U.S. Hotels Haven't Yet Recovered 2019 Occupancy, Staffing, or Real Revenue
The U.S. hotel sector will this year finally surpass 2019 levels on a few performance metrics, according to research commissioned by the country's largest hotel lobby.
U.S. hotels will see gains in occupancy, inflation-adjusted revenue figures, and staffing levels in 2023, according to a report published on Monday by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and based on forecasts by the consultancy Oxford Economics with data from CoStar's STR.
Here are some key quotes:
- 2023 nominal room revenue is projected to be $197.48 billion, versus $170.35 billion in 2019. But these numbers are not adjusted for inflation, and real revenue recovery will likely take several more years.
- Average hotel occupancy is expected to reach 63.8 percent in 2023 — just shy of 2019’s 65.9 percent.

- 2023 room-night demand is forecast to be 1.3 billion occupied room nights versus 1.29 billion in 2019.

- U.S. hotels are projected to employ 2.09 million people in 2023, down from 2.35 million in 2019.

Up Next
Hotels
How Data Quality Issues Impact Global Hospitality Operations
There are wide discrepancies in data quality for hotel transactions across global regions, with the largest occurring in Asia-Pacific. Because hotels and agencies need to harness data quality to thrive, they must take a more nuanced regional approach to monitoring potential issues.
Sponsored Tourism
The White Lotus Effect Could Be a Disaster for Thailand's Koh Samui - And Travel Media Is Making it Worse
It is disheartening to see the same publications that have previously reported on the perils of overtourism now behaving like golden retrievers chasing a tennis ball, sprinting after the hype with little critical reflection.
Startups
Travel Startups Raise $580 Million Over Two Weeks
The ticket experiences sector has been ripe for modernization, and Klook is among those cashing in.
Airlines
Tariffs and Travel: What Trump’s Trade Moves Could Mean for Airlines
President Trump’s proposed tariffs on aluminum and steel imports could have ripple effects on the aviation industry — and eventually result in passengers footing the bill.
Hotels
Accor CEO: Opening Hotels in Mykonos Too Risky due to Climate Change
When a major hotel group like Accor decides not to build in Mykonos because of climate risks, it's a sign that climate change is reshaping business decisions.