According to data compiled by Smith Travel Research of Nashville, hotel occupancy in Buffalo and Erie County rose 5.1 percent in June, increasing to 70.1 percent from 66.7 percent. In the Amherst/Williamsville area increased 18.2 percent in June, rising to 69.7 percent from 59 percent a yea ago.


Occupancy in July is also expected to increase, thanks in large part to the region hosting the Empire State Games, which begin Wednesday. The games are projected to attract several thousand visitors and have an economic impact approaching $15 million.


For the first half of the year, hotel occupancy in Buffalo and Erie County increased 1.2 percent, rising to 58.1 percent from 57.4 percent in the first six months of 2009.


Niagara Falls saw its June hotel occupancy rates increase 3.2 percent to 70.5 percent last month from 68.3 percent in the same month last year.
For the year-to-date, Niagara Falls’ hotel occupancy rates rose 7.4 percent, increasing to 43.1 percent from 40.2 percent.