Some hotels in US cities, such as Dallas, hosting World Cup games have cut prices by a third in the wake of lacklustre demand from fans deterred by high ticket costs for matches
Hotels in the US have begun slashing prices for this summer’s World Cup due to a lack of demand.
Figures suggest room rates have been cut by around a third in cities hosting games for the tournament, including Dallas where England play their opening match against Croatia in June 19. It comes amid a reported backlash at high ticket prices for games and anti-US sentiment.
Gianni Infantino, head of football governing body Fifa, had predicted the World Cup – being staged in the US, Canada and Mexico – would deliver a surge in guests for hoteliers.
But Vijay Dandapani, president and chief executive of the Hotel Association of New York City, said he could “categorically say we haven’t seen much of a meaningful boost yet.
“It’s possible we will get some more demand, but at this point it certainly will not be the cornucopia that Fifa was promising,” he told the Financial Times.
Scott Yesner, founder of hotel management company Bespoke Stay, said: “I’m seeing a lot of people start to panic and lower their rates.”
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Fifa itself has cancelled reservations for thousands of contracted hotel rooms for staff. While some over booking was expected, hoteliers say it has left them with a lot more rooms to sell.
Dates and UK times of home nations’ group games
England
England v Croatia – June 19 – 9pm – Dallas
England v Ghana – June 23 – 9pm – Boston
England v Panama – June 27 – 10pm – New York
Scotland
Scotland v Haiti – June 14 – 2am – Boston
Scotland v Morocco – June 19 – 11pm – Boston
Scotland v Brazil – June 24 – 11pm – Miami
Lior Sekler, chief commercial officer at hotel operator HRI Hospitality, blamed dissatisfaction with US President Donald Trump’s administration, along with visa and immigration policies, for deterring visitors. “Obviously, people’s desire to come to the United States is down right now,” he added.
Some fans are believed to be put off by sky high ticket prices for games.
The cheapest tickets cost 10 times the price promised in the original bid for the World Cup by the three countries. England fans will need to shell out at least $220 (£162) for the team’s group games against Ghana in Boston on June 23, and against Panama on June 27 in New York, rising to $700 (£515) for category one tickets for the opener against Croatia.
Prices then go up rapidly the further into the tournament teams get, with tickets to the final costing up to £6,400 each. The Football Supporters Association has labelled the prices “scandalous” .
