Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/799467
B M & T ••• November/December 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 25 T R AV E L DATA A ccording to a new travel report provided by ARPRelax News global hotel rates will increase by up to five percent in 2017, while air fares will remain stable Travel consultancy group Advito explains that hotel rates are predicted to increase between 1 and 3 percent next year, with the strongest inflation expected in North America, the Southwest Pacific and the Middle East. Insufficient supply is cited for the rising rates in North America and the Southwest Pacific, and stro ng demand is also expected to drive up rates in the Middle East. Good news for travelers eyeing a trip to Africa and Europe, however, as those regions will see weakest increases due to softer demand. Rates in the US and Canada are expected to rise between three and five percent, while travelers planning a trip to Mexico will see smaller increases. Meanwhile, the news bodes well for travelers expecting to take flight next year, as analysts predict that economy airfare will remai n flat overall thanks to low oil price and extra capacity. Regional business fare in Asia and the Southwest Pacific may experience a three percent hike, while intercontinental economy class fare is expected to fall slightly, with the exception of Europe. The report also pointed that the number of weekly seats from China to North America has soared by 38 percent over the past two years thanks to new transpacific routes and a growing list of Chinese airport access. GLOBAL AIRFARE TO REMAIN FLAT WHILE HOTEL RATES TO RISE IN 2017 ONTARIO 2015 2016 YTD-AUGUST RANCHO CUCAMONGA 75.0% 1.9% $90.91 9.4% 2016 YTD-AUGUST 86.7% 2.5% $122.50 8.4% 73.6% 4.1% 7.7% $83.07 2015 83.8% 4.1% 7.9% $112.99 OCC OCC % CHANGE % CHANGE % CHANGE % CHANGE ADR ADR MIAMI BEACH WEEKLY HOTEL DEMAND INCREASES 125 UNIQUE VENUES 111 LOCALLY-OWNED DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS 10 MILES OF L AKEFRONT Meeting planners are pleasantly surprised by all that Milwaukee has to offer—and even more so when balancing their budgets. Make your job easier by bringing your attendees to the exciting, affordable city that celebrates food, drink and fun while also hosting a full range of museums, the arts, a casino, nightlife and miles of riverwalk. All in a walkable destination right on the coast of Lake Michigan. visitmilwaukee.org/blackmeetings