Hotels Await World Cup Booking Surge
Hotels across several host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are reporting weaker-than-expected bookings despite growing public excitement ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In cities such as Houston, Miami, Kansas City and New York, World Cup advertising and merchandise have become increasingly visible as preparations intensify for the competition. However, many hotel operators say the anticipated surge in reservations has yet to materialize. According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, a large number of hotels in host cities are currently recording lower booking levels compared to the same period last year. Several hotel owners and managers told the BBC they expected significantly stronger demand months before the tournament begins. Deidre Mathis, owner of the Wanderstay Boutique Hotel in Houston, said her establishment remains far below projected occupancy levels despite being located near […]