United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Biz travelers find domestic hotel rates stable, airfares higher
Domestic hotel rates remained relatively stable last year, while international rates rose, according to a new study.
“The deluxe hotel segment was the one exception to this trend. Deluxe hotels continued to experience double digit increases while economy and budget tier rates flattened out,†said American Express Business Travel’s analysis of North America-based domestic and international air, hotel and car rental rates for 2007.
In other hotel segments, the price differential between budget, economy, and mid-price hotel tiers began to blur amidst tough competition.
“Tight global supply and another year of high fuel costs drove continued price growth for international business travel in 2007 even as domestic prices flattened,†said Herve Sedky, Vice President and General Manager, Global Advisory Services, American Express Business Travel.
Competition remains fierce in the hotel sector, he said, adding:
“However, though rates remain high, this competition has spurred hotels to continually upgrade their offerings and amenities to the benefit of business travelers in countries around the world.â€
Growing international economies spurred a rise in both business and leisure travel which placed hefty demand on an already short supply, the study said.
Average international airfares increased a record eight percent, driven by rising fuel costs coupled with strong travel demand. At the same time, average domestic airfares increased only one percent.
“Travelers heeded the call to book their trips further in advance by taking advantage of lower, advance purchase fares,†said Mr Sedky.
Report by David Wilkening
David
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Report: Cruise guest died after ship lashed in heavy storm
British teen in serious condition after paraglider collision