SiteMinder’s World Hotel Index reveals that, for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, hotel bookings in Los Angeles have returned to the levels of the same period two years ago, hitting 100.55% of 2019 numbers on October 21, 2021. The milestone, which marks the highest level in Los Angeles since February 15, 2020, has been sourced from SiteMinder’s open hotel commerce platform, which is the largest of its kind in the world, used by 32,000 hotels and connected to more than 400 hotel booking channels globally.
While hotel bookings are still primarily driven by the domestic market, international bookers increased from 8.13% of the total in July to 14.32% in October, with an upward tendency. Similarly, while only 13.96% of hotel arrivals due this month in the U.S. are from abroad, SiteMinder’s data shows this figure is set to reach 19.64% in December and 41.41% in April 2022.
SiteMinder’s statistics underline Los Angeles’ continued status as a world leader for travel, with the city measuring considerably above the national average, which is at 89.57% of 2019 numbers, while the global average is presently 81.28%. The city’s strong performance over recent months also goes hand-in-hand with a return of urban travel around the world, as cultural attractions, meetings and events reopen in more and more destinations.
Following today’s news, Bernhard Ballin, Regional Vice President for the Americas at SiteMinder, says technology will be central to hotels’ recovery: “This is big news for Los Angeles hoteliers. The SiteMinder World Hotel Index shows a sustained upward trend in hotel bookings in the city since March, reflecting Los Angeles’ enduring appeal to Americans and people all around the world, for its iconic attractions and dynamic economy.”
Adds Ballin: “However, hotels must avoid complacency. SiteMinder’s Changing Traveler Report 2021 shows the rise of the ‘dynamic traveler’, a new and evolved breed of hotel guest with higher standards than before the pandemic, who is increasingly willing and empowered by technology to shop around for the best products and value for money, and to voice their opinions online if they are dissatisfied. As such, accommodation providers will benefit from stepping up to match guest expectations, using hotel commerce technology to know their customer, reach them with tailored and relevant products, and ensure a smooth and seamless experience from their first contact with the hotel, to the moment they check out.”
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