Christmas and New Year Hotel Occupancy Holds Firm Worldwide as Rates Rise Led by Norway, Aruba, New Zealand, Vietnam, Canada, United States, Thailand, Malaysia and Australia

Published on December 17, 2025

Global hotel occupancy remains strong this Christmas and New Year as travelers embrace festive getaways despite rising room rates, driven by high demand for both snowy escapes and sun-soaked retreats. Leading destinations including Norway, Aruba, New Zealand, Vietnam, Canada, the United States, Thailand, Malaysia and Australia are seeing robust bookings, fueled by limited peak season availability, unique experiences, and renewed traveler confidence.

Worldwide hotel markets are entering the holiday period on solid footing, with occupancy holding steady even as average daily rates climb. The season continues to be a key period for travel, with travelers seeking memorable year-end experiences across winter landscapes, tropical islands, and iconic global celebration spots.

Current data indicates that global hotel occupancy for the holiday period is slightly higher than last year, reflecting consistent demand across key leisure markets. At the same time, average room rates have risen by around seven percent year on year, underscoring travelers’ willingness to pay more for peak season availability, limited inventory, and high quality experiences. This combination of stable occupancy and higher pricing is creating a strong revenue outlook for hotels across regions.

Destination performance highlights a fascinating mix of cold weather escapes and sun drenched retreats. Tromso, Norway leads global occupancy charts at an impressive 93 percent, confirming its status as the most sought after Christmas and New Year destination this season. The city’s Arctic setting, Northern Lights experiences, and festive winter atmosphere are proving irresistible to travelers seeking a true winter wonderland. Close behind is Aruba at 89 percent occupancy, reinforcing the enduring appeal of Caribbean beach escapes during the holidays.

Adventure driven and island destinations are also performing strongly. Queenstown, New Zealand has reached 86 percent occupancy, reflecting continued demand for alpine scenery and outdoor activities. Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam follows at 83 percent, benefiting from its growing international profile and expanding resort infrastructure. Curaçao and Whistler, Canada are both operating at 80 percent occupancy, demonstrating balanced demand for both tropical relaxation and mountain based winter sports.

Further down the list, Waikoloa in Hawaii has achieved 78 percent occupancy, while Ko Samui in Thailand and Langkawi in Malaysia are each recording 77 percent, highlighting Southeast Asia’s strength during the festive period. Cairns, Australia rounds out the top ten at 76 percent occupancy, showing steady demand for reef experiences and warm weather travel during the northern winter.

Beyond occupancy, pricing trends reveal important insights into traveler behavior. Waikoloa stands out for achieving the highest average daily rate among the most occupied destinations, with premium resort pricing reflecting strong luxury demand. Meanwhile, other markets are attracting travelers through a combination of competitive pricing and high perceived value, particularly in destinations that offer both natural beauty and a wide range of accommodation options.

Some regions are also emerging as fast risers during the holiday season. Curaçao, in particular, is seeing one of the strongest year on year gains in occupancy among leading destinations, signaling a shift in traveler preferences toward less crowded yet well connected Caribbean alternatives. These gains suggest growing confidence in newer or rediscovered markets that can deliver both authenticity and comfort.

Overall, the Christmas and New Year period continues to present a powerful opportunity for the global hotel industry. With billions in revenue expected worldwide and major cities benefiting from signature celebrations and events, the season remains a cornerstone of annual performance. Stable occupancy, rising room rates, and a diverse mix of top performing destinations all point to a resilient travel market, driven by travelers’ desire to end the year with memorable experiences and start the next one in inspiring places.