Visitor rate up 36 percent in Langley

The Langley Chamber of Commerce reported that the city’s visitor rate is up 36 percent over the past four months. The chamber keeps a running tally of visits to the center per month. Executive Director Michaeleen McGarry said that 3,410 people visited the center from January to April. In those same four months in 2015, there were 2,171 visitors. McGarry couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason for the increase, but surmised that favorable weather conditions were among the factors. “I honestly think it was partially because of the weather,” McGarry said. “It’s been beautiful out. I think that helped.”

May 10, 2016 5:54 pm

The Langley Chamber of Commerce reported that the city’s visitor rate is up 36 percent over the past four months. The chamber keeps a running tally of visits to the center per month. Executive Director Michaeleen McGarry said that 3,410 people visited the center from January to April. In those same four months in 2015, there were 2,171 visitors. McGarry couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason for the increase, but surmised that favorable weather conditions were among the factors.

“I honestly think it was partially because of the weather,” McGarry said. “It’s been beautiful out. I think that helped.”

She also felt off-island promotion, such as Langley’s new SeaTac shuttle, may have contributed to the rise in visitors. The shuttle portrays images taken by South Whidbey photographers David Welton, Michael Stadler and Debra Campbell and are strewn along the sides and back of the 24-passenger shuttle, which often travels along the I-5 corridor between Whidbey Island and Seattle.

McGarry said some months can be leaner than others, such as March, which saw bouts with wind and rain. Visitor rate was down 10 percent during that month as compared to 2015, while February was up 40 percent. One of Langley’s most popular events, Mystery Weekend, was held Feb. 25-26 and also contributed to the rise in visitors.

“I think we’re set for a good season,” McGarry said.