2012 Olympics could hit hotel rates
Destinations that host major sporting events don’t always benefit from an additional influx of visitors, warned a market research company this week as the UK gears up to host the 2012 Olympics.
Rubicon, a provider of market intelligence to the hospitality and leisure industry, said a slump in visitor numbers both before and after a major event may lead to a negative effect overall.
It said data collected around last February’s Superbowl in Miami demonstrated how average daily rate and occupancy can fluctuate hugely and that destinations don’t always come out on top.
Bookings for Superbowl weekend itself were up 37.9% on average compared to 2009 figures, with Sunday – the night of the big game – recording a 61% leap. As a result room rates rose by more than 50%.
However, occupancy and prices fell both before and after Superbowl. In the run up to the weekend the average daily rate was down 2.5% and the post-match average daily rate slumped 7.5%.
Overall, that resulted in Miami hotels achieving lower rates in the four days around the Superbowl compared to 2009.
Rubicon managing director for Europe Andy Storey said: “Major sporting events allow hotels to maximise revenue opportunities but they should be mindful of the pre and post event pitfalls.
"This data should come as a warning to UK hotels when planning pricing around events that draw in transient guests."
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
All eyes on Qatar as Qatar Airways leads a season of global events