Ocean City Hotels Defy Trends with Revenue Gains Amid Mixed 2025 Tourism

OCEAN CITY, Md. -- Hotels in Ocean City posted modest revenue gains in 2025, with a 1.3% increase in room revenue per available room compared to 2024, according to the Hotel Motel Restaurant Association. Executive Director Susan Jones credited higher room rates during peak summer months, as April through August occupancy rose year-over-year. At the Residence Inn, General Manager Keith Whisenant reported a 2.5% revenue bump, attributing it to the town's concert lineup and events that drew crowds to the boardwalk.

Overall hotel occupancy slipped just 0.2% in 2025, a far milder drop than Myrtle Beach's 5.1% decline or Delaware's 3.4% fall. A May visitation report showed 588,000 visitors, down 41% from 830,000 in 2024, but officials blamed refined data collection excluding residents and workers -- unlike prior counts that tallied all traffic. These adjustments provide a clearer picture of true tourist influx, setting a baseline for growth projections.

Looking ahead, Ocean City Tourism launched 'Discover Ocean City, MD' on Feb. 2, 2026, targeting meetings, conventions, sports and group travel to boost year-round visits. Monthly metrics from the Department of Tourism track trends, with February highlights signaling preparations for summer surges. State officials eye a 15% visitor uptick for Ocean City's 2026 season, fueled by boardwalk upgrades and events, promising an economic lift for Worcester County's coastal hub.[context]