FCM Consulting Releases Global Hotel Insights Report

New York, NY (May 6, 2026) – FCM Consulting, a division of leading travel management company FCM Travel, today released a new Global Hotel Insights Report, providing a data-driven analysis of the trends and behaviours shaping the hotel industry.

In a corporate travel environment influenced by geopolitical tensions and shifting economic policies, organizations continue to face pressure to balance cost control, traveller expectations, and supplier availability. The report is designed to help companies navigate these complex conditions by translating market dynamics into timely, actionable strategies for effective hotel program management.

Leveraging FCM’s proprietary booking data from July – December 2025, the report analyzes pricing, availability, and demand patterns across global markets. Throughout the report, FCM Consulting experts examine how these trends are impacting hotel spend and sourcing strategies, providing organizations with a clearer view of emerging market behaviour.

Average room rates (ARR) across the globe trended higher in 2025, reaching $208, up $18 on the previous year, reflecting sustained demand and continued pricing pressure. In North America, ARR reached $291, up 16% year-over-year, the highest regional increase globally. At the city level, the strongest percentage growth was seen in Ottawa (+63%), Dallas (+29%), Toronto (+25%), and Chicago (+22%). The highest rates were recorded in major cities including New York ($476), Boston ($385), and Washington D.C. ($378).

Occupancy across major corporate travel hubs remained high in 2025, with global levels reaching 73.7% (+1.3% YoY), reinforcing availability as a key constraint alongside price. In the U.S., hotel occupancy closed the year at 62.3%, down 1.2% year-over-year. On the supply side, nearly 750 hotels (79,000 rooms) opened in the U.S. in 2025, with new openings expected to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2026. New York City led the way in new supply with 4,852 rooms, followed by Phoenix (3,650) and Dallas (3,558).

“In the Americas, hotel sourcing is no longer about simply locking in the lowest rate,” said Ashley Gutermuth, Head of FCM Consulting, Americas. “The buyers who win in 2026 will be those who treat their hotel program as a strategic asset, not a procurement exercise. Success will come from aligning sourcing strategy with pricing volatility, traveller needs, and supplier behaviour.”

FCM Consulting also highlights shifting booking behaviours across the Americas, with lead times shortening significantly. The average corporate booking window now sits at seven to 10 days in advance, down from 14 to 21 days pre-pandemic.

At the same time, expectations around flexibility and loyalty are evolving. Features such as penalty- free cancellations, adjustable check-in and check-out, and modifiable reservations are increasingly viewed as standard rather than optional. Loyalty expectations are also expanding beyond room stays, with travellers placing greater value on benefits across dining, wellness, and lifestyle offerings.

The report also puts a spotlight on the upcoming World Cup, which is expected to create one of the most challenging hotel procurement environments in recent years. With an estimated 7 million visitors expected to fly into 16 host cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, demand around the tournament is already placing significant pressure on hotel supply.

Gutermuth added, “The scale and cross-border nature of the World Cup make it a valuable test case for managing demand and hotel sourcing. However, with the tournament fast approaching, the window to act is narrowing. Organizations need to be prepared and should prioritize booking early within existing contracts or negotiating specific provisions for the tournament period.”

According to the report, average hotel rates in World Cup host cities are already approximately 50% higher during the six-week tournament window. On match nights, premiums increase further, averaging 31% above non-game nights, or roughly $524 versus $398.

In the U.S., the impact is even more pronounced, with 10 of the top 25 hotel markets serving as host cities and already showing elevated pricing levels. The risk for organizations is not only higher rates, but also reduced adherence to corporate negotiated rate agreements, as hotels prioritize higher-yield demand during peak periods.

For more information on the Global Hotel Insights Report, please visit here.