St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada � July 2001 � The Avalon Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has announced that the month of June 2001 set an all-time record for the number of rooms sold in one month in the City of St. John's.

Occupancy rates reached 89.76 per cent with 43,700 room nights sold at an average cost of $102.78. The previous record was set in June 1999 with a total of 41,700 room nights sold.

According to Armand Agabab, chairman of the ACVB Board, this record month is a direct result of the growth in the convention/meeting market, with more and larger conventions being held in the city.

"The larger conventions being held in 2001 made the decision to come to St. John's three or four years ago, with the knowledge that we would have a new convention centre in 2001. The opening of the convention centre and stadium this past spring will significantly increase the appeal of our destination in this market," he said.

The Avalon Convention & Visitors Bureau is a member based, private sector led Destination Marketing Organization formed to increase visitation to St. John's and the Avalon region. In addition to Meetings, Conventions and Major Events, the bureau focuses its resources in all sectors of the Leisure Market (except Cruise), and Sport Tourism.

Contact:
Avalon Convention & Visitors Bureau
Lorraine McGrath
lmcgrath@acvb.nf.net
Phone (709) 739-8896