UK Hotel Booking Trends Stabilize in 2025 with Modest Growth and Evolving Distribution Patterns

In 2025, the UK hotel industry witnessed a significant stabilization in booking trends, as revealed by recent data from SiteMinder, a leading cloud platform for the hospitality sector. After several years of volatile changes and unpredictable traveler behavior, the UK’s hotel bookings returned to a more predictable rhythm. This shift has been crucial for hotel operators, allowing them to optimize strategies and better plan for future growth. Modest increases in Average Daily Rates (ADR), steady cancellation rates, and consistent booking windows are all signs of a market gradually returning to equilibrium.

This revitalization has been largely driven by evolving travel habits, both domestically and internationally. Despite challenges such as the lingering impacts of global disruptions and changing customer expectations, the data points to a stronger future for the UK’s hospitality sector.

Key Highlights of UK Hotel Booking Trends

• ADR (Average Daily Rate) Growth: A modest year-on-year increase of 1.35% to £191.55 in 2025.
• Cancellation Rates: A slight dip in cancellations, moving from 18.27% to 18.24%, staying below the global average.
• Booking Lead Times: A minor decrease in lead times, from 35.46 days to 35.11 days, but still longer than the global average.
• Domestic Travel Domination: 69.20% of all bookings came from domestic travelers in 2025, showing a growing preference for local tourism.
• Short-Stay Focus: 80.50% of UK hotel bookings were for single-night stays, indicating a preference for quick getaways.
• Seasonal Variations: July and August saw significant growth in both bookings and ADR, marking them as peak periods for the hospitality industry.

Detailed Breakdown of UK Hotel Trends in 2025

• Booking Stability: The UK hotel market in 2025 saw a notable return to stability after several years of shifts in traveler preferences. The stabilization has allowed hoteliers to strategize better and focus on maximizing volume and revenue, particularly in peak travel months like summer. Understanding the seasonal demand is crucial for positioning hotels optimally to attract both domestic and international visitors.
• ADR Growth: The ADR for UK hotels grew by 1.35% in 2025. This was a modest but important increase in an industry that had previously struggled with fluctuations. Hoteliers who adopted dynamic pricing models and focused on high-demand periods, particularly on weekends, benefited most from these incremental price hikes.
• Cancellation Rate Trends: The cancellation rate for UK hotels in 2025 decreased slightly to 18.24%, maintaining a steady trend from the previous year. The UK’s rate remained below the global average of 19.15%, indicating a more stable booking pattern. This decrease is attributed to a combination of fewer disruptions, more flexible booking policies, and travelers’ increased commitment to their plans.
• Booking Lead Times: The 35.11 days average booking lead time in 2025 shows that UK hotels are still attracting travelers who plan ahead. However, this period has shrunk slightly from the previous year, suggesting a shift toward last-minute bookings, possibly driven by more spontaneous travel decisions in a post-pandemic era. This is a vital insight for hoteliers looking to adjust marketing strategies for different types of travelers.

Domestic Travel Continues to Lead the Market

• Local Tourism: The dominance of domestic travel has been a significant feature of the 2025 booking trends. With 69.20% of bookings coming from within the UK, the trend reflects a broader global pattern of increasing domestic tourism. This is due to multiple factors, such as economic conditions, changes in travel preferences, and heightened concerns over long-distance travel costs and convenience. In particular, UK residents have shown a growing interest in staycations and short breaks, leading to increased bookings for boutique hotels and weekend stays in countryside and coastal areas.
• Regional Focus: Specific regions of the UK also benefitted from this surge in domestic tourism. Popular cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester remained at the forefront of bookings, while rural regions, particularly in Scotland, Cornwall, and the Lake District, have also seen an increase in domestic visitors. Hotel owners in these areas have reported higher occupancy rates during off-peak months, demonstrating a diversification of the travel market.

