continued to ease in those sectors.

“As western mountain resorts approach the finish line of the ‘20-‘21 ski season, it is with more opportunity than they have had for almost exactly a year,” continued Foley. “Record- setting bookings for March arrivals are following on the heels of overall positive momentum in February and that momentum is combining with a reduction in cancellation to move overall performance in a positive direction. “But economic conditions remain unstable for many consumers, there are concerns about the reality of strengthening coronavirus variants, and Spring Break travel coinciding with the easing of pandemic restrictions with only 10 percent of the population fully vaccinated, are all considerations that could imperil the continuing recovery,” he concluded.

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*DestiMetrics, part of the Business Intelligence platform for Stowe-based Inntopia, tracks lodging performance in resort destinations. They compile forward-looking reservation data each month and provide individualized and aggregated results to subscribers at participating resorts. Data for western resorts is derived from a sample of approximately 290 property management companies in 18 mountain destination communities, representing approximately 30,000 rooms across Colorado, Utah, California, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and may not reflect the entire mountain destination travel industry. Results may vary significantly among/between resorts and participating properties.

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The Vilar Performing Arts Center’s popular winter artist-in-residency program wraps up with a series of intimate, physically-distanced, limited capacity events taking place in March and April.

“It’s exciting to be able say that during the ‘COVID Winter of ’21,’ the VPAC has hosted a line-up of celebrated and beloved performers,” said Owen Hutchinson, the VPAC’s executive director. Tickets are available now (prices are subject to change) at the VPAC box office (970-845-8497; www.vilarpac.org). The VPAC is located under the ice rink in Beaver Creek Village (68 Avondale Lane, Beaver Creek, Colorado).

An Evening with JoJo Hermann and Jerry Joseph // March 12 and 13 at 5 and 8 p.m. | $95

It’s been nearly three decades since John “JoJo” Herman started playing keys with Widespread Panic, bringing a boogie woogie style into his songwriting and performing. His major influences stem from New Orleans piano players; most notably Professor Longhair and Dr. John.  Jerry Joseph is a prolific and accomplished songwriter, writing hits for Widespread Panic and releasing 30 albums in his 30-plus year career; as a solo artist, with the Jackmormons, supergroup Stockholm Syndrome, The Denmark Veseys, or originally, with his beloved ‘80s cult band, Little Women.

S&M2: Metallica & San Francisco Symphony Film Screening  // March 14, 15, 16 at 7 p.m. | $20
S&M2 is a landmark release in the Metallica catalogue, both sonically and visually. Produced by Greg Fidelman with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, the S&M2 live album captures more than two and a half hours of Hetfield, Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo joining forces with the nearly 80-strong SF Symphony, legendary Music Director of the orchestra Michael Tilson Thomas, and conductor Edwin Outwater.

Oteil Burbridge Trio and Special Guests// March 18, 19, 20 at 7 p.m. | $200

Two-time Grammy award winner and the Dead & Company bassist Oteil Burbridge has been in the music business touring and recording for over three decades. His first step into the national spotlight came in 1991 when he became a founding member of the Aquarium Rescue Unit featuring Col. Bruce Hampton, a cult classic that has stood the test of time. That led to his membership in the classic rock group the Allman Brothers Band. Over the years, Oteil has shared the stage with rock and blues legends such as Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Levon Helm, Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, Chuck Leavell, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Johnny Winter, Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow and Trey Anastasio. In 2012, Oteil received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his 15 year contribution to the Allman Brothers Band as the longest running bassist in the band’s history.

An Evening with Chris Thile// March 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. | $98

Multiple Grammy Award-winner and MacArthur Fellow Chris Thile, a member of Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, and former host of the radio program, Live from Here, is a mandolin virtuoso, composer and vocalist. With his broad outlook, Thile transcends the borders of conventionally circumscribed genres, creating a distinctly American canon and a new musical aesthetic for performers and audiences alike.

California Honeydrops// March 26 and 27 at 5 and 8 p.m. | $75

For more than a dozen years now, the California Honeydrops have been making crowds dance and smile. The concerts have a prominent party vibe, with plenty of dancing, singing and interaction with the crowd. The band draws on diverse musical influences including Bay Area R&B, funk, Southern soul, Delta blues, and New Orleans second-line. They’ve toured widely across North America, Europe and Australia and have supported high-profile names like Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Dr. John.

Comedian Jim Breuer Presents ‘The New Normal’  // March 28 at 6 and 9 p.m. | $62

The Laughs are back! Named one of Comedy Central’s ‘Top 100 Stand-Ups of all time,’ Jim Breuer became a familiar name during his years on Saturday Night Live. Over the years, Jim has become somewhat of a radio and TV regular with hilarious appearances on the late-night show circuit and as a regular guest on notable satellite radio shows. Most recently, Jim’s family has served as his inspiration for finding humor in the day-to-day and draws laughs through sharing the tragedies and triumphs of growing older, life and loss, raising children and being a ‘marriage warrior.’ Expect a family-friendly and uplifting show – Jim’s goal is to heal through humor and to inspire others to ‘see the funny’ in daily life.

