Home / Business and Economy / World Cup Bookings Lag: US Hotels Disappointed
World Cup Bookings Lag: US Hotels Disappointed
6 May
Summary
- 80% of US hotels report booking numbers below expectations.
- Visa issues and geopolitical concerns suppress demand.
- Some US cities see World Cup bookings below normal rates.
Hotel bookings in US cities hosting the FIFA World Cup are significantly underperforming, according to a recent survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA). With only five weeks remaining until the tournament begins on June 11, 80% of surveyed hotels indicated that reservations are tracking below expectations.
Visa complications and broader geopolitical concerns are identified as key factors dampening demand, with approximately 65% of respondents highlighting these issues. Despite assurances from the Trump administration to facilitate visas for ticket holders, a strict vetting process remains in place, potentially deterring international travelers.
Several host cities are experiencing booking rates lower than anticipated. In Kansas City, reservations have fallen below normal June and July levels. Other cities, including Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle, have seen hoteliers dismiss the tournament's impact as a 'non-event.' Mass room bookings by FIFA, many later canceled, also created misleading early demand signals.
