Economic indicators show signs of recovery on South Shore

Although the December unemployment numbers for South Lake Tahoe are higher than the state and national averages at 17 percent, some people on the South Shore are making money.

Smith Travel Research says hotel occupancy was up 3 percent on the South Shore in December compared to 2009.

MontBleu casino in Stateline has seen a consistent 15 percent increase in year-over-year hotel occupancy and 50 percent increase in food and beverage, showroom and nightclub covers, according to officials.

More skiers have been coming to Lake Tahoe this year than last season. Photo/LTN file

Lakeshore Lodge & Spa is doing well this winter, but is also getting calls for summer.

“We’re seeing solid indicators and positive momentum in the South Shore lodging community,” Jerry Bindel, general manager of Lakeland Village, said in a press release. “Not only is winter being reported above last year in many locations, there’s strong advance summer bookings. It’s a very encouraging sign that our tourism economy is rebounding.”

The boon in more heads in beds has South Lake Tahoe officials forecasting a 2.5 percent increase in transient occupancy tax for fiscal year 2011-12.

Sierra-at-Tahoe is up 14 percent in skier visits through February.

Vail Resorts, which owns Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar-at-Tahoe, will release stats March 10 for its second fiscal quarter ending Jan. 31 which should give an indication how the Colorado-based company is doing in terms of skier visits and lodging.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report