US World Cup travel slump cuts hotel revenue and airline bookings

Travel and tourism linked to the 2026 World Cup have fallen short of expectations in the United States. Hotel operators in New York, a key final‑city, reduced their revenue forecast by 60 % to roughly $60 million, with the Hotel Association of New York City CEO Vijay Dandapani saying, “It is overall a disappointment. There’s no other word that I can say.”

Flight bookings from Europe to host cities are down 3.8 % year‑on‑year, and bookings to New York have dropped 15.8 %. High ticket prices – often approaching $1,000 – and visa requirements for fans from more than half the qualified nations have deterred travel. Hotels are responding by slashing rates, such as the New York Hilton Midtown halving its room price to $415 per night. While vacation rentals see stronger demand, the overall travel boost projected for the tournament remains muted.