Hotel prices paid in Canada rose by 5% in 2014, surpassing the global average of 3%, according to the latest Hotels.com Hotel Price Index
TORONTO, March 3, 2015 /CNW/ - The average price paid by Canadians for a hotel room domestically rose by 5% during 2014, compared with 2013, according to the latest Hotels.com™ Hotel Price Index™ (HPI™). This increase topped the global average of a 3% rise in hotel prices paid as the global economic recovery gathered momentum and consumers became more confident in travel spending. Hotel prices have now experienced five years of steady price increases since they plummeted during the financial collapse of 2008/9.
The global HPI stood at 113 at the end of 2014, 13 points higher than at its launch in 2004 and on par with its 2008 level but still four points lower than its peak at 117 in 2007.
Johan Svanstrom, President of the Hotels.com brand, said: "Although the Index rose again last year, it is still way behind its peak of seven years ago which is great news for consumers. Each year is unique in the travel industry and 2014 was no exception, bringing its own opportunities and challenges. Global events, such as the Winter Olympic Games and World Cup, predictably attracted travellers to new destinations. Yet unforeseen tragedies, including the Ebola outbreak, the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 and the loss of MH17 left their own mark."
Of the six regions in the HPI, the Index rose in four, was flat in one and fell in another. With a strong economy and rising Dollar, North America led the way with a rise of 5%, two percentage points better than its 2013 result.
Canadian Overview:
Canadians continued to invest in domestic travel with an increase in prices paid recorded across the country, with the exception of the Yukon. Canadians also saved an average of $9 when travelling within Canada at $152, compared to the $161 a night they paid internationally. Yet this was still far less than what U.S. travellers paid overseas at $191 a night.
Global Overview:
Two regions reported 4% Index growth. The Caribbean achieved a new record, rising to 137, the highest yearly regional Index figure ever reached. This was fuelled by a stronger US Dollar as the Caribbean remained a favourite for U.S. travellers. Europe and the Middle East also showed its fastest rate of growth in seven years, as many countries reported record visitor numbers.
Latin America showed a 2% Index rise. Brazil exceeded expectations when it came to its hospitality industry during the 2014 World Cup and the event was a unique opportunity for the country to showcase some of its top class accommodation and services.
The Pacific showed no growth in its Index in 2014, but the continued weakness in the Australian dollar should mean that the region will attract more visitors in 2015.
For Asia, the Index decreased 2%. Over the years, the HPI has shown that Asia has long offered the best value destinations in the world and continues to do so.
Svanstrom continued: "More than 1.1 billion travellers ventured abroad in 2014, up nearly 5% over the previous year1, with the size of the global domestic travel market estimated to be four to five times this total. Tourism is a fiercely competitive and resilient industry with countries vying to attract valuable visiting travellers by improving infrastructure, expanding hospitality and entertainment options and relaxing visa requirements. Travel opens up both world and minds – so go explore."
Average percentage price rises in actual prices paid for hotel rooms in 2014
Region |
% change |
Index |
North America/Canada |
5% |
116 |
Caribbean |
4% |
137 |
Europe & the Middle East |
4% |
108 |
Latin America |
2% |
131 |
Pacific |
0% |
123 |
Asia |
-2% |
104 |
Global |
3% |
113 |
About the HPI™
The HPI is a biannual report that looks at hotel prices in cities all around the world. The data is based on bookings made through the Hotels.com website and the prices listed are the actual prices paid - not advertised rates.
About Hotels.com
Hotels.com, L.P. operates Hotels.com (also known in Canada as Hotels.ca), a leading online accommodation booking website with approximately 435,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favourites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals.
© 2015 Hotels.com, LP. Hotels.com, The Obvious Choice, Hotel Price Index, HPI, and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
_____________________________
1 http://media.unwto.org/press-release/2015-01-27/over-11-billion-tourists-travelled-abroad-2014
SOURCE Hotels.com
Image with caption: "The diverse attractions in Toronto continue to entice visitors and the city remains the number one domestic destination for Canadian and international travellers (CNW Group/Hotels.com)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150303_C8405_PHOTO_EN_12747.jpg
please visit www.hotels.com/hotel-price-index/ or contact: Lauren Wasley, energiPR for Hotels.com, Phone: (416) 425-9143 x 19, Email: [email protected], @energiPR; Taylor L. Cole, APR, Hotels.com North America, Phone: (469) 335-8442, Email: [email protected], @TravelwithTLC
Share this article