The Motet: Instrumentals //April 2 and 3 at 5 and 8 p.m. | $95

The Motet has inspired the world with their unique style of dance music. Over the course of nine full-length albums, they’ve traversed the lines between funk, soul, jazz, and rock and built a diehard audience in the process. They’ve headlined Red Rocks Amphitheatre six times and sold out countless legendary venues coast-to-coast. This series of instrumental shows is the Denver-based band’s first return to the stage since the pandemic hit. The ensemble is also kicking off 2021 with a new album, “And the Beat Goes On,” where band members Dave Watts (drums), Joey Porter (keys), Garrett Sayers (bass), Ryan Jalbert (guitar), and Drew Sayers (keys/saxophone) are joined by guest singer Nigel Hall (Lettuce) for a fresh take on The Whispers classic.

All upcoming concerts follow Eagle County’s precautionary guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The VPAC will continue to prioritize the health of its patrons, artists, community and beyond during every event. Visit www.vilarpac.org for more information on venue and show night policies and procedures.

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Booking pace during January

For the first time in three months, DestiMetrics is reporting positive year-over-year gains in the booking pace. Reservations taken in January 2021 for arrival in that same month, are up 42.9 percent compared to January 2020, while bookings for February arrivals based on January-only bookings were up 23.5 percent. March bookings are lagging well behind with a 15.4 percent decrease while the subsequent three months are down dramatically. For the entire six months, bookings made in January for arrivals in January through June are down a modest 5.2 percent compared to last year at this time.

January 2021 results

Actual occupancy for January was down 29.1 percent and the Average Daily Rate (ADR) was down 12.3 percent in a year-over-year comparison. The result was a substantial loss in revenue of 37.8 percent for the month.

Full winter perspective

Occupancy for the full six-month season from November through April is down 27.8 percent compared to last year at this time but marks a moderate improvement from last month—when the season was down 33.1 percent. ADR is down 6.2 percent but is still showing rate gains in three of the six months—November, April, and March. However, the sluggish occupancy when coupled with lower rates is creating a dramatic 32.3 percent decline in winter revenues—but again, an improvement over last month when they were down 36.9 percent.

The Briefing also noted that cancellations are beginning to gradually taper off and have reached their lowest level since the final week of October. The week before Christmas, cancellations accounted for 30 percent of all transactions at participating properties, but by the third week of January they had drifted down to 18.2 of all transactions and for the final week of January, it was only 14.5 percent of all transactions.

“It was encouraging to see that with the arrival of snow in many regions, cautious optimism about the rollout of the vaccine, and declining COVID-19 cases, occupancy clawed back some lost ground during the month,” observed Tom Foley, senior vice president for Business Operations and Analytics for Inntopia.  “We are also seeing that consumers remain very focused on short-lead reservations. Bookings made 1-30 days in advance are the predominant transaction, and through some strategic rate management, many properties are achieving some incremental fill.”

Economic measurements

Market news and the day-to-day realities for many Americans continue on contradictory paths. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dipped 1.4 percent during January for the first decline since October. Despite the drop, the Dow Jones is 3.9 percent higher than it was last January. The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rose a slight 2.5 percent in January to 89.3 points after slipping in November and December. Consumers showed mixed responses based on the Present Situation Index which showed that concern about COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths were tempered by some optimism for improved economic conditions going forward. The national Unemployment Rate dropped from 6.7 percent in December to 6.3 percent in January but the decrease was primarily driven by frustrated job seekers abandoning their job search. An anemic 49,000 new jobs were added during January, substantially below the anticipated 105,000.

“Wall Street continues to remain consistently out of touch with the consumer marketplace and seems to be immune to the long-term concerns surrounding employment and consumer spending,” said Foley. “However, consumers with investments in the financial markets through IRA’s or 401(k) accounts are likely to be buoyed by the stability and growth in their retirement accounts and that may explain why consumer confidence, though well below an acceptable level, has remained higher than expectations through both the pandemic and political volatility of the past year.”

Looking ahead to summer

As of Jan. 31, on-the-books occupancy is down 30.9 percent compared to last summer at this same time and is showing declines in all three months (May-July) that data is available. In sharp contrast, the ADR is up 18.9 percent for those months. However, revenues are down 17.6 percent as the higher rates are not enough to offset the much lower occupancy.

“The improvement in occupancy during January, along with some promising growth in February and March fueled by the short-lead booking trend, has helped move the needle in the right direction and raise hopes for some continued modest recovery,” Foley continued. “However, there is really no way to sugarcoat current conditions as the large deficits in both seasonal occupancy and revenues appear insurmountable at this time. But cancellations are declining while booking volume remains high, and the overall trend is moving upward.  So, if the number of COVID-19 cases continues to fall, vaccinations continue to rise, and ample snow arrives, there is optimism that visitors will continue to book a mountain vacation.”

