Festive occupancy remains stable worldwide, while room rates increase year after year | News
Hoteliers are bracing for a rush of travelers looking for a snow getaway this holiday season, although beach retreats are still on the agenda for some.
New, forward-looking insights from Amadeus reveal which destinations are currently at the top of the hotel occupancy charts over Christmas and New Year.
As of December 4, global hotel occupancy has increased by a modest 0.5 percent compared to 2024, according to data from Amadeus Demand360.
The top leisure travel destinations by occupancy are:
- TromsoNorway, 93 percent
- Aruba89 percent
- QueenstownNew Zealand, 86 percent
- Phu Quoc IslandVietnam, 83 percent
- Curacao80 percent
- WhistlerCanada, 80 percent
- WaikoloaHawaii, 78 percent
- Koh SamuiThailand, 77 percent
- LangkawiMalaysia, 77 percent
- CairnsAustralia, 76 percent
While the Caribbean remains the destination of choice for a significant portion of travelers, Norway takes the cake as the most popular vacation destination, indicating that many are seeking the magic of a winter wonderland this holiday season.
Destinations on the rise
Curaçao stands out as an emerging holiday destination, with the largest year-on-year increase in occupancy rate of the top ten destinations (11 percent).
Meanwhile, hoteliers are doing well in Waikoloa, Hawaii, as they achieve the highest average daily rate (ADR) ($942) among the top ten most occupied regions.
From affordable finds to premium outings
Guanacaste, Costa Rica has achieved the highest ADR to date, with hotel rooms costing an average of more than $2,600.
On the other hand, Cairns, Australia, is a great choice for those looking for an affordable getaway, with an ADR of $286, the lowest of the top ten destinations.
A season full of opportunities
Overall, the data shows that the holiday season remains a key opportunity for hoteliers, with global sales expected to reach $7.4 billion* over Christmas and New Year.
New York alone expects to bring in $66 million, more than any other city in the world, as travelers flock to enjoy Times Square’s famous ball drop and other iconic landmarks.
“Travelers are showing new enthusiasm this holiday season, with clear demand for destinations that offer everything from sunny beaches to snowy winter destinations.
“This mix reflects a growing appetite for diverse experiences and a willingness to go beyond the usual vacation destinations,” said Katie Moro, Vice President, Data Partnerships, Hospitality, Amadeus.
More information
*Turnover calculated by multiplying the average daily rate by the number of occupied rooms. Occupied rooms are determined by applying the market occupancy rate to the total room capacity.
