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25 Hotel Industry Statistics [2026]: Hotel Rate Trends And Market Data

By Abby McCain
Mar. 9, 2023
Last Modified and Fact Checked on:
Fact Checked
Cite This Webpage Zippia. "25 Hotel Industry Statistics [2026]: Hotel Rate Trends And Market Data" Zippia.com. Mar. 9, 2023, https://www.zippia.com/advice/hotel-industry-statistics/

25 Hotel Industry Statistics [2026]: Hotel Rate Trends And Market Data

Research Summary. The hotel industry is a dynamic sector that caters to a diverse range of travelers, from budget-conscious tourists to luxury seekers. This article highlights the latest statistics and trends that define the hotel industry in 2026:

  • As of 2026, there are at least 200,000 hotels worldwide.

  • Approximately 20 million guestrooms are available globally.

  • The global hospitality industry is valued at over $5 trillion as of 2025.

  • The U.S. accommodation industry employs around 1.8 million people.

  • As of 2025, the global travel and tourism industry is estimated to be worth $6 trillion.

  • The average U.S. hotel occupancy rate is approximately 70% as of early 2026.

For further analysis, we broke down the data in the following ways:
Industry | Employment | Trends and Projections
1.8 million Americans are employed by the accommodation industry

Hotel Industry Statistics by Consumer Preferences

  • 80% of millennials prefer spending on experiences over material possessions.

    This aligns with 82% of millennials stating that their best memories are tied to experiences and 81% who believe attending live events fosters deeper connections with friends and family.

  • Hotels showcasing a significant number of high-quality photos experience a 20% increase in conversion rates.

    High-quality visuals of hotel rooms and amenities are crucial for attracting bookings. Hotels lacking sufficient quality imagery risk losing potential guests.

  • TripAdvisor reports that listings with more photos receive a 150% increase in engagement.

    Properties with at least 50 photos see a 180% rise in booking inquiries compared to those with fewer visuals.

  • Europe continues to lead with the highest hotel occupancy rate globally.

    As of 2026, European hotels have an occupancy rate of around 75%, followed by Asia Pacific at 72% and the Americas at 68%.

US Hotel Industry Statistics

  • There are approximately 95,000 hotel and motel businesses in the U.S.

    This marks a 1% increase from 2023, consistent with the industry’s average annual growth rate.

  • There are about 5.8 million hotel rooms in the U.S.

    Of these, 16% are classified as upscale and 22% as upper midscale.

  • The U.S. hotel and motel industry is valued at $200 billion.

    Despite facing challenges, it has shown resilience and growth in post-pandemic recovery.

  • The U.S. tourism industry was valued at $600 billion in 2025.

    This reflects a significant recovery and growth trajectory since the downturn in 2020.

  • The average occupancy rate for U.S. hotels is approximately 60% in 2025.

    This demonstrates a recovery trend as travel demand continues to rise.

Hotel Industry Statistics by Employment

  • Approximately 1.8 million people work in the U.S. accommodation industry.

    The industry maintains an unemployment rate of 6%, slightly above the national average.

  • In Q1 2026, there were 1.4 million gross job gains in the U.S. leisure and hospitality sector.

    Detailed quarterly data will be updated as new information becomes available.

  • The average hourly wage for U.S. leisure and hospitality workers is $21.50.

    Employees in this sector average 27 hours per week.

  • 34% of U.S. leisure and hospitality industry employees have access to employer-sponsored health care.

    45% receive paid vacation, and 52% are offered paid sick leave.

  • As of 2026, the global hotels and resorts market is forecasted to reach $2 trillion.

  • From 2026 to 2030, the global hotel and travel accommodation industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6%.

  • Travel and tourism contributed $5 trillion to global GDP in 2025.

  • Since 2019, the number of hotels worldwide has increased by approximately 15,000.

Hotel Industry Statistics FAQ

  1. What is the growth rate of the hotel industry?

    The hotel industry is experiencing a growth rate of approximately 19%. This reflects the recovery and expansion following the pandemic.

  2. What are the four segments of the hospitality industry?

    The four segments of the hospitality industry are Food and Beverage, Accommodation, Travel and Tourism, and Entertainment and Recreation.

  3. How many American hospitality workers were laid off during the pandemic?

    Over 10 million American hospitality workers were affected during the peak of the pandemic.

  4. Is the hotel industry recovering?

    Yes, the hotel industry is on a strong recovery trajectory.

  5. What are the latest trends in the hotel industry?

    Current trends include high-tech amenities, sustainable practices, and a focus on unique travel experiences.

Conclusion

The hotel industry remains a vital component of the global and U.S. economies. As of 2025, the global hotel industry is valued at over $5 trillion and is projected to grow steadily. The U.S. hotel and motel industry is worth around $200 billion, reflecting a robust recovery from recent challenges. The sector is adapting to evolving consumer preferences, including a demand for unique experiences and sustainability.

References

  1. Eventbrite. “Millennials: Fueling the Experience Economy.” Accessed on February 16, 2026.

  2. Medium. “The Importance of Imagery on Hotel Websites.” Accessed on February 16, 2026.

  3. Frederic Gonzalo. “Photos Impact Bookings More Than Reviews.” Accessed on February 16, 2026.

  4. Statista. “Occupancy Rate of the Hotel Industry Worldwide From 2008 to 2026, by Region.” Accessed on February 16, 2026.

  5. IBISWorld. “Hotels & Motels in the U.S. – Number of Businesses 2005-2030.” Accessed on February 16, 2026.

  6. Statista. “Number of Hotel Rooms in the United States From 2017 to 2026, by Chain Scale Segment.” Accessed on February 16, 2026.

  7. IBISWorld. “Hotels & Motels in the U.S. – Market Size 2005-2030.” Accessed on February 16, 2026.

  8. Statista. “Market Size of the Tourism Sector in the United States From 2011 to 2026.” Accessed on February 16, 2026.

  9. Statista. “Occupancy Rate of Hotel Industry in the United States From 2001 to 2026.” Accessed on February 16, 2026.

  10. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Accommodation: NAICS 721.” Accessed on February 16, 2026.

  11. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Economic News Release: Employment Situation Summary.” Accessed on February 16, 2026.

  12. IBISWorld. “Global Hotels & Resorts – Market Size 2005-2030.” Accessed on February 16, 2026.

Author

Abby McCain

Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.

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