US: Last-minute corporate travel recharging hotel demand

The rise of last-minute corporate travel is creating a key revenue stream, demanding agile operations, tech-driven flexibility, and smart pricing from hospitality brands

At a recent NYU/Questex Hospitality & Tourism conference, hotel CEOs and senior operators discussed the notable shift in travel trends: while leisure travel has stabilized, corporate and group bookings are surging—particularly last-minute business trips—highlighting the role such demand plays in bolstering the lodging sector.

Key takeaways

Corporate travel is driving demand

• Business and group travel are offsetting tapering leisure bookings, delivering a much-needed boost to hotel revenues .
• This represents a dependable revenue stream, unlike the more volatile leisure segment.

Short‑notice bookings on the rise

• CEOs emphasized a clear trend: more corporate trips are being booked closer to the stay date—a shift that demands agile operations and dynamic pricing models.

3. Policy and governmental uncertainty factor in

• Fluctuating government regulations (e.g., pandemic-era travel restrictions, visa protocols) add unpredictability to business travel planning and hotel operations.

4. Operational readiness is key

• Hotels must remain flexible and responsive—adjusting staffing, inventory, and pricing swiftly to accommodate late bookings.

5. Group & business travel as a stabilizer

• Group and corporate travel is providing essential balance and resilience—acting as a counterweight to unpredictable leisure demand patterns.

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