North America saw the second fastest rise in average hotel prices in the first half of 2012, with a growth of 5 percent.
That’s according to the latest Hotel Price Index released by Hotels.com. The current index, which falls at 109, 10 points behind their peak in 2007 and remain cheaper than in 2006.
The HPI tracks real prices paid per room by Hotels.com customers at approximately 140,000 properties within the Hotels.com network in major destinations around the world. This edition of the report, which compares the first six months of 2012 with the same period in 2011, shows an upward trend in hotel prices across all global regions, resulting in an average global increase of 4 percent.
This is the first time in five years that Hotels.com has seen an increase across the globe.
“A new leaf for the hotel sector is on the horizon, as illustrated by the fact that 26 out of 30 cities on Americans’ most preferred domestic destinations list had an average daily rate increase in the first half of 2012,” Victor Owens, vice president and general manager, Hotels.com North America, said in a news release.
“Nevertheless, there are still great values to be had for consumers as properties develop deals and add-ons to help them stand out among their competition,” Owens added. “Additionally, hoteliers and destinations continue to expand offerings to attract new visitors, including the addition of elements that appeal to the passions of the American wanderlust traveler, whether it’s cuisine, art, music, shopping, wellness or adventure.”