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*DestiMetrics, part of the Business Intelligence platform for Stowe-based Inntopia, tracks lodging performance in resort destinations. They compile forward-looking reservation data each month and provide individualized and aggregated results to subscribers at participating resorts. Data for western resorts is derived from a sample of approximately 290 property management companies in 18 mountain destination communities, representing approximately 30,000 rooms across Colorado, Utah, California, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and may not reflect the entire mountain destination travel industry. Results may vary significantly among/between resorts and participating properties.

The post More Snow And Less Covid-19 Deliver Slightly Improved Numbers At Mountain Destinations; Deficits Still Deep appeared first on Vail Valley Partnership.

December 2020 results

In a year-over-year comparison, the month of December was down 18.6 percent in actual occupancy, the ADR dropped 10.6 percent, and revenues finished an aggregated 27.2 percent lower than last year. However, when compared to one month ago, a more relevant indicator of how mountain resorts are doing in this chaotic season, actual occupancy was virtually flat compared to November 2020 despite the worsening pandemic. Most arrivals that helped buoy up occupancy during the month were concentrated between Dec. 19 through Dec. 31 but there was also strength in the week beginning Dec. 12. In the month-over-month contrast, ADR slipped from November—which was down just 3.4 that month to the 10.6 decrease experienced in December.

Full winter perspective

For the six-month season from November through April, aggregated occupancy is down a sharp 33.1 percent compared to last winter at this time. In contrast, ADR is down only a moderate 5.6 percent with rates up in three of the six months led by November and April—both up 22 percent, and a scant increase of 0.1 percent on-the-books for March. Despite those three upticks in rates, the depressed occupancy and overall rate decline is resulting in a dramatic 36.9 percent decrease in winter revenues.

“Although discussions about improvements or declines seem absurd in this time of extreme performance numbers, when looking at the entire winter, occupancy levels edged up slightly from where they were in November but room rates dipped in the effort to capture more visitors,” commented Tom Foley, senior vice president for Business Operations and Analytics for Inntopia.  “So not surprisingly, seasonal revenues are taking some serious hits this year.”

Booking pace during December

Bookings made in December for arrivals in the months of December through May are down 23.3 percent compared to this same time last year. This is the second consecutive month without any year-over-year gains in the booking pace for any of the next six months. What continued to emerge is the trend toward shorter-lead bookings. Bookings for arrivals 0-90 days in advance rose sharply while bookings for arrivals 91-180 days in advance cooled slightly and were essentially flat compared to where they were one month ago.

“One positive note we detected in December was that the lodging transactions booked during December for all arrival dates were some of the highest numbers recorded since mid-summer,” Foley continued. “Plus, following the last-minute booking trends we’ve been tracking, bookings made between Christmas and New Year’s for arrivals in late December and early January were the highest we’ve seen since February 2020. But unfortunately, when we do our year-over-year comparisons, those absolute numbers don’t hold up against the robust booking pattern we saw last year at this time—and that has contributed to the negative pacing figures.”

Economic measurements

Market indicators during the month were mixed as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) soared to new record highs, unemployment remained unchanged, but consumer confidence decreased sharply as the high-flying results in markets and some consumer portfolios was not closely aligned with the realities of the average consumer. The Dow was up 1.7 percent from November and posted its highest monthly finish ever—30,409.6 points.  This strong performance is in defiance of the discouraging unemployment figures, rapidly rising cases of COVID-19, and an unexpectedly slow and inefficient rollout of the widely anticipated vaccines.

And while the Unemployment Rate remained unchanged from last month at 6.7 percent, it does not reflect the four million workers who have dropped out of the workforce this year. While the construction and manufacturing sectors added 250,000 jobs during December, for the first time since April, overall jobs declined—down 144,000 for the month. Bars and restaurants, theme parks, casinos, outdoor recreation, and the hotel industry took the biggest hits during December, victims of the ongoing and uncontrolled pandemic.

The negative job news sent the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) down once again—another 4.6 percent in December to 88.6 points and the fourth time since April it has dipped below the 90-point threshold.

“Consumers were very pessimistic about current conditions in response to the alarming surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths but remain optimistic about future expectations driven, at least in part, by the approval of vaccines and the first round of inoculations,” added Foley.

Other considerations  

Incremental fill, the change in occupancy levels from one period to the next, continues to reflect consumers’ reaction to rapidly changing news about the pandemic, vaccine availability, local restrictions in mountain communities, snow conditions, and as of December, reduced rates to entice visitors. As of Dec. 31, shorter-lead bookings gave a 6.2 percent increase to December’s occupancy compared to Nov. 30 while January got a 9.2 percent occupancy boost.

“The first full month of operations are now behind us at mountain resorts with mixed results,” summarized Foley. “It seems that in this pandemic-dominated year with all its upheavals, uncertainties, and anxiety about destination travel, holding relatively steady should be considered something of a victory. But overall conditions remain highly volatile on all fronts including COVID-19 management, economic instability, regional snow challenges, and social unrest that could easily discourage already cautious consumers,” he concluded.

