In the first half of the year, Lincoln County hotel occupancy averaged 53.1%, up 5% from the comparable period, the visitor’s bureau said Tuesday. The increase in occupancy helped drive total hotel revenue to $17.7 million, an 8.6% increase from the same period last year. The overall demand for hotel rooms rose by 5%, the announcement said. The positive numbers are a reflection of travelers’ continued interest in North Platte as a destination, as well as the hard work of staff and tourism partners, the bureau said. © 2026 The North Platte Bulletin.