Oro Valley — Town staff briefed the Tourism Advisory Commission on lodging and bed-tax trends on Oct. 20, reporting a post-COVID surge in visitor spending followed by a softer demand over the past two fiscal years and noting the town now tracks short-term rentals.

Staff reported that the town observed minimal decreases in lodging activity before COVID, a large spike during the immediate recovery period often called "revenge travel," and a moderation in the last two fiscal years. The presentation covered data back to fiscal year 2018 to give commissioners perspective on pre- and post-pandemic lodging activity.

Staff also reported that the town began tracking short-term rentals last fiscal year. "On average, we have about 300 to 320 short term rentals that have registered... in Oro Valley on a monthly basis," town staff said, and noted the tracking helps the town monitor potential nuisance or safety complaints and understand lodging supply in the market.

Commissioners discussed the lodging mix. Town staff said short-term rentals are included in strategy planning — for example, pro cycling teams sometimes prefer short-term rentals for equipment storage and meal preparation, while other event visitors prefer resorts. Paul Melcher, town staff, said staff is compiling contribution and expenditure summaries (including historic Visit Tucson support) and will return with more detailed progress reporting on items the commission has been pursuing. Several commissioners asked staff to prepare a short progress update on the 13 of 20 draft tourism items that the town is already working on.

No formal action was taken; staff will provide additional detail to the commission in a future meeting.