The post WESTERN MOUNTAIN DESTINATIONS DROPPING IN YEAR-OVER-YEAR COMPARISONS; MONTH-OVER-MONTH SHOWS MORE REALISTIC VIEW appeared first on Vail Valley Partnership.

The 2020 Holiday Series brings warm-hearted entertainment to your house this year

Beaver Creek, Colo., Dec. 3, 2020 — For many folks, celebrating the holiday season in the Vail Valley is not complete without attending one of the many spectacular shows and performances at the Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC). This winter, the good news is your family can still enjoy those theater traditions albeit virtually. Get ready to experience magical moments, good tidings, cheer, great music and more from the warmth of your home with the VPAC’s Virtual 2020 Holiday Series!

The 2020 Holiday Series includes shows for the whole family, allowing audiences to spend time with loved ones at home while enjoying some uplifting and warm-hearted holiday entertainment. All ticket or event links are available at www.vilarpac.org/holiday. The VPAC is located under the ice rink in Beaver Creek Village (68 Avondale Lane, Beaver Creek, Colorado). The VPAC will receive a portion of the proceeds from all tickets sold through their site.

VPAC 2020 Virtual Holiday Series

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Stream now through Jan. 3, 2021 | $50

Back by popular demand, this new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol brings to life the powerful story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his road to redemption. Tony Award winner Jefferson Mays plays over 50 roles in this master class of a performance. Captured live with breathtaking clarity, this production conjures the powerful spirits of Christmas and brings all the magic of live theater into your home for the holidays.

Vail Friends of Dance Nutcracker 2020

Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, 6 p.m.| $38 (available for a single viewing Dec. 13 through Jan. 1, 2021)

The heartwarming classic holiday story of Clara’s magical journey to a world of fantasy filled with a Nutcracker Prince who battles the Rat King as well as the unforgettable Sugar Plum Fairy in the Land of Sweets. Filmed at the Vilar Performing Arts Center, Vail Friends of Dance presents “The Nutcracker Ballet,” featuring the Vail Youth Ballet Company with guest artist, Finn Dippy, students from the Vail Valley Academy of Dance and community members. The holiday spirit of this mountain production will inspire audiences near and far.

Front Row Mainstage: Vivaldi Explosion
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, 7 p.m. (and will remain online through Dec. 20, 2020)| Pay What You Can

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center presents this newly curated, full-length HD concert filled with five of Vivaldi’s most notable pieces like Vivaldi Sonata in D minor for Two Violins and Continuo, “La Follia.” See archival video recordings woven together into never-before-heard concert pairings.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, 7 p.m.| Starting at $20 (purchase the VIP $50 package to view the video on demand over a 48-hour window and enjoy additional perks)

Recorded live, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a holiday mash-up for the entire family, which the New York Times says is “sure to heat up even the most restless and wintry of souls.” This contemporary dance spectacle is set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music and you’ll recognize the timeless story straight away — Maria Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a common enemy, visiting a land of sweets and learning lessons of the holiday season. Performed by a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip-hop’s founding fathers who opens the show, this production is both joyful and unique.

Christmas with the King’s Singers
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, beginning at 11 a.m. (available through Dec. 31, 2020)| $9.90

This year especially, the King’s Singers’ have focused on the power music has to unite people, a message that especially resonates at Christmastime. At the end of this difficult year, this program brings warmth and comfort through a selection of Christmas music ranging from beloved favorites like “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” and “White Christmas,” to lesser-known carols like to lesser-known songs like “The Shepherd’s Carol” and “The Crown of Roses.” 

Joshua Bell & Larisa Martinez’s “Voice and the Violin” with Peter Dugan Rebroadcast Stream

Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, 7 p.m. (available for 24 hours)| Starting at $5

In August, renowned violinist Joshua Bell and soprano Larisa Martinez wowed audiences at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. This rebroadcast will allow audiences and fans to relive the magic or, alternately, experience the event for the very first time. The program includes Beethoven’s Violin Sonata no. 5 in F major, op. 24 “Spring” as well as exciting pieces by Mendelssohn, Kreisler, Rachmaninoff, Puccini, Chopin and more.

Learn more and get tickets at: www.vilarpac.org/holiday

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Micaela Taylor’s All Star Band performs LIVE January 7-9

Beaver Creek, Colo., Dec. 9, 2020 — The Vilar Performing Arts Center adds a rare and poignant program to its Residency lineup. An innovative and timely artist ensemble will take stage this January 7, 8 and 9 in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Micaela Taylor’s All Star Band is sure to be a collaboration unlike anything experienced before. Avant-garde, contemporary dance meets Grammy Award-winning musicians. This performance will feature dance, choreography and music transcending genre and styles.

The VPAC’s winter Residency Series will premiere signature pandemic-time performances of unique collaborations between artists who can rehearse during the day at the facility in Beaver Creek – safely in the mountains and away from crowded cities. Each residency will culminate in a series of small, physically-distanced performances (and public health protocols will be strictly followed throughout the residency). A select number of premium tickets will be sold to the intimate performances. All tickets are available at the VPAC box office (970-845-8497; www.vilarpac.org). The VPAC is located under the ice rink in Beaver Creek Village (68 Avondale Lane, Beaver Creek, Colorado).

