Yosemite National Park appears to be at least a little bit recession proof. As 2009 closed, the Park showed a five percent increase in visitors for the year, and that’s without the December numbers.

According to National Park Service figures, 3,751,916 people came to Yosemite from January to November, 2009. In 2008, total visitation was 3,557,961. It appears that the Mariposa-Yosemite Tourism Bureau’s first full year of marketing has paid off.

Overall, California occupancy rates are down, as are hotel rates as facilities try to attract visitors. Mariposa- Yosemite Tourism Bureau Director Jeff Hentz recently said, “Bus business is coming back significantly.” It had been down since the Ferguson Rockslide.

Hentz said he will continue to use a multi-media approach to reach visitors. He believes the tide is about to turn. “2011 will be one of our better years,” Hentz told the board.

Of his department’s $1.4 million budget, Hentz said some 77 percent is spent on marketing and advertising. The department’s goals continued to be to put “heads in beds,” increase the area’s market share and develop new sales channels.

The last time Yosemite had more than 3.7 million visitors was in 1998. Following that year, visitation began to decline, falling to just over 3.3 million in 2006. Since that time, the number has grown.

The increase in 2009 is nearly across the board, with the exception of last February and March. Every other month of the year saw an increase in visitors.

The largest group came in August, when some 666,000 people visited Yosemite. The next busiest month was July at 608,567, followed by June at just over a half-million. The slowest month for the last year was February, when just 82,140 people entered the gates.

Park business has flourished while most other California tourism outlets have barely survived. DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite’s PR Manager Kenny Karst said things remain good.

“We are pleased with the steady and stable numbers of guests visiting Yosemite,” he said. “Throughout the summer, fall and now into winter, our lodging facilities and dining rooms remains as full and busy as in years previous.”

NPS spokesperson Kari Cobb said the Park offers so many affordable options. Campsites range from $10 to $20 per night, offering “an affordable way to connect with nature,” Cobb said. The $20 entrance fee is good for seven days. Visitors can also enjoy a number of programs for free. They can learn about geology, flora and fauna, waterfalls and wildlife.

Karst is already anticipating good returns for the winter season, as Badger Pass has been open since Dec. 18. “If the initial attendance on the slopes is any indication, the first quarter of 2010 will be equally rewarding,” he said.

Officials at DNC know that there is some emotional security in visiting Yosemite. “Dan Jensen, COO of DNC concession operations in the Park once said, ‘Yosemite is comfort food,’” Karst explained. “What he means is people hold onto their lodging reservations even in lean times, for their visit to the Park renews their inner spirit and fills their souls with joy.”