A new report from the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) has found that anticipated demand has not translated into strong hotel bookings at hotels in US cities hosting matches in this year’s FIFA World Cup.
The report cites FIFA room block cancellations, international travel barriers, geo-political concerns and rising costs as key drivers of the softened hotel demand.
The report found that 80% of establishments surveyed had bookings tracking below initial forecasts, with visa barriers and broader geopolitical concerns significantly suppressing international demand.
The report says FIFA room block overcommitment created an artificial early demand signal that has since recalibrated.
Only limited markets that have a strong leisure component or have been confirmed as team base camps are seeing meaningful incremental uplift.
The AHLA’s Chief Executive Officer and President Rosanna Maietta called on the United States and FIFA to ensure a welcoming and seamless experience for international travelers by avoiding unnecessary cost increases including for visas and transportation among others.
—SABC—