The Rise of Short-Stay Bookings

• Single-Night Stays: The continued preference for short stays in the UK was highlighted by the fact that 80.50% of hotel bookings were for single-night stays. This trend indicates that travelers are increasingly opting for quick city breaks, business trips, and one-night stopovers. It’s reflective of a broader global shift where time-constrained travelers are choosing shorter trips that allow them to explore a city or region without committing to longer stays.
• Weekend Travel: Data also shows that weekend bookings are particularly lucrative for hotels, with Friday commanding the highest ADR at £215. This suggests that weekend getaways continue to be the most popular form of travel for both domestic and international visitors. The importance of Friday bookings is particularly crucial for city hotels, which cater to leisure travelers and business people looking for a quick, convenient stay before or after a week of work.

Seasonal Demand Fluctuations

• Summer Peak: As in previous years, the summer months, particularly July and August, saw the highest demand, contributing to over 19% of all UK hotel bookings in 2025. Hotels in popular tourist destinations such as London, Bath, and Brighton capitalized on this peak period by offering tailored packages, promoting local festivals, and adjusting pricing strategies to meet demand.
• ADR in Summer: Summer also saw a sharp increase in ADR growth. Hotels in major tourist cities experienced 2.39% growth in July, while August showed a more modest 1.69% increase. This seasonal spike is largely due to increased demand for family vacations, international tourists, and summer festivals that bring in large crowds.

Changing Distribution and Online Channels

• Online Travel Agents (OTAs): The role of OTAs such as Booking.com and Expedia remains paramount in UK hotel bookings, with these platforms retaining their top positions for securing reservations. However, direct bookings have been rising steadily, as hoteliers continue to invest in improving their websites and offering exclusive deals to customers who book directly.
• Booking Channels: Data from SiteMinder also revealed that agencies and specialist intermediaries are playing an increasingly important role in hotel distribution in the UK. In 2025, Agoda and TBOHolidays emerged as significant players, reflecting the growing importance of international markets such as India and Asia in driving bookings for UK hotels.

Final Thoughts: A Bright Future for UK Hotels

The trends observed in 2025 point to a much-needed return to normalcy for the UK’s hotel sector after years of uncertainty and volatility. As the market stabilizes, hoteliers are encouraged to focus on optimizing revenue management, improving direct booking strategies, and diversifying their distribution channels to cater to a broader range of travelers. The combination of rising ADR, steady cancellations, and strong domestic demand signals a promising outlook for UK hotels in the years to come.

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Air Canada Makes a Triumphant Return to Quito, Reconnecting Canada’s Largest Cities with Ecuador’s Capital for the First Time in Years – A Game-Changer for Travel!

Air Canada is making an exciting return to Quito with the resumption of nonstop flights starting in December 2026, reconnecting the capital city of Ecuador to key destinations in Canada. This new seasonal service will provide vital links for tourists, business travellers, and the Ecuadorian community living in Canada. The announcement marks a significant milestone for both Air Canada and Mariscal Sucre International Airport, strengthening Ecuador’s international air network and enhancing tourism and trade flows between the two nations.

The introduction of these nonstop flights will not only improve air connectivity but also provide a direct route for travellers seeking to explore Ecuador’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. With three weekly flights from Montreal and one weekly flight from Toronto, Air Canada’s move is expected to generate significant demand for both business travel and tourism to Quito.

A Boost for Quito’s International Connectivity

Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport is set to gain even more international attention with the return of Air Canada. After several years of negotiations spearheaded by Corporación Quiport, the Montreal-Quito and Toronto-Quito routes will significantly expand Ecuador’s reach to international travellers. The addition of Air Canada’s flights to its network will help bolster the country’s position as a major gateway in South America.

The new service will operate using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, offering 255 seats and delivering passengers in comfort from Canada to Ecuador. For tourists, this means easier access to Ecuador’s historical landmarks, including the Galápagos Islands, the Middle of the World monument, and the Andes mountains. For business travellers, it means enhanced opportunities to connect with the growing Ecuadorian market and expand trade partnerships.

