Biz travelers find domestic hotel rates stable, airfares higher
Domestic hotel rates remained relatively stable last year, while international rates rose, according to a new study.
“The deluxe hotel segment was the one exception to this trend. Deluxe hotels continued to experience double digit increases while economy and budget tier rates flattened out,†said American Express Business Travel’s analysis of North America-based domestic and international air, hotel and car rental rates for 2007.
In other hotel segments, the price differential between budget, economy, and mid-price hotel tiers began to blur amidst tough competition.
“Tight global supply and another year of high fuel costs drove continued price growth for international business travel in 2007 even as domestic prices flattened,†said Herve Sedky, Vice President and General Manager, Global Advisory Services, American Express Business Travel.
Competition remains fierce in the hotel sector, he said, adding:
“However, though rates remain high, this competition has spurred hotels to continually upgrade their offerings and amenities to the benefit of business travelers in countries around the world.â€
Growing international economies spurred a rise in both business and leisure travel which placed hefty demand on an already short supply, the study said.
Average international airfares increased a record eight percent, driven by rising fuel costs coupled with strong travel demand. At the same time, average domestic airfares increased only one percent.
“Travelers heeded the call to book their trips further in advance by taking advantage of lower, advance purchase fares,†said Mr Sedky.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt