6/21/18 – 10:57 A.M.

After strong showings in 2016 and 2017, the hotel occupancy rate is down around 7 percent in Hancock County. Convention and Visitors Bureau director Alissa Preston says they are keeping an eye on things, but adds it’s not entirely unexpected…

Audio: Alissa Preston

Preston says this means some business travelers take their business to Lima and Bowling Green if they haven’t been able to get rooms in Findlay in the past.

Preston says the opening of the Hancock Hotel and the Holiday Inn Express that’s currently under construction should help in this regard. She adds the end of some construction projects might play into the decline as well.

At the same time, another important number for hotel operators is up quite a bit…

Audio: Alissa Preston

Preston says weekend occupancy is strong. Sports tournaments and other events through October will continue to drive those numbers.