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Seattle Hotels See 80% Drop in World Cup Bookings

5/7/2026

Summary

Seattle Hotels Bookings Lag

Seattle hotel operators say World Cup bookings are well below expectations.
Nearly 80% of Seattle hotels have bookings trailing typical summer demand, despite expectations that about 150,000 fans would need lodging between June 15 and July 6.
Visa delays, a travel ban on 19 countries and higher costs are blamed for weak international demand.
FIFA’s late release of room blocks returned up to 70% of blocked rooms to inventory, creating oversupply.

Summary

DeRaad Flags Decline

Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau President Brent DeRaad says anti-American sentiment over United States (U.S.) foreign policy and higher 2026 ticket prices are deterring international World Cup fans.
Houston short-term rentals rose 53% for June-July versus last year, while hotel reservations remain weaker.
International air bookings at Bush Intercontinental and Hobby rose 33% in June then fell 5% in July, while Arlington projects hotel-room revenue up 10%-15% despite low occupancy.

Summary

Mayor Blocks Cameras

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson refused to install new cameras or activate the federal World Cup cameras.
Federal agencies delivered the equipment, leaving the devices offline in Seattle.
Police warned that inactive cameras could hinder crowd monitoring and safety response at the six Lumen Field matches.
Business leaders blame downtown drug activity, crime and homelessness for reduced visitor confidence, urging better lighting and more patrols around the stadium.

Summary

Philadelphia Rentals Empty

The 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park will precede the World Cup, leaving many hotel rooms open and boosting short-term rental vacancy in Philadelphia.
Host Richard Ervais raised his Airbnb price to $400 per night for World Cup dates and later lowered it for a graduation guest.
AirDNA reports that more than half of Philadelphia’s 8,600 short-term rentals stayed vacant during the World Cup, even on match days.

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Seattle Hotels Bookings Lag

Seattle hotel operators say World Cup bookings are well below expectations.
Nearly 80% of Seattle hotels have bookings trailing typical summer demand, despite expectations that about 150,000 fans would need lodging between June 15 and July 6.
Visa delays, a travel ban on 19 countries and higher costs are blamed for weak international demand.
FIFA’s late release of room blocks returned up to 70% of blocked rooms to inventory, creating oversupply.

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