As the holiday season approaches, global travel patterns are undergoing a significant shift, with Mexico, South Africa, and Thailand emerging as the top hotel destinations for Christmas and New Year’s travel, according to data from technology provider Amadeus. The insights, derived from Amadeus’ Demand360®+ data as of November 27, 2023, offer a forward-looking perspective on the travel landscape during the festive period.
Global trends and top destinations
Amadeus’ Demand360®+ data indicates a 10% increase in global hotel occupancy for the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year’s, compared to the same period last year. This surge reflects a renewed confidence in travel and a preference for warmer climates. The top global destinations based on hotel occupancy are as follows:
- Los Cabos, Mexico: 77%
- Cape Town, South Africa: 71%
- Phuket, Thailand: 69%
- Cancun, Mexico: 69%
- Honolulu, Hawaii: 64%
- Tokyo, Japan: 61%
- Maldives: 59%
- Sydney, Australia: 58%
- Taipei, Taiwan: 58%
- Kahului, Hawaii: 57%
APAC: Sun, nature, gastronomy, and culture drive demand
Within the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, travellers are showing a clear preference for destinations offering sun, nature, gastronomy, and culture. Compared to last year, APAC is experiencing an 8% increase in demand, with Sydney witnessing a notable 29% spike in popularity. Osaka has also seen an uptick, with a 16% increase compared to last year.
Booking trends and opportunities
Amadeus’ data reveals that travellers are making hotel reservations closer to their intended travel dates, with 56% booking within a week of their trip—a 4% increase from 2022. This presents hoteliers with an opportunity to capitalise on last-minute demand and adjust their staffing and services accordingly.
Edward Wright, Regional Vice President, Hospitality, Asia Pacific, Amadeus, emphasises the importance of comprehensive forward-looking business intelligence. He notes, “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.”
Regional highlights: EMEA and NORAM
In the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, the top destinations based on hotel occupancy are:
- Cape Town: 71%
- Edinburgh: 57%
- Dubai: 48%
- Jeddah: 47%
- Vienna: 47%
- Abu Dhabi: 46%
- Paris: 45%
- London: 41%
- Rome: 40%
- Amsterdam: 38%
Rome has experienced the most significant increase in demand, up 33% compared to last year, followed by Edinburgh, which has risen 24%. Vienna and London have also seen notable increases of 12% and 11%, respectively, since 2022.
In North America (NORAM), the top destinations are:
- Honolulu: 64%
- Kahului: 57%
- Miami: 44%
- Orlando: 43%
- Fort Lauderdale: 42%
- New York City: 42%
- Niagara Falls: 37%
- Monterey: 35%
- Vancouver: 35%
- Montreal: 34%
Niagara Falls has experienced the most significant demand increase since 2022, rising by 68%. Honolulu, claiming the top spot, has seen a 10% increase, while New York City and Miami have both grown by 20% and 10%, respectively, since 2022.
LATAM: Los Cabos dominates
The top destinations in Latin America (LATAM) based on hotel occupancy are:
- Los Cabos: 77%
- Cancun: 69%
- Panama City: 37%
- San Jose: 33%
- Bogota: 18%
- Mexico City: 16%
- Monterrey: 7%
- Queretaro: 6%
- Guadalajara: 6%
- Leon: 3%
Los Cabos continues to lead in popularity, experiencing a 3% increase from 2022. Panama City has notably surged, with a 48% increase in demand compared to this time, last year.
