The popularity of the Big Bend area is steadily increasing. More often, articles are appearing in various publications, as well as radio ads featuring the Big Bend, Marathon and the surrounding area. In the last three years Marathon has become host of several events such as the West Fest BBQ Cook-off, the Marathon 2 Marathon (26.2 mile marathon from Alpine to Marathon), the Cowboy Social and Silent Auction, and most recently, a sanctioned, chili cook-off as a qualifier for the Terlingua Chili Cook-Off just to name a few.
For years Marathon has been an important headquarters for cattle ranchers in the area, but still remains a small quiet community of about 600 people. More recently, Marathon is finding itself a center of attention due to its central location, charm, casual lifestyle. In addition, at over 4000' elevation, it boasts a delightful climate, a diversity of outdoor activities, shopping, and art galleries and friendly people. Its close proximity to other area attractions makes Marathon the perfect destination location.
Marathon was listed in the March 2002 issue of the Men's Journal Magazine as one of the "50 Best Places to Live in America". It has been featured recently in many newspaper and magazine articles. Marathon is unique in that it offers so much scenic beauty and diversity not usually found in towns of its size. For more statistics please visit the survey done by the Big Bend Tourism Council for 2004 at marathontexas.com, "the Chamber Page", "Big Ben Region Tourism Survey" marathontexas.com/BigBendFinal.pdf
Considering all of the rare and unique features not found in the "Typical" motel, the Marathon Motel is in transition from obscurity, to an increasingly popular destination. Annual occupancy tax totals by the Big Bend Tourism Council, http://visitbigbend.com/ regarded the Marathon Motel, proportionally, as one of the fastest growing accommodations in Brewster County.
As awareness for not only the motel, but for the Town of Marathon, as well as the Big Bend Region increases, for both tourism and private interests, this strong growth period is expected to continue well into
the foreseeable future. Occupancy rates have already increased well beyond the capacity of the motel.
2005's "turn-away" conservatively estimated (on record), exceeded 1,452 rooms. Recommendations for continued growth would necessitate additional rooms, with consideration of implementing a pool area associated with the new addition, ideally facing the Glass and Del Norte Mountains. Due to the interest in special events,
consideration should be given to building a combination pavilion/restaurant in the area currently known as the West RV Park.
With these considerations in mind, the Marathon Motel will become a leading competitor in the Hospitality industry in West Texas.
