Printable VersionWhile maybe it wasn’t the boon for Lake Havasu City as in years past, tourism officials are using words like “huge,” “awesome,” and “what this town needed” in describing this year’s spring break season.
 Jillian Danielson Photo/Special to the News-Herald Spring breakers are pictured Saturday, March 13, 2010 along the east bank of Bridgewater Channel, which was the center of many of this year’s spring break festivities. |
The LHHA, along with more than 85 business members, offered various deals to spring breakers in what was known as “Hook It Up 2010.” The program, which ran from March 5 through April 10, involved LHHA businesses offering free wristbands that allow spring breakers to receive discounts, deals and exclusives from various businesses. Tryon said in addition to selling more than 2,000 “Hook It Up” T-shirts, initial numbers estimate more than 4,500 visitors during spring break.
“I’ve heard from several hoteliers that they had the best season they’ve had in quite some time,” Tryon said. “It was awesome and I think we’re going to see it was very good for the city.”
This year’s addition of the Summer Winter Action Tours Team, made the biggest difference, Tryon said.
“I’ve heard tremendously positive things from them and they want to be back next year so we’re going to try and make that happen,” he said. “They’ve already indicated that they want to do a lot to bring even more people here next year.”
SWAT was formed in 1997 by “an experienced group of friends who shared the same vision and passion for the travel, entertainment, and action sports industry,” according to the company’s Web site. “That vision is to provide our customers with the highest quality trips and best vacation spots. SWAT is a leader in the student travel industry providing specialized ski/snowboarding, spring break, and graduation trips.”
Lisa Krueger, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, said a few hoteliers reported “astronomical increases” over last year.
“I think overall we’ve heard really positive things and we’re hoping it’s going to be even bigger next year,” she said.
Days Inn General Manager Kristina Gallo said SWAT helped toward a “record breaking season.”
“We had 12 sellout days in March,” she said. “It was huge for us because we did $35,000 in revenue this year versus only $7,500 last year.”
London Bridge Resort General Manager Cal Sheehy said the spring break season was “awesome and one of the best we’ve had in years.”
While there were several incidents of underage drinking and many organizers agreed there were a few excessive moments, most also agreed they were impressed with this year’s group.
“The kids were all really great this year,” Gallo said. “It was really refreshing because when I asked them how they were treated, they all said they felt welcome here. That was a nice change.”
Krueger agreed the response from visitors was positive.
“I have not heard one negative thing from any of our members,” Krueger said. “Obviously, the recession isn’t over and spring break is not what it was (several years ago).”
Other organizers said the wristbands led to success in some unexpected, and much needed, places.
“We were thrilled with the response this year,” said Main Street Association Executive Director Jeannie Nelson. “I don’t know if it’s the first time, but we had spring breakers on Main Street in huge numbers. We’ve had a few in years past, but nothing like this year. I know some businesses took part in the bracelet program and I think that made a big difference for us.”
Bombora Beachwear store manager Stephanie Finch said the store’s sales were “up from last year but it wasn’t as big as it once was.”
“We had a lot of good response from (the wristbands),” she said. “I think that meant we had something to set us apart from everyone else.”
While he considered this year’s spring break season a success, Doug Traub, Convention and Visitors Bureau President/CEO, said he’s hoping for a bigger season next year.
“What I’ve heard in the marketplace, is that this year’s was one of our more successful ones in recent years,” he said. “I think what we’re looking at in (the CVB), and this is still pending approval from our marketing committee and our board, is using things like Facebook and doing a targeted campaign for youths at the nearby universities.”
Tryon said he and Traub have also discussed the possibility of personal visits to college campuses.
“It’s one of the ideas we’ve had so far but the real point is, if anything, we want to get the name of the city out there more,” Tryon said. “Getting to college campuses personally could be huge for us. We’re going to do a lot more next year that’s for sure.”
You can contact the reporter at nbruttell@havasunews.com
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