US Hotels face World Cup booking slump despite ticket sales boom
The World Cup was meant to deliver a tourism windfall for the United States, but hotel bookings are falling well short of expectations, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).
In several host cities including Kansas City, Boston, and Seattle bookings lag behind normal seasonal demand. The AHLA blames FIFA for block‑booking excessive rooms, creating artificially high prices. After FIFA canceled many reservations, a vacancy gap emerged. FIFA disputes the accusation.
High ticket prices, visa delays, and transit costs have also deterred international fans. Some travelers are waiting for last‑minute price drops or opting for short‑term rentals. Airbnb expects the tournament to become its biggest hosting event ever.
Mexico, a co‑host, faces similarly soft demand. In Mexico City, hotels are only 30‑36% booked. “Events are playing out differently than everyone hoped,” said one Manhattan hotel manager.
