Hotels in Medicine Hat are expecting a busy summer as public health restrictions are lifted. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Brian Konrad

End of restrictions should boost travel

Local hotels expecting a busy summer

Jun 21, 2021 | 12:26 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The thirst to travel is being felt again as Alberta re-opens for the summer, and local hotels and motels are already noticing an increase in phone calls and web traffic.

With most restrictions being lifted as of July first, local operators are expecting to be busier than last summer.

Elisha Ammann, executive director for the Medicine Hat Accommodation Association says people looking to visit friends and family at the end of the pandemic should lead to increased business.

“So we think that’s going to be a bigger market for us this summer. Everyone is going to want to come and travel, grandparents are coming to see their grandkids or parents are bringing their family,” says Ammann.

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Visitors should also expect to pay less for their accommodation than in the past.

“Most hotels have significantly dropped their rates and we don’t expect that to change,” says Ammann.

She says rates are one of those variables, that once it decreases, is very difficult to increase again.

While rates may increase by a dollar or two, Ammann says visitors will still be getting rock bottom rates.

Ammann says the current average room rate in Medicine Hat is around $90 per night, whereas the rate was averaging about $120 three to four years ago.

She advises people to firm their plans early while selection and availability are the best.