LAKE TAHOE - A white Christmas jump started the South Shore's winter economy, but now warm weather might be melting visitors' travel plans, some business owners are saying.

The upcoming three-day weekend doesn't appear to be as strong for business as the December holidays.

"The holidays were very strong, but I don't share that same wonderful trend for the weekend," said Matt Fenn, Forest Suites Resort general manager.

From talking to people around town, business over the holidays was good, but not great, said Carol Chaplin, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority executive director. She didn't have statistics from the holidays yet, such as transient occupancy tax.

"People weren't staying as long, and they were spending less," Chaplin said. "Everyone is being careful with their money."

The booking window for lodging was shorter over the holidays. Lodging properties had many last-minute bookings because of the snow, Chaplin said.

"The timing for the storm was perfect, and we need another one," Chaplin said.
As for the approaching Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, it's not looking as strong as in past years, Chaplin said.

"We'll hope for the best, but the weekend won't show as well as the Christmas and New Year's holidays," Chaplin said.

Not having new snow for several weeks can discourage visitors, who like to have fresh powder for recreation, Chaplin said.

Fenn said winter bookings look good overall, but the holiday weekends aren't being booked as far in advance.

Another reason the weekend isn't looking strong is most people took their time off during the holidays, said Danny Freemon, Pinecone Acre Motel owner.

"It's similar to July 4," Freemon said. "The holiday is strong, but then it goes into a lull the next week because so many people hit that holiday."

Businesses are marketing themselves during the lull. Freemon said he sends out e-mails to past clients to keep them informed about special deals.

Fenn said the Forest Suites Resort is running a number of specials, and trying to reach market segments that they haven't targeted in a while.

"We're throwing everything against the wall to see what sticks," Fenn said.

 

 

(This is a reprinted article with regards to the rental permit fee increase approved by the South Lake Tahoe City Coucil last fall)


 An increase to vacation-home rental permit fees was approved by the South Lake Tahoe City Council on Tuesday.

Fees for new vacation-rental permits will increase from $75 to $205, and fees for renewing permits will increase from $50 to $140 per year.

The increased fees will pay for an additional community service officer to enforce the city's vacation-rental rules.

"The annual cost to fully fund the new community services officer position, including salary, benefits, vehicle and equipment, is $108,000 per year," according to a memo from city Finance Director Christine Vuletich.

County resident Wayne Huber lauded the council's push for greater enforcement of the vacation-rental ordinance and hoped similar enforcement will occur outside city limits.

Councilman Ted Long said the issues of excessive noise, trash collection and parking are not exclusive to vacation rentals.

Although supportive of the fee increase, Long expressed a concern that residents who have these types of problems with non-vacation-rental properties will not "reap the benefits of this officer."

"The problems aren't going to get addressed across the board," Long said.

The fee increase was approved by a 4-0 vote, with Mayor Mike Weber abstaining.

Also during the meeting, the City Council gave initial approval to new sign requirements for vacation-rental properties within city limits.

The amendment will require vacation-home rentals to have exterior signs clearly visible from the street stating the maximum number of occupants permitted to stay overnight in the unit, the maximum number of cars that can be parked on site and contact information for the police department.

The new sign requirements will return for final approval at the City Council's next meeting Sept. 23. With final approval, the sign requirement would take effect Nov. 1. (Note: This was approved and Pinnacle has complied)

The new sign requirement is one of several changes approved over the summer to the city's vacation-rental rules.