Worldwide hotel bookings through global distribution systems
in 2013 increased 4.2 percent compared with 2012, and the average daily rate on
those bookings was up 1.7 percent year over year, according to Pegasus
Solutions.
GDS booking pace yo-yoed during the fourth quarter but on
the whole increased year over year. October bookings were 4.2 percent higher
than October 2012, while November bookings dropped 1.5 percent below the prior
year. In December, bookings rebounded to 7.4 percent higher than December 2012.
Both transient and group business travel contributed to that increase.
"Business and leisure travel demand remained strong
worldwide in the fourth quarter with travel performance registering
improvements across all regions," according to Pegasus. "December corporate
bookings through the GDS increased over prior year in each region, with 2013 at
or above 2012."
Globally, ADR was up in all three months: by 2.7 percent in
November and by 1.7 percent each in November and December, Pegasus reported.
GDS bookings for hotel stays in January through April 2014 so
far are trending 5 percent higher than last year, and bookings for February stays
are up 9 percent, according to Pegasus. ADR for GDS bookings in the first
quarter is trending 3 percent higher than last year, "with the potential
to pick up more in the month of April," Pegasus added.