World Cup Hotel Bookings Lag in Most Host Cities, Kansas City Among Lowest
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Hotel bookings for the upcoming FIFA World Cup are running below expectations in most host cities, including Kansas City, according to an industry survey. With six weeks until the tournament begins, organizers in Kansas City are preparing for international visitors, while Atlanta and Miami report stronger booking trends.
Facts First
- Hotel bookings in most World Cup host cities are below forecasts, with nearly 80% of bookings across host cities running below initial projections.
- In Kansas City, bookings are below typical summer levels, with 85% to 90% of hotels reporting bookings below projections.
- Atlanta and Miami show stronger booking trends, with about half of Atlanta respondents and 55% in Miami reporting bookings in line or ahead of projections.
- More than 5 million tickets have been sold for the World Cup matches.
- The tournament will be held across 11 U.S. cities, as well as venues in Canada and Mexico.
What Happened
The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) released a survey Monday showing hotel bookings for the upcoming FIFA World Cup are running below expected levels in most host cities. The survey, conducted last month with 205 respondents representing hotel operators and owners, found nearly 80% of bookings across host cities are below initial forecasts. In Kansas City, Missouri, bookings are running below what a typical June or July would bring, with 85% to 90% of hotels reporting bookings below projections. Atlanta and Miami reported stronger trends, with about half of Atlanta respondents and 55% in Miami reporting bookings in line or ahead of projections.
Why this Matters to You
If you are traveling to a World Cup host city this summer, you may find more availability and potentially more competitive pricing for hotel rooms than organizers initially expected. This could make last-minute travel planning easier. For residents in host cities like Kansas City, the influx of visitors may still be significant, as organizers are preparing for international fans and more than 5 million tickets have been sold.
What's Next
With six weeks remaining before the World Cup begins, hotel bookings may continue to evolve. Organizers in Kansas City told The Athletic that embassy staff from countries like the Netherlands are deploying additional staff in anticipation of visitors, suggesting international travel could still pick up. The White House spokesman stated last week that President Trump is focused on ensuring the tournament is an incredible and secure experience.