Experts point to, among others, the reason for this situation: Donald Trump's decision to start a war in Iran, affecting the level of security, but also, for example, an increase in air ticket prices to the USA.
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In addition, fans from as many as 39 countries are not allowed to enter the USA. This applies to countries such as Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire.
Ed Grose, head of the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association, reported that in Philadelphia alone, about 2,000 were canceled. contracted accommodations. A similar situation will apply to all 16 host cities in the USA, Canada and Mexico. “It's disappointing,” Grose admitted, but emphasized that the industry hopes to fill some of the gaps thanks to large events organized in June.
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In turn, Evan Saunders from Azira points out that the scale of the phenomenon is much larger. He says some hotels report cancellation rates exceeding 95%. and on the scale of the entire market, tens of thousands of overnight stays have disappeared. He adds that this is not only a problem of hotels, but of the entire local economy – restaurants, transport and trade.
FIFA: This is normal practice. Hoteliers have a different opinion
FIFA representatives argue that the situation is consistent with standard practice for large events, where some previously booked rooms are ultimately not used.
However, hotel market analysts note that the scale of cancellations surprised many hoteliers.
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Data from the American Hotel and Lodging Association show that almost 20 percent hotels in host cities record bookings below expectations.
Scott Yesner, owner of a short-term rental management company in Philadelphia, believes the number of fans needing hotels has been overestimated.
According to his estimates, the stadium will accommodate approximately 70,000 people for the match. people, half are local fans, and some visitors will choose short-term rental.
As a result, the demand for hotel rooms may only amount to approximately 7.5 thousand. per match – with a base of about 30,000. rooms in the city.
Short stays and tourists' caution
Additionally, the data shows that Many guests plan very short stays (1-2 nights), and most often check out on the day of the match.
Experts also warn that too aggressive an attitude towards fans may discourage “ordinary” tourists who are afraid of crowds and high prices.