Why Quito’s Resumed Flights Are a Big Deal

The return of Air Canada to Quito offers numerous benefits:

• Enhanced tourism flow: Easier access to Ecuador from Canada will increase international tourism, benefiting local businesses.
• Boost to business travel: More direct flights mean smoother travel for business executives, fostering economic ties between Ecuador and Canada.
• Stronger connectivity: Nonstop flights will connect Quito directly to two major Canadian cities, Montreal and Toronto, reducing travel time and offering more convenience for passengers.
• Increased air capacity: The introduction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner adds much-needed capacity for long-haul travel between Canada and Ecuador.

Flight Details and Schedule

• Montreal-Quito Route: Three weekly flights on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays.
  • Departure from Montreal at 9:00 AM, arriving in Quito at 00:10.
  • Return flight from Quito at 9:00 AM, arriving in Montreal at 4:00 PM.
• Toronto-Quito Route: One weekly flight on Sundays.
  • Departure from Toronto at 9:00 AM, arriving in Quito at 00:10.
  • Return flight from Quito at 9:00 AM, arriving in Toronto at 4:00 PM.

Ecuador’s Growing Air Connectivity

Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport continues to see growth as a hub for global travel. The addition of Air Canada’s routes complements the expanding international connections available from Quito. Over the past few years, Corporación Quiport, the airport’s operator, has worked diligently to increase air traffic at Mariscal Sucre, making the airport a major gateway for tourism and business travel.

With Air Canada’s return, Ecuador’s position as a strategic tourism hub is further solidified. The growing international connectivity also aligns with Ecuador’s tourism recovery efforts, following the challenges faced by the industry in recent years. The opportunity for Canadians to visit Ecuador directly supports the local economy, encouraging more visitors to explore Quito’s historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the breathtaking Cotopaxi National Park.

A Strategic Move for Air Canada

Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada, expressed the airline’s excitement about this expansion, noting the potential to bolster both tourism and trade between Ecuador and Canada. As the airline continues to focus on growing its winter programs, Quito represents a key addition to its extensive network.

Air Canada’s decision to return to Quito is also part of its broader strategy to enhance Canadian hubs as world-class global gateways, further strengthening the airline’s reach across North America, South America, and beyond. With Quito now back on the map for Air Canada, the airline is poised to attract more international visitors to Ecuador while offering Canadians easier access to one of South America’s most fascinating countries.

Strategic Partnership with Corporación Quiport

The successful return of Air Canada’s flights to Quito also highlights the collaborative efforts between Corporación Quiport and Air Canada. Ramón Miró, President and CEO of Corporación Quiport, praised the partnership, emphasizing the importance of restoring this critical route for the growing tourism and business sectors in Ecuador. The new connections not only expand the possibilities for Ecuadorian travellers to explore Canada but also provide new opportunities for business exchanges and investments.

Ecuador’s Tourism Rebound

The resumption of Air Canada flights comes at a time when Ecuador is actively working to revitalize its tourism industry. The country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and welcoming environment have made it a popular destination for travelers from around the world. With easier access to Quito via Air Canada, more tourists will be encouraged to visit Ecuador, exploring its diverse attractions, from Amazonian jungles to Andean highlands.

Benefits for the Ecuadorian Community in Canada

The resumption of flights between Quito and Canada will also support the Ecuadorian community living in Canada. Many Ecuadorians residing in Toronto and Montreal now have a more direct and convenient way to travel back to Ecuador to visit family or engage in business matters. The new service strengthens the cultural and social ties between the two countries while enhancing the broader travel network.

Quito: A City of Culture and Adventure

For travellers arriving in Quito, there is plenty to see and do. From exploring the old town, with its charming cobblestone streets, to visiting the Panecillo Hill for panoramic views of the city, Quito offers a rich mix of culture and adventure. Ecuador’s capital is also a gateway to the country’s famous Galápagos Islands, the Amazon rainforest, and the towering Cotopaxi volcano.

Whether visitors are coming for business or leisure, Quito has something for everyone. The city’s vibrant culture, coupled with its stunning natural beauty, makes it a must-visit destination for any traveller looking to explore the best of South America.

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