Despite widespread anticipation for a significant economic boost from the upcoming World Cup, many hotel owners in U.S. host cities are reporting booking numbers that fall short of expectations, with some even tracking below last year’s figures. The initial excitement that the tournament would be a major draw has, for many, not yet translated into a surge in reservations.

Deidre Mathis, owner of the Wanderstay Boutique Hotel in Houston, Texas, expressed confusion over the slow uptake, noting her property is at 45% capacity for the tournament period, a decrease from 70% during the same time last year. Mathis attributes the softer demand to a combination of factors, including past immigration enforcement policies, rising living costs, and the exceptionally high price of World Cup tickets. Similar sentiments were echoed by Stephen Jenkins, who manages the Fontaine Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, and Manuel Deisen, general manager of InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, both reporting bookings comparable to or lower than typical periods.

An industry survey conducted by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) revealed that eight out of ten hotels in host cities are experiencing lower demand than projected, with many describing the tournament as a “non-event” thus far. While geopolitical factors and the rising cost of living were cited as contributors, some industry leaders suggest fans might be delaying bookings until their team’s schedule is finalized. Conversely, Airbnb has indicated that the World Cup is poised to be its largest hosting event ever, suggesting a shift in accommodation preferences or different booking patterns.

Fifa, the tournament organizer, maintains that demand for tickets has been “unprecedented,” with over five million tickets already sold, and defends its pricing strategy, stating some tickets are available for as little as $60, while higher prices aim to prevent profiteering. The White House has also established a task force to ensure the event’s smooth operation, including facilitating visa applications for fans from 50 countries by waiving a deposit requirement for those with valid match tickets. Despite the current subdued booking landscape, many hoteliers remain optimistic, anticipating a significant last-minute increase in reservations as the matches draw closer, hoping for a turnaround in the coming weeks.