RENO, Nev. (May 7, 2026) – Visit Reno Tahoe recorded the highest taxable room revenue in the destination’s history for the first quarter of 2026, signaling continued momentum for the region’s tourism economy as major conventions, sporting events and drive-market travelers filled hotels and supported local businesses across Washoe County.
The record-setting quarter builds on a strong close to 2025 and comes as Reno Tahoe continues to attract larger events and year-round visitation.
“Tourism continues to be a major economic driver for our community,” said Mike Larragueta, President and CEO of Visit Reno Tahoe. “These numbers reflect the strength of our meetings and events business, the appeal of Reno Tahoe as an easy-access destination, and the direct impact visitors have on local hotels, restaurants, shops and small businesses.”
In Q1 2026, Visit Reno Tahoe saw a combined taxable room revenue of $106,790,461, which is a YOY increase of 3.3% and represents a record for the destination. Cash occupied room nights are also among the highest in recent years, representing a 6.7% increase from July 2025 to March 2026 compared to the same period in the last fiscal year.
Much of that growth was driven by a strong convention and events calendar in early 2026.
In January, Reno Tahoe hosted the American Bus Association Marketplace, bringing more than 2,800 delegates to the region and generating more than 8,000 room nights and an estimated $3.8 million in economic impact.
That momentum has continued this spring with the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Open Championships, one of the region’s largest recurring sporting events. By the time the tournament concludes in July, it is expected to generate approximately 140,000 room nights and an estimated $84 million in economic impact for the region.
Tourism growth was also reflected in regional travel trends. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport reported a 1.5% increase in passenger traffic during the first quarter of 2026, while consistent drive-market visitation throughout the winter helped support hotels and attractions across the destination.
“As we head into the summer season, Reno Tahoe is well-positioned to continue building on this momentum,” Larragueta said. “We’re seeing strong demand from both leisure and group travelers, and that translates directly into jobs, business activity and economic opportunity for our region.”
Additional tourism performance data and research reports are available at www.rscva.com/impact/research/.
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About Visit Reno Tahoe
Reno Tahoe is a dynamic, four-season resort destination in a spectacular natural setting – where America’s largest alpine lake meets “The Biggest Little City in the World.” Here, genuine Western heritage and hospitality are served up alongside a region in the midst of an exciting transformation, offering travelers world-class attractions, outdoor adventure and an annual calendar of cultural, culinary and sporting events. Reno Tahoe is marketed by the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (Visit Reno Tahoe), an organization established in 1959 to promote convention and tourism business in Washoe County, which includes Reno, Sparks and North Lake Tahoe. For more information, go to www.VisitRenoTahoe.com.
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