Global Hotel Boom: Festive Season Sparks Travel Surge

December 8, 2023

887

As the festive season approaches, a remarkable surge in global travel is unfolding, with hoteliers worldwide gearing up for an unprecedented spike in demand. This year’s Christmas and New Year period is set to witness a significant uptick in hotel occupancy rates, echoing the resurgent confidence in travel and an increasing penchant for warm-weather destinations.

In a striking revelation by Amadeus, a leading global technology provider renowned for its forward-looking business intelligence data, there’s an observable peak in demand for hotel accommodations. The company’s Demand360+ data, as of November 27, 2023, indicates a global hotel occupancy rate of 23% for the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s, marking a robust 10% increase from the previous year. This upward trend signifies a rebound in travel enthusiasm and a distinct preference for specific global hotspots.

The list of top destinations is a mosaic of sun, culture, and gastronomy. Los Cabos, Mexico, leads the pack, with a staggering 77% occupancy, followed by the scenic vistas of Cape Town, South Africa, at 71%. Phuket, Thailand, and Cancun, Mexico, are tied at 69%, offering tropical escapades. Other sought-after locations include Honolulu, Hawaii (64%), Tokyo, Japan (61%), and the serene beaches of the Maldives (59%).

Notably, Sydney, Australia, has experienced a remarkable 29% surge in demand compared to 2022, positioning it higher on the global travel radar. Similarly, Osaka, Japan, has witnessed a 16% increase, underscoring the region’s growing appeal.

This year’s travel trends are painted with a desire for sun-drenched beaches, lush nature, rich culinary experiences, and vibrant cultural tapestries. The Asia Pacific (APAC) and Latin America (LATAM) regions are particularly benefiting from this shift, with APAC trending 8% higher than last year. EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and LATAM follow closely, with increases of 7% and 4%, respectively, while North America (NORAM) maintains its 2022 levels.

Interestingly, the dynamics of hotel bookings are also evolving. A significant 56% of global travellers opt for last-minute reservations, typically within a week of their trip, a 4% rise from the previous year. This trend presents a golden opportunity for hoteliers to capitalize on the spur-of-the-moment decisions of modern travellers.

Edward Wright, Regional Vice President, Hospitality, Asia Pacific, Amadeus, encapsulates the sentiment, “Christmas and New Year’s is undoubtedly a busy time for hoteliers. We are clearly seeing increased popularity in the APAC and LATAM regions as travelers look to book getaways. Having access to comprehensive forward-looking business intelligence data is important, because it allows hoteliers to identify booking patterns and revenue opportunities so they can still drive last minute demand, while ensuring their property is staffed and ready to provide a great guest experience.”

This resurgence in travel demand, especially in the festive season, is not just a mere spike in numbers. It is a testament to the global community’s renewed confidence in exploring the world, which seems more connected and accessible than ever. As we embrace this festive season, the horizon of international travel appears brighter, filled with the promise of discovery and the joy of experience.