Hoteliers are gearing up for a flurry of travellers on the hunt for snowy escapes this holiday season, though beach retreats remain on the itinerary for some.
New, forward-looking insights from Amadeus reveal which destinations are currently topping hotel occupancy charts over Christmas and New Year’s.
According to Amadeus Demand360 data as of December 4, global hotel occupancy is up a modest 0.5 per cent from 2024.
The top destinations for holiday travel by occupancy are:
- Tromso, Norway, 93 per cent
- Aruba, 89 per cent
- Queenstown, New Zealand, 86 per cent
- Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, 83 per cent
- Curacao, 80 per cent
- Whistler, Canada, 80 per cent
- Waikoloa, Hawaii, 78 per cent
- Ko Samui, Thailand, 77 per cent
- Langkawi, Malaysia, 77 per cent
- Cairns, Australia, 76 per cent
While the Caribbean remains the destination of choice for a significant contingent of travellers, Norway takes the crown as the most popular getaway, suggesting that many are seeking the magic of a winter wonderland this holiday season.
Destinations on the rise
Curacao stands out as an emerging holiday destination, with the biggest year-on-year increase in occupancy of the top ten destinations (11 per cent).
Meanwhile, hoteliers are getting it right in Waikoloa, Hawaii, as they achieve the highest Average Daily Rate (ADR) ($942) among the top ten most occupied regions.
From affordable finds to premium getaways
Guanacaste in Costa Rica has secured the top ADR recorded so far, where hotel rooms are averaging over $2600.
On the flipside, Cairns, Australia, is a great bet for those seeking an affordable getaway, with an ADR of $286, the lowest of the top ten destinations.
A season full of opportunity
Overall, the data shows that the holiday period remains an important opportunity for hoteliers, with global revenue predicted to reach $7.4 billion* over Christmas and New Year.
New York alone is expecting to bring in $66 million, more than any other city worldwide, as travellers flock to enjoy the famous Times Square ball drop and other iconic sights.
“Travellers are showing new enthusiasm this holiday season, with clear demand for destinations that offer everything from sunny beaches to snowy winter escapes.
“This mix reflects a growing appetite for diverse experiences and a willingness to venture beyond the usual holiday spots,” said Katie Moro, Vice President, Data Partnerships, Hospitality, Amadeus.
More Information
*Revenue calculated by multiplying the average daily rate by the number of rooms occupied. Occupied rooms are determined by applying the market’s occupancy percentage to its total room capacity.