US: A national survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) shows that 72 per cent are American are unlikely to travel for Thanksgiving and 69 per cent unlikely to travel for Christmas.
The survey of 2,200 adults was conducted between 2-4 November 2020 by Morning Consult on behalf of AHLA.
Key findings include:
• Only three in 10 (32 per cent) have taken an overnight vacation or leisure trip since March
• 21 per cent of Americans say they are likely to travel for Thanksgiving, 24 per cent are likely to travel for Christmas
• In 2021, 24 per cent are likely to travel for spring break
• 44 per cent stated their next hotel stay for vacation or leisure travel will be a year or more from now, or they have no plans to stay in a hotel
Regarding business travel, only eight per cent of Americans say they have taken an overnight business trip since March.
19 per cent of respondents who are currently employed (8 per cent of all adults) expect to travel for business within the next six months, and 62 per cent have no plans to stay in a hotel for business.
“This holiday season will be an especially difficult time for all Americans, and our industry is no exception,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. “Fewer people will be travelling, and business travel remains nearly non-existent. That’s why it’s so important for congress to pass a relief bill now. Millions of Americans are out of work, and thousands of small businesses are struggling to keep their doors open. We cannot afford to wait until the next Congress is sworn in for relief. They need help now.”
The full survey from AHLA is available here.
According to STR, nationwide hotel occupancy w as 44.4 per cent for the week ending October 31, compared to 62.6 per cent the same week last year. Occupancy in urban market is just 35.6 per cent, down from 71.8 per cent one year ago.
Without further government assistance, 74 per cent of hotels said they would be forced into further layoffs. Business and group travel is expected to reach 2019 peak demand levels in 2023.
