The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority is reporting the highest first-quarter taxable room revenue in Reno's history.

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority is reporting the highest first-quarter taxable room revenue in Reno's history.

The first quarter's timeline is January through March.

Officials told us the strong lineup of conventions and sports events Reno has seen lately could be the reason behind the increase in numbers.

They say tourism plays a big part in the economic growth of our community.

Mike Larragueta, the President and CEO of Visit Reno Tahoe, told us, "Every major metric that we track was up. Visitation, average daily rate, overall room tax revenue, occupancy, group rooms, every segment was up, and when we look at the delta over last year, January through March, we were at 14% in room tax revenue."

Visit Reno Tahoe reports record quarter-one tourism this year.

Officials say the American Bus Association was a big highlight, having over 2,000 people in 8,000 room nights.

Officials say that planning these big conventions allows those attendees to get familiar with the Reno-Tahoe area, which is something that may have never happened otherwise.

They say once a person visits for the first time, they are more likely to revisit with their own agenda. 

Larragueta said, "These are people that are going to get exposed to northern Nevada, and they're going to book tours for the future, and we should see a 20 to 30% lift in additional tourism through the motorcoach segment by hosting the American Bus Association."

Hosting the American Bus Association is estimated to have had a $3.8 million economic impact.

The United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, one of the region's biggest recurring sporting events, is also being held in Reno right now and is estimated to have an $84 million impact.

We spoke to people who attend every year, and they say the bowling tournament isn't the only thing that keeps them coming back.

Mikey Carpenter, who has been a part of the bowling championship for the last eleven years, told us, "I like to gamble a little bit, and we like to sightsee. Going to Lake Tahoe and Sparks and the surrounding, history of, the area, I guess, you know."

Officials say the weather has also impacted the growth in numbers.

Although we want a strong winter for ski resorts, having the pass open attracts more tourism from drivers.