The report, “SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends”, from hotel software platform SiteMinder, reveals Australian hotel rooms being occupied by international travellers is at 16 per cent, compared to 8 per cent in 2022 and 2 per cent in 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also shows that Australians are thinking further ahead with their travel plans, with the average lead time for a booking rising to 37 days, from 32 days in 2019.
“It’s a brilliant time to book a stay in Australia,” says Trent Innes, chief growth officer at SiteMinder.
“Travellers are taking full advantage of the range of booking options available to secure their stay, and doing so further in advance, showing their keenness to get travel plans locked in nice and early.”
The report reveals that in 2023, the average daily rate of a hotel room in Australia increased by 4 per cent compared to 2022. The global rate rise for the same period was 11 per cent.
“Australian room rates have increased by well below the global average, with travellers seeking year-round accommodation that defies the typical seasonal peaks seen in other countries,” says Innes.
“For people travelling around Australia, whether they are international or domestic travellers, the urge to travel remains steadfast in spite of cost-of-living pressures.
“Hotels can best capitalise on this demand by offering dynamic pricing to suit local and seasonal trends, a range of optional add-ons, and flexible cancellation policies.”
