December worldwide hotel bookings processed through global distribution system channels declined 3.4 percent year over year, the first monthly drop since October 2009,

according to Pegasus Solutions. The average daily hotel rate paid through GDS channels rose by 3.2 percent versus a year earlier. Within North America, December GDS hotel reservations volume fell 4.5 percent year over year while the average daily rate jumped 5.4 percent, "the highest growth achieved since August and higher than the year-to-date growth of 4.6 percent," Pegasus reported. The firm suggested that volume deviations are amplified in December, when business travel typically slows, and that corporate travel overall delivered "respectable results" during the month. "Bookings growth may take pause in January, but then looks to stay ahead of prior year activity into April," Pegasus added. "Perhaps the most compelling evidence of sustainable corporate travel demand is rates."