Micaela Taylor is making waves in the dance scene with her new movement style, called “Expand Practice,” which allows the artist to expand their mind, body and narrative. It encourages the freedom of expression through movement and facial expressions amplified within a group element by embracing the creation of bodies dancing together as one collective. During a poignant time characterized by divisiveness, Micaela’s choreography is one that strikes a chord to connect us all – reminding us of the importance of tolerance and cohesion in a world of social distancing.

Her work with the highly acclaimed musicians of her All Star Band will draw from music she naturally vibes with, including early 90’s R&B. Inspired by the staccato foundations of hip-hop, her style draws from a hybrid of musical genres rooted in clear classical lines forming a style uniquely her own.

Micaela was the recipient of the Inaugural Springboard EMERGE Choreographic Award and recently named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” 2019, and was on the cover of Dance Magazine in May 2020. She is trailblazing in the city of Los Angeles and beyond.

The All Star band members will include MonoNeon, DJ Logic, Daru Jones and Vernon Reid. MonoNeon (Dywane Thomas Jr.), is an American bassist, experimental musician and songwriter. He is known for his presence on YouTube playing bass guitar and for being one of the last people to work with Prince. It was his eclectic artistry on the bass that first caught Prince’s attention in 2014. Mono and Prince performed a number of concerts at Paisley Park, and also recorded and release the track, “RUFF ENUFF.” MonoNeon has also become known for his speech to music multitracking videos and compositions.

Daru Jones is one of the most respected drummers of his generation. He is a two-time Grammy Award-Winning musician for his work on Lazaretto (Jack White) and on Testimony (Gloria Gaynor). He has toured with an extensive list of musicians and has also appeared on The David Letterman Show, The Colbert Report and Saturday Night Live.

Vernon Reid, guitarist and composer, was the founder and primary songwriter of the rock band Living Colour. Reid was named No. 66 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. 

The theorem of turntablist as musician has been long proven by DJ Logic, who with jazz as his foundation has been an innovator by crossing genres and mixing his sound across the map. As one of the world’s most accomplished turntablist’s, DJ Logic is widely credited for introducing jazz into the hip-hop and jam band realms.

Get tickets and learn more at: www.vilarpac.org/dance

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Teton Gravity Research brings six films to the Vilar Performing Arts Center in November and December

 Get stoked for the coming ski and snowboard season with Teton Gravity Research’s (TGR) Film Series, which brings six films to the VPAC on eight dates in November and December. Tickets are on sale now for the series, which kicks off on Nov. 5 with “Jeremy Jones’ Deeper,” the first in his epic snowboard movie trilogy.  The VPAC film series will conclude with the critically acclaimed Metallica release “S&M2.” Tickets for each show range from $10 to $20 and are on sale now at the VPAC box office (970-845-8497; www.vilarpac.org). The VPAC is located under the ice rink in Beaver Creek Village (68 Avondale Lane, Beaver Creek, Colorado).

Duncan Horner, Executive Director of the Vilar Performing Arts Center said of the series, “as we navigate our way through the performance shutdown sustained by the entertainment industry, we look forward to introducing some alternative programming. As we explore new avenues, film is certainly a good and safe place to start and we’re thrilled to be introducing a TGR series this fall with gripping, adventure content that is always better enjoyed on a large screen in the company of others. Also be sure to stay tuned as we prepare to announce a big winter season in the coming weeks.”

Rest assured all upcoming events will prioritize the health of VPAC patrons and community by incorporating limited and physically distanced seating, heightened cleaning procedures and more. Only 100 ticketholders max per show will be allowed in the venue, leaving plenty of room in the 535-seat venue for physical distancing.  Learn more about the VPAC’s COVID-19 policies at www.vilarpac.org/covid19-policy

2020 VPAC TGR FILM SERIES LINEUP

“Jeremy Jones’ Deeper” | Thursday, Nov. 5 at 4:30 and 8 p.m. | $10

Leaving helicopters, snowmobiles and chairlifts behind, snowboard athlete Jeremy Jones and his crew of elite riders tackle some of the biggest challenges they’d faced in “Deeper.” Follow Jones, Jonaven Moore, Travis Rice and Xavier De Le Rue on all night hikes, as they sleep on peaks, hike huge mountain faces and camp 65 miles from civilization all during frigid temps and never-ending storms.

“Jeremy Jones’ Further” | Thursday, Nov. 12 at 4:30 and 8 p.m. | $10

The journey truly is the reward in “Further,” the second film in Jones’ snowboard movie trilogy. The film takes viewers to far-off locales like the Japanese Alps, Norway’s storied Atomfjella Mountains the Karwendel Range in Austria, Alaska’s Wrangell Mountains and California’s Sierra Mountains. Hold your breath as Jones and his seven cohorts summit peaks and experience never before ridden lines on nearly vertical spines. Watch as Jones and his crew push their minds and bodies to the brink in this film that explores some of the most remote mountain terrain on the planet.

