Los Angeles hotels are still waiting for a surge in demand from the World Cup

Hotel rooms in Los Angeles and other FIFA World Cup host cities may remain empty despite strong ticket sales. The tournament has sold more than 5 million tickets, which historically boosts international and domestic tourism and provides economic gains to host cities. This year, 80% of hotels surveyed report bookings are behind initial forecasts. The American Hotel and Lodging Assn. attributes part of the slowdown to FIFA overbooking hotel room blocks that did not match actual demand. Higher airfares and gas prices linked to the conflict in Iran, along with visa barriers and broader geopolitical concerns, are suppressing international travel. In Los Angeles, more than 65% of hotel respondents report bookings below estimated demand, with visa complications and distance from the venue cited as obstacles. FIFA booked thousands of downtown rooms and later canceled them, while room releases follow contract timelines and demand-based adjustments.

"Hotel rooms in Los Angeles and other FIFA World Cup host cities could sit empty, despite high expectations that the global sporting event would be a boon to the city. The soccer tournament, which has sold more than 5 million tickets so far, has historically triggered a surge of international and domestic tourism and infused host cities with an economic boost. This year, however, 80% of hotels surveyed by the American Hotel and Lodging Assn. said bookings are lagging behind initial forecasts."

"The hotel association partly blames FIFA for the slowdown, saying the organization overbooked blocks of hotel rooms that did not reflect true demand. Travel also is being hampered by higher airfares and gas prices due to the conflict in Iran. Visa barriers and broader geopolitical concerns are suppressing international travel demand, the report said. "With just two months until kickoff, indicators suggest the anticipated economic lift may fall short of expectations," the report said."

"In L.A., where World Cup games will be played next month at SoFi stadium, more than 65% of hotel respondents said room bookings were below estimated demand. Many respondents said bookings were even lagging behind that of a typical summer. Hotels in Los Angeles cited visa complications and long distances from the venue as obstacles to bookings. According to the report, FIFA booked thousands of rooms in downtown Los Angeles that it canceled."

"Ahead of all World Cup tournaments, FIFA places large blocks of rooms on hold across various properties for FIFA staff, mediaand other stakeholders. As the tournament draws closer, FIFA will adjust its plans based on demand. "All room releases were conducted in line with contractually agreed timelines with hotel partners, a standard practice for an event of this scale," a FIFA spokesperson said"

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