Canadian Hotel Prices Surpass Global Growth Rate in First Half of 2013

The Hotels.com Hotel Price Index (HPI) Shows a Three Per Cent Increase in North America

TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2013 /CNW/ - Hotel prices in Canada and the United States continued to increase in the first half of 2013, up three per cent when compared to the same period last year according to the Hotels.com^® Hotel Price Index ^™ (HPI^™). With an average global price increase of two per cent, North America's performance is strong although still shy of 2011 and the first half of 2012 when the rate of growth was at five per cent.

"Canada is continuing to invest in its travel sector and the increase in current hotel prices is a direct reflection of that," says Jennifer Drew, director market management Hotels.com. "Whether it's due to a lack of vacation time or an increase in travellers opting to drive to their vacation destinations, domestic travel has become a popular option for many Canadians. That said, although accommodation costs may be slightly higher, they're still lower than the peak of 2007 and deals can be found at home and abroad."

Provincial Overview
The top performers included two provinces and one territory in the first half of 2013 with Yukon recording the highest increase at seven per cent year-over-year for an average of $136 per night. This was followed by Saskatchewan, up five per cent ($150); and Newfoundland, up four per cent ($179).

Top Canadian Performers
Not surprisingly, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal continued to dominate in 2013 as the Most Popular Cities for domestic and international travellers. Toronto was number one for both, but Montreal and Vancouver switched spots with Montreal in second for domestic travellers and Vancouver shining as a favorite for international visitors.

Average prices paid in each of the top three cities ranged from $144 to $154 with Montreal showing the highest rates. Another popular destination, the scenic Lake Louise, held the top spot for Most Expensive Canadian Destination with a three per cent increase and average prices sitting at $289.

Spending Trends
Canadians saved around $9 a night when travelling domestically and paid an average daily hotel rate of $143, compared to the $152 they paid for international travel. When it came to international visitors, three of the countries spending the most on hotel accommodation in Canada were Asian and included the Philippines, Singapore and Japan. Tourists from these countries spent an average of $184, $179 and $178 per night, respectively.

Best Value
Canadian travellers craving an exotic locale without the hefty price tag could find great deals in Asia. Cambodia topped the list with average daily hotel prices of $60, followed by Vietnam at $73 and Thailand and the Philippines at $99.

If you'd prefer to stay local and skip the long flights, there are also great options in Canada like Merritt, Saanichton and Langley in British Columbia which had average daily hotel rates at less than $100 a night.

Based on the latest Hotel Price Index, travel is, or at least should be, on the horizon. To view the full report, visit: www.hotel-price-index.com to find the perfect destination for your travel interests or budget. Follow the conversation on Twitter @hotelsdotcomca, #HPI.

Editors Note: All prices are in Canadian Dollars.

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 by Canadians - not advertised rates. The report compares prices paid in the first half of 2012 with those paid in the first half of 2013.

About Hotels.com^®

Hotels.com (also known in Canada as Hotels.ca) is a leading online accommodation booking brand. Through the Expedia, Inc. global network of websites, Hotels.com, LP connects travellers with approximately 220,000 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. Hotels.com, LP benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry, obtaining the best rates for its customers, and offers frequent sales, special deals and promotions. There are more than 7 million Guest Reviews on the websites from users who have actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers can make an informed choice when booking. Through Hotels.com, LP's industry-leading loyalty program Welcome Rewards^TM, customers can earn a free* night for every 10 nights stayed at more than 85,000 hotels. Under its Price Match Guarantee†, if a customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com, LP will refund the difference. Travellers can book online or by contacting one of the multilingual call centers. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded at www.hotels.com/deals/mobile_app/ enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals. Hotels.com publishes an award-winning twice-yearly review of international hotel room price trends called the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index™, which is now produced in 31 individual country editions, with North American data available at www.hotel-price-index.com. Follow Hotels.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Hotels.comCA, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/hotelsdotcomca and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/hotelsdotcom. More Hotels.com news is available at: http://press.hotels.com/en-ca/. Hotels.com, LP is part of Expedia, Inc., the largest online travel company in the world with an extensive portfolio that includes some of the world's best-known brands.

Hotels.com, Hotel Price Index, HPI, Finding You the Perfect Place and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. © 2013 Hotels.com, LP. All rights reserved. CST # 2083949-50

*Your free night is good at any Welcome Rewards eligible property. The maximum value of your free night is the average daily rate of your ten (10) nights. Your free night does not include taxes and fees.

† Price match guarantee on hotel bookings. If you find a lower price on exactly the same stay elsewhere, we'll match it or let you cancel your booking without a penalty.  Terms and conditions apply.

Image with caption: "The Hotels.com® Hotel Price Index™ (HPI™) provides travel tips and destination recommendations for Canadian travellers (CNW Group/Hotels.com)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130912_C6514_PHOTO_EN_30736.jpg

SOURCE: Hotels.com

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Taylor L. Cole, APR   
Hotels.com North America
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