SiteMinder: Record Hotel Bookings for Christmas Driven by International Travel, Germany Shows Strong Growth

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Hotel bookings for the Christmas period, spanning December 21-25, are seeing a substantial increase compared to last year, with some regions like Germany experiencing a rise of up to 43%, according to new data from SiteMinder, the leading hotel distribution and revenue management platform. This surge is largely driven by a notable uptick in international bookings throughout December, with destinations such as Indonesia and the United States seeing increases of up to 26% and 15%, respectively.

These increases coincide with a year-over-year boost in both the length of stays and booking lead times during the Christmas week, signaling greater confidence in international travel and a trend toward earlier bookings. In the UK, the average length of stay is projected to grow by 6%, from 1.98 to 2.10 days, while in Thailand, the average booking lead time is expected to rise by 10%, moving from 84.67 to 93.19 days.

Furthermore, hotels across most global markets are seeing an increase in their average daily rates (ADR) for the Christmas week. In Spain, for example, the ADR has risen from €186.01 last year to €200.11 this year.

British travelers are expected to be among the busiest during this period, ranking within the top five source markets for major tourist destinations worldwide, from Australia and Thailand to the US and Spain.

SiteMinder’s chief growth officer, Trent Innes, says, “The Christmas holidays have always brought people together from around the world and it is pleasing to see that that will again be true this year. Our data not only shows that hotel bookings are up for that week, but that there is a strong return in international travel and travellers booking months in advance. Whether they are going home to see their families or to simply take a break in an exciting destination, travellers are set to bring in significant revenue for hotels towards the end of 2024 and hoteliers would do well to maximise their visits through memorable experiences.”

According to SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2025, a growing trend has emerged globally, with 65% of travelers now more inclined to travel for events, particularly family reunions and celebrations. While nearly half (46%) of travelers plan to book standard rooms, the majority are willing to indulge in additional amenities, with 87% opting to spend on upgrades such as breakfast (47%), larger rooms (30%), and scenic views (28%). Furthermore, 80% of travelers express an interest in seeking out unique experiences available at their accommodations.