Hotel bookings through global distribution systems in July
and August nearly kept pace with 2011 levels but dipped in September, according
to Pegasus Solutions.
GDS bookings were down about 3 percent year over year in
July and August but dropped to 7.8 percent in September. The average daily rate
of those bookings have been near or slightly higher than the prior year. The
data reveals a "conservative approach toward travel decisions," which
could ease in the coming months, according to Pegasus.
"Forward-looking global rates evidence that business
travel demand has not waned," the report said. "Reservations will
continue to improve as economic uncertainties, like the conclusion of the U.S.
election, ease and corporations gain more confidence in making both short-term
and long-term decisions."
In North America, GDS bookings were down about 5 percent
year over year in July and August and 8.1 percent in September. ADR was up 1
percent in September and 4 percent during the first nine months of the year.
Outside of North America, GDS bookings increased 1.4 percent
in July from 2011 levels, were about flat in August and down about 7.5 percent
in September. ADR was about 5 percent lower than the prior year on average.