Half of American travelers say they’ll take COVID-19 vaccine
A new survey shows that 50% of American leisure and business travelers would get the vaccine as soon as it’s available to them. The survey, from MMGY Global, noted that 40% would wait at least a few months to see if it is effective; 9% would not get the vaccine. Additionally, respondents are becoming more concerned about how family and friends will judge their decisions to travel, with 31% of respondents saying the opinions of family and friends are an important consideration affecting future travel plans (an increase from 25% in October).
UAE hotel industry continues to regain occupancy
The key hotel markets in the United Arab Emirates have reached or surpassed 50% occupancy due to strong domestic and recent international demand, according to STR.
For the week of November 30 through December 6, Abu Dhabi (69%), Ajman (66.5%) and Dubai (65.8%) experienced the highest occupancy levels in the country. Fujairah (62.4%), Sharjah (53.9%) and Ras Al Khaimah (52.5%) also showed continued week-to-week performance improvement.
On December 2, UAE National Day, hotels in the country posted 73.5% occupancy, the highest daily level since February 28 (76.8%). Occupancy in the UAE’s top markets has improved significantly since the pandemic low points, STR observes. Abu Dhabi’s daily hotel occupancy reached as high as 82.3% on 2 December. Dubai hotel occupancy improved to a level as high as 70.3% that same day. Dubai opened its doors to international tourists on July 7 after roughly four months of total closure.
One in two travelers optimistic about a trip in next 12 months
New research from Expedia Group indicates that one in two travelers feel optimistic – that is, “comfortable or even excited” – about taking a trip in the next 12 months. Though consumer confidence in travel varies by country and generation, the importance of hygiene measures, flexibility, and financial peace of mind is more universal, the research states. Three-quarters of travelers said measures such as mask enforcement, contactless services, and flexibility, including easy refunds or cancellation policies, will inform where they visit on their next trip.
U.S. occupancy up slightly
U.S. weekly hotel occupancy increased slightly from the previous week, according to the latest data from STR through December 5.
29 November through 5 December 2020 (percentage change from comparable week in 2019):
Occupancy: 37.4% (-37.9%)
ADR: US$86.21 (-33.1%)
RevPAR: US$32.23 (-58.4%)
With slightly higher demand after Thanksgiving, occupancy improved after several weeks of lowering levels. With a tougher year-over-year comparable, however, the country’s RevPAR decline was its worst since late June. Aggregate data for the top 25 markets showed lower occupancy (35.1%) but higher ADR (US$91.43) than all other markets. Among the top 25 markets, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida (46.1%) saw the highest occupancy level. Markets with the lowest occupancy levels for the week included Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota-Wisconsin (24.5%), and Oahu Island, Hawaii (21.2%).