Occupancy during Christmas and New Year is stable worldwide, while room rates are up 7% year-on-year
Hoteliers are bracing for a flood of travelers seeking snowy destinations over the holiday season, even as beach getaways remain on the agenda for some. New, unique and forward-looking insights from Amadeus reveal which destinations are currently topping hotel occupancy statistics over the Christmas and New Year period.
According to data from AmadeusDemand360® as of December 4, 2025, global hotel occupancy has increased by a modest 0.5% compared to 2024. The most popular holiday destinations are:
- Tromso, Norway, 93 %
- Aruba, 89 %
- Queenstown, New Zealand, 86 %
- Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, 83 %
- Curacao, 80 %
- Whistler, Canada, 80 %
- Waikoloa, Hawaii, 78 %
- Koh Samui, Thailand, 77 %
- Langkawi, Malaysia, 77 %
- Cairns, Australia, 76 %
”While the Caribbean remains the most popular destination for a large portion of travelers, Norway takes over as the most popular destination, indicating that many are seeking the magic of a winter wonderland during the holiday season. It’s a clear sign that people are looking for authentic, memorable experiences – and with Amadeus insights, our partners can turn this trend into a real opportunity,” says Johan Nordqvist, Vice President, Airlines Nordics and Managing Director, Amadeus in Scandinavia.
Travel destination on the rise
Curaçao stands out as an emerging vacation destination, with the largest year-over-year increase in occupancy among the top ten most popular destinations (11 %). Meanwhile, hoteliers have found success in Waikoloa, Hawaii, where they achieve the highest average daily rate (ADR) ($942) among the top ten most occupied regions.
From affordable bargains to luxury destinations
Guanacaste in Costa Rica has secured the highest ADR ever recorded, with hotel rooms costing an average of over $2,600. On the other hand, Cairns in Australia is a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly holiday, with an ADR of $286, the lowest of the top ten destinations.
A season full of possibilities
Overall, the data shows that the holiday season remains a significant opportunity for hoteliers, with an expected global revenue of $7.4 billion* over Christmas and New Year. New York City alone is expected to bring in $66 million, more than any other city in the world, as travelers flock to enjoy the famous Times Square ball and other iconic attractions.
”Travelers are showing renewed enthusiasm this holiday season, with clear demand for destinations that offer everything from sunny beaches to snowy winter getaways. This mix reflects a growing appetite for diverse experiences and a willingness to venture beyond the usual resort destinations. With access to forward-looking insights, hoteliers can launch hyper-personalized information campaigns, plan their staffing more effectively, and refine their revenue strategies to make the most of the season.”, says Katie Moro, Vice President, Data Partnerships, Hospitality, Amadeus.
The data is based on insights from Amadeus Demand360®as of December 4 for the weeks around Christmas and New Year, December 21, 2025 – January 3, 2026.
