FIFA World Cup hotel bookings falling short of expectations in US cities, report finds
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... The anticipated hotel boom tied to the upcoming FIFA World Cup may be falling short of expectations, according to a new report.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association released a report on Monday, highlighting the challenges faced by hotels across the U.S. in the lead up to the international soccer tournament. The report said that, across host cities, hotels have not seen strong bookings and that domestic travelers are outpacing international visitors.

"Hotels across host markets have spent years preparing for the World Cup, and while there is real excitement, the data points to a more nuanced outlook," Rosanna Maietta, president & CEO of AHLA, said in a news release. "A range of factors have tempered early optimism, though forward indicators show there is still meaningful opportunity ahead."

According to AHLA, the FIFA room block cancellations, international travel barriers and rising costs have contributed to the shortcomings. ...

Kansas City had the highest number of hotel owners, roughly 85% to 90%, report below expectations, just trailing behind a typical June or July without any major events. In Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle, nearly 80% of respondents said booking pace was less than expected, with some calling the tournament a "non-event" due to FIFA room releases and weak international fan visits.

According to the report, Miami and Atlanta have reported the strongest numbers with just 50% of hotelier respondents saying the bookings are in line or ahead of expectations.
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