Tourism brightens Boerne economy

BOERNE – An increase in tourism has made Boerne’s 2013 economic picture a little rosier than last year.

Local hotel revenues are up 12.7 percent for the first six months of 2013 over the same period last year, and hotel occupancy is up 5.2 percent for the same period, according to Larry Woods, director of Boerne’s Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.

The bureau works with MindEcology, a research-fueled marketing and advertising firm that can provide valuable information about the type of people who enjoy traveling to Boerne.

MindEcology reports that 46 percent of overnight visitors to the city traveled between 151 and 300 miles, and another 30 percent traveled more than 300 miles. The average household income for the top 12 prospective visitor groups is $76,631.

The biggest difference is the amount of digital marketing the city does. Another significant difference from years past is that the bureau has shifted from marketing special events to marketing Boerne as a travel destination.

Read more at the San Antonio Express-News.