“Jeremy Jones’ Higher” | Thursday, Nov. 12 at 4:30 and 8 p.m. | $10

In Higher, the third and final installment of Jeremy Jones’ snowboarding trilogy, watch as the 10-time Big Mountain Rider of the Year winner traces his snowboarding journey that started as a child hiking Cape Cod’s Jailhouse Hill. Fast forward a few decades and see what years of wisdom and expertise gathered from spending time in the mountains has taught Jones about not only surviving but thriving. Watch as Jones’ and his friends made up of the next generation of big mountain rippers leave tracks on signature lines in the close-to-home playgrounds by Jackson Hole and Lake Tahoe as well as far-flung descents in Alaska and Nepal.

“Far Out” | Thursday, Dec. 3 at 4:30 and 8 p.m. | $10

In this ski and snowboard film, follow along as an athlete makes the journey of a lifetime to the Albanian Alps, one of the world’s most remote and unexplored mountain ranges. Interspersed, watch as crews tackle the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia in search of mind-bending lines, experience urban madness in Kamchatka and the insanity of the Crazy Mountains in Montana. Join the crew in the Slovenian Alps for over-the-head cold smoke and watch in wonder as an 11-year-old rips Jackson Hole. Travel to Girdwood, Alaska to see an alien landscape and watch as Sean Jordan rides into Crested Butte on a black stallion.

“Roadless” | Thursday, Dec. 17 at 4:30 and 8 p.m. | $10

Last winter, Bryan Iguchi teamed up with fellow snowboarders Travis Rice and Jeremy Jones to embark on a 10-day human-powered expedition through a largely untracked part of Wyoming. Watch as they climb and ride dozens of new lines in the stunning Teton Wilderness.

“Make Believe” | Tuesday, Dec. 22 and Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 4:30 and 8 p.m. | $20

“Live the dream” defines the adventures found in TGR’s films from the past 25 years. New release “Make Believe” celebrates the athletes who not only commit to this ethos, but who live and breath mountain life and who have made a conscious decision to make and believe in their dreams. Watch as 16 athletes at the top of their game tackle descents everywhere from Montana to the Japanese Alps, and the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

ADDITIONAL FILM

“S&M2: Metallica & San Francisco Symphony Film” | Monday, Dec. 28 and Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 8 p.m. | $20

In 2019, Metallica and the 80-member San Francisco Symphony teamed up for two sold-out concerts watched by 40,000 ecstatic fans hailing from nearly 70 countries. Consequence of Sound called the concert “a true celebration of Metallica and their musical prowess.” Feel like you’re in the audience for the historic concert that brought the band and the Symphony together for the first time since the 1999 performances captured on the Grammy-winning S&M album.

 Learn more at www.vilarpac.org/film 

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With multi-day residencies in Rocky Mountain resort town, one Colorado performing arts venue is taking a unique approach to concerts in the time of COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 on performing arts venues has created a dynamic range of reactions, with some venues closing down indefinitely while others get by with smaller shows and smaller audiences.

A venue in the Rocky Mountains is taking a unique approach, capitalizing on its location in the Colorado resort town of Beaver Creek. The nonprofit Vilar Performing Arts Center, a 535-seat indoor theater known for its exceptional acoustics and phenomenal architecture and design, is launching a new program that will bring major artists from around the world to the venue for a residency.

The idea involves premiering a signature pandemic-time series of unique collaborations between artists who can rehearse during the day at the facility in Beaver Creek, Colorado – safely in the mountains and away from crowded cities. This residency would culminate in a series of small, socially-distanced performances (and public health protocols would be strictly followed throughout the residency). A select number of premium tickets will be sold to the intimate performances and, for those who are not ready for the in-person experience yet, we will offer other ways to enjoy these through livestreams and other video offerings.

“We’re looking for artists with a proven track record, particularly if they have been successful streaming, and we are also looking for artists who are open to working with us to innovate and adapt to how we can enjoy entertainment today,” said Duncan Horner, Executive Director of the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

The phones are ringing and the calendar is starting to fill again for this winter. Outreach has already been successful, with several renowned artists on-board for the residency program including:

Artist: Leftover Salmon, in house January 21-23 with evening shows on Thurs. January 21, Fri. January 22 & Sat. January 23.  Since their earliest days as a forward thinking, progressive bluegrass band who had the guts to add drums to the mix into their ever evolving sound, to their role as a pioneer of the modern jamband scene, to their current status as elder-statesmen of the scene, Leftover Salmon has been a crucial link in keeping alive the traditional music of the past while at the same time pushing that sound forward with their own unique style.

Artist: Keller Williams, in house January 28-30 brings 3 unique nights of music in a solo, duo + trio format with evening shows Thurs. January 28 (solo), Fri. January 29 (duo with Greg Garrison of Leftover Salmon) & Sat. January 30 (trio with Garrett Sayers of Motet and Jeremy Salken of Big Gigantic).  Unbeholden to conventionalism, Keller Williams seamlessly crosses genre boundaries. The end product is astounding and novel music that encompasses rock, jazz, funk and bluegrass, and always keeps the audience on their feet.

