similar to predictions from BCD Travel's
Advito, Expedia's
Egencia and
Carlson Wagonlit Travel. According to American Express' forecast, "steady trip demand and capacity discipline" will lead to an average increase of 2 percent to 4 percent for economy airfares for short-haul flights within the region while the year-over-year change in economy fares on long-haul routes will range from a 1 percent decline to a 2 percent increase. North American business-class airfares, according to Amex, will increase between 1 percent and 3 percent across all routes. For hotels, "moderate occupancy growth" is expected to push rate increases of 2 percent to 7 percent for "mid-range" hotels and 4 percent to 9 percent for "upper-range" hotels. Amex projected that North American car rental rates would decline next year amid "increased competition," though daily total costs would move higher due to "increases in ancillary fees."