Strong demand in September boosted hotel reservations
through global distribution system channels by 4.4 percent year over year,
according to Pegasus Solutions.
For the first nine months of this year, net hotel
reservations through GDS channels were up 3 percent versus the prior-year
period, and the average daily rate on those bookings increased by 0.6 percent,
Pegasus reported. In September, ADR on bookings through GDS channels edged up
0.3 percent.
September net GDS reservations were higher than last year in North America (up 0.9 percent), South
America (up 6 percent) and Europe (up 7.6 percent), and lower in the Africa/Asia/Oceana
region (down 3.9 percent). September ADR, however, was down in every region
except North America.
According to Pegasus, the latest data showed that business
travelers are taking more trips. "Corporate profits are improving in
general, but companies are still cautious with spending," the firm wrote. "Some,
particularly in industries such as technology and professional services, have
excess cash. As travel is recognized for its role in sustaining and increasing
market share, companies are adding trips to capitalize on prime opportunities."
Pegasus projected that hotel bookings through GDS channels
will be down year over year in October but higher in November and December. It
also forecast ADR to run higher during all three months of the last quarter of
2013.
"October
reservation growth may pause, but moderate gains of approximately 3 percent are
suggested for November and December until easing closer to prior year in
January," Pegasus reported. "Rates look to dependably support
revenue, remaining at or above prior year through the start of 2014."