Final reservation data shows that although 2020 holiday booking volume did not meet 2019 numbers, the short-term rental industry fared much better than expected. Despite facing a new strain of COVID-19, the US was the top-performing country over the holiday season. And while the UK took a major hit over Christmas when compared to 2019, travelers there clearly had cabin fever, coming out in droves to book New Year’s Eve stays at a significantly higher price.
Last-minute reservations are also still trending, as consumers try to avoid canceling travel plans. This pattern will result in a more profitable Q1 2021 than expected, especially coupled with widespread vaccine distribution.