“We’re excited not only for what this will bring in terms of connecting us during divisive times through quality performances, but also what it will do to keep the vitality of our industry alive,” Horner said. “We’ve long been a favorite stop on tour for many artists – now we can be a center not just for the finished performance product, but as a place to safely isolate and create new ideas during this exceptionally difficult time.”

Tickets will be available for purchase starting October 20. Visit vilarpac.org for more information or contact the box office at (970) 845-8497.

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For the month of August, actual occupancy was down 22.3 percent compared to August 2019. A very solid year-over-year increase in the Average Daily Rate (ADR) of 6.9 percent for the month was encouraging, but fell far short of offsetting the steep drop in occupancy and led to a 17.3 percent decline in revenue for the month.

During the month of August, bookings made for arrivals for the six months from August through January edged up a slight 2.7 percent compared to the same time last year. The greatest volume was clearly for short-term arrivals with August arrivals receiving a healthy 31.7 percent increase while arrivals slated for September were up an impressive 47.9 percent. In contrast, bookings made during August for arrivals in the months of October through January are pacing behind the same time last year—particularly for October which is down 47.5 percent in year-over-year comparison to last year and December—down a worrisome 39.3 percent. As far as booking pace is concerned, the consumers have moved to a much shorter-term planning schedule.

A review of the six-month summer period from May through October shows a staggering 40 percent decrease in occupancy from this same time last summer. The decrease includes four months of actual occupancy from May through August along with two months of on-the-books data for September and October. For lodging properties, the silver lining in the discouraging occupancy was a healthy 10.1 percent increase in the ADR with the most significant gains in September and October. Despite the rate strength, it is not sufficient to overcome the low occupancy figures and aggregated revenues for the summer are down 34.5 percent compared to Summer 2019.

“Although western mountain destinations had an essentially impossible challenge to match last summer’s record-breaking season, they were able to build on July’s strong demand and managed to record a year-over-year improvement in occupancy from last month,” observed Tom Foley, senior vice president for Business Operations and Analytics for Inntopia. “Along with rate strength, one of the most encouraging trends we tracked this month was the uptick in ‘incremental fill,’ an industry term that describes the number of rooms filled in compared to what was on-the-books as of July 31 and what was actually achieved by Aug. 31. Incremental fill rose 14.9 percent during August and is also starting to show up for September and that greatly exceeded expectations based on traditional demands for this time of year.”

Economic measurements
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) increased a dramatic eight percent in August to reach near-record levels and marked the fifth consecutive month of gains for the Index. However, the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) dropped again in August—another 6.9 points to bring it to its lowest level during the pandemic—and its lowest level since April 2014. In a year-over-year comparison, it is down nearly 37 percent from where it was last August. The national Unemployment Rate improved significantly during August as employers added 1.37 million new jobs to drop the rate to 8.4 percent during the month—an appreciable decline from 10.2 percent in July.

“It is important to recognize that financial markets are continuing to outpace the greater economy and are not necessarily reflective of the current consumer marketplace and behavior,” cautioned Foley. “While stability or growth in markets and indexes can boost confidence in consumers if they see improvements in their investment and savings accounts, the reality is that current market indicators aren’t reflective of the financial circumstances of all consumers.” He further warned that “markets can also respond dramatically to negative events, causing large contractions that can impact consumer discretionary purchases if, and when strong declines occur.”

A View to Fall and Winter
Although the prime booking season for winter mountain vacations is still ahead, August booking patterns continued to follow the short-lead trends that have been consistent for the past few months. Aggregated occupancy on-the-books for arrivals in November through February is down a dramatic 41.7 percent compared to the same time last year. ADR is showing a bit more stability and is down 4.8 percent for four of those months in a year-over-year comparison with November a notable bright spot with ADR in that month up 17.4 percent. However, as a result of low occupancy and generally lagging daily rates, aggregated revenues for the first four months of the winter season are down 44.5 percent.

“Despite results that appear devastating when compared to last year, when considering what the destination travel industry has suffered in the past five months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, lodging performance at western mountain destinations has started shifting in a more positive direction this past month,” assured Foley. “Room rates are continuing to tick up, booking volume is at its strongest level since March, and we are actually starting to see a slight extension to the length of stay which helps support revenues.”

Foley went on to explain that “the recent announcements by the major ski companies on how they intend to manage mountain operations this season will likely spark a positive response from both consumers and vacation suppliers and help reduce uncertainty. That said, other uncertainties remain about the trajectory of Covid-19 cases, the timeline for a vaccine, unpredictable economic trends, shifting school and work-from-home schedules, and a contentious general election that are all likely to change how the winter will perform, not only month-to-month, but week-to-week,” he concluded.

