In North American Hotels, Business Transient Bookings Are Down & Group Bookings Are Up

First-quarter reserved occupancy in the business transient segment at hotels in North America is down 3.7 percent from the same period last year, according to TravelClick’s January review. Hoteliers are nevertheless driving rate in the segment, with average daily rate up 5.1 percent for the quarter. Group reserved occupancy is up 1.2 percent from January of last year, and group ADR is up 4.6 percent. In its 12-month outlook from January to December 2016, TravelClick foresees a 3.6 percent year-over-year drop in transient bookings, negotiated and retail, with ADR up 5.2 percent from the same time last year. Group bookings for that same period are up 3.5 percent and ADR is up 4.7 percent. The January North American Hospitality Review looks at group sales commitments and individual reservations in 25 major North American markets booked by Jan. 1, 2016, for stays from January to December 2016.