TravelClick projects a "slow and steady" increase in North American hotel occupancies and rates in 2012,

according to the hotel technology supplier's December 2011 North American Hospitality Review, based on bookings during the two prior quarters. For the first quarter of 2012, TravelClick forecasts a 3.2 percent year-over-year increase in average daily rate and a 2.5 percent increase in occupancy, boosted by a strong business travel segment. For the full year, TravelClick projects a 3.6 percent increase in average daily rate and a 3 percent increase in occupancy. TravelClick said Charlotte, N.C., which hosts the Democratic National Convention this year, would have the strongest occupancy growth in 2012, followed by Detroit, Indianapolis, Houston and Miami, with rates in those markets increasing between 2.7 percent and 5.4 percent. TravelClick said occupancy would decrease in Honolulu, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Denver, Atlanta and Dallas. With the exception of Denver and Atlanta, however, TravelClick said average daily rates still would increase in those markets.