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*DestiMetrics, part of the Business Intelligence platform for Stowe-based Inntopia, tracks lodging performance in resort destinations. They compile forward-looking reservation data each month and provide individualized and aggregated results to subscribers at participating resorts. Data for western resorts is derived from a sample of approximately 290 property management companies in 18 mountain destination communities, representing approximately 30,000 rooms across Colorado, Utah, California, Nevada, Wyoming, and Idaho and may not reflect the entire mountain destination travel industry. Results may vary significantly among/between resorts and participating properties.

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News continues to break on a possible vaccine. Current trials from the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca, CanSino Biologics and Pfizer/BioNTech find that their version of a vaccine can produce immune responses that would be expected to protect people against infection – but stressed that more study is needed. There are 23 Covid-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials globally, according to the World Health Organization. Source: CNN

And why is that important… [Insights Collective] Our data continues to show that a vaccine solution is the enabling factor which most travelers would need to feel safe to travel again – in mass. Sure, a vaccine is the desired outcome – though efforts to encourage mask wearing and pre-arrival testing should continue until one is widely available.

It’s dangerous to project when a vaccine would be widely available and we won’t make one here, but we do point out that while the industry celebrates efforts to reopen safely, some residents, and non-tourism professionals remain confused by our desire to do so. Those opinions are formed mainly on the science that requiring a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival ignores the pathology of COVID-19 – that travelers could test negative 72-hours prior to arrival and an infection contracted on the plane would not trigger a positive test result.

REOPENING

Philadelphia tourism officials have convened a health advisory board to help restart conventions.  The city has lost nearly 400 gatherings as a result of COVID-19 that would have brought 420,000 visitors.  Officials are expecting it to take three to five years before convention business returns to normal levels, and the health advisory group will answer questions from interested businesses.  Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

And why is that important… [Insights Collective] The effort in Philadelphia follows a similar development in Orlando – whose version includes offering a medical concierge program for convention events.  Any group holding an event at the convention center can access protective equipment, on-site medical experts, and 24/7 virtual health services.  These developments continue to expand the role of DMOs from sales and marketing to something best described as destination facilitator.  We see this as a positive development and one that destination organizations should have taken a long time ago. While not currently scalable to the leisure market, offering a medical concierge program for convention events visibly adds to the quality of life for residents; and creates a conversation about ‘what destinations organizations actually do’ that can’t be done with the resources of another agency.

ECONOMY

The American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasts a 15-percent decline in summer road trips this year.  By sector, air travel is going to be down 74 percent, and all other modes of transportation – bus, trains, cruise ships – will see an 86 percent decrease from last year. However, this doesn’t mean that people aren’t going anywhere. Methodical and spur-of-the moment travel will prevail, as will smaller towns and cities.  Long extended stays at popular locations such as Orlando, Florida will wane.  Source / Data Table: AAA

And why is that important… [Insights Collective] While road trips are trending down, second home use is trending up – especially among wealthy Bay Area residents that can hide out somewhere nice. Private jet traffic in places like Freidman Memorial (Sun Valley) is so numerous that lodging options for crew are becoming a concern.  There just aren’t enough rooms. We believe that private jet traffic will increase – especially as work from home policies allows for digital nomads to thrive. So, yes, summer travel seems to be cooling, but a new type of getaway – the Covid-cation – is bubbling up.

NEW REALITIES

The CVB in Chaffee County, Colorado has launched a campaign to encourage wearing masks.  The Mask Up campaign is a collaboration with several chambers of commerce and other business groups, and it includes a $10,000 matching grant for donations toward the purchase of branded bandanas to give to visitors as face coverings.  More than 9,000 bandanas have been distributed so far.  Source: Chaffee County Visitors Bureau

And why is that important… [Insights Collective] This little destination of just 20,000 is out in front of the pandemic messaging. Even if bandanas are on the lower end of protection when comparing different face coverings (CNN), the matching grant removes the financial burden of stakeholder organizations participating, and the logo inclusion (branded bandanas) foster a sense of well-being and community. We don’t scoff at the choice of bandanas – compared to protection Their approach contrasts visibly with that of our northern neighbor, Canada. They are opting for an outright ban on (US) travelers rather than believing we are capable of a behavioral change (Reuters).  If we remain unable to contain COVID-19, we will have to get used to being unwelcome as hosts or visitors by large parts of the world, including such historically friendly places as Canada.

Until we match the appreciation for public health shown in other places, America can expect these restrictions to continue, even at significant economic cost to everyone involved.  Despite the hardship caused by blocking visitors from the much larger U.S. population, more than 80 percent of Canadians still want their southern border to remain closed.

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Insights Collective – Pandemic Economic Think Tank

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The COVID-19 Briefing Sheet is a weekly distribution of Insights Collective, an industry Think Tank focused on leading destinations through the New Realities of destination/resort management, marketing and positioning.

The COVID-19 Briefing Sheet, combined with other resources from Insights Collective, allow destination and resort executives to have top-line information on demand and supply developments, along with Insights Collective knowledge on where to focus resources next.

For more information on COVID-19 developments, or industry implications: Brian London, (850) 559 – 0012, London Tourism Publications, Post Office Box 40849, Jacksonville, Florida 32203.

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