Asia Is the Only Place Where Hotel Prices Remain Below 2019 Levels

Image: A woman wearing a kimono walks through a Japanese villa ((photo via TTC Tour Brands))
Image: A woman wearing a kimono walks through a Japanese villa ((photo via TTC Tour Brands))
Mia Taylor
by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 4:40 PM ET, Mon February 13, 2023

Hotel prices in Asia continue to be a relative bargain.

That's according to a new report from Digitrips, which was reported by Breaking Travel News. The report indicates that Asia is the only region where per-night prices for hotel rooms remain below 2019 levels.

It's a reality that may be due to the fact that the region is still working on driving up demand and luring visitors.

By contrast, the Digitrips report reveals that hotels in Europe were an average of 25 percent more expensive in December 2022 than they were in December 2019. Hotel prices in North America meanwhile, are even more costly. The Digitrips report says prices on this continent have increased a whopping 33 percent during the same time frame.

"Hotels across Europe and North America have enjoyed high and steady demand in the latter half of 2022, leading to a consistent rise in room prices," Emilie Dumont, managing director of Digitrips said, according to Breaking Travel News. "In contrast, our data from MisterFly suggests Asia continues to lag behind as the late reopening means hotels must keep prices low to stimulate demand and lure back travelers."

Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain
Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain. (photo via Mapics/Dreamstime)

Dumont went on to note that visitors to Barcelona, Spain could expect to pay about 30% more for accommodations in December 2022 than they did prior to the emergence of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While booking hotel rooms in popular Asian destinations during the same time frame cost travelers far less.

"Staying in Tokyo or Bangkok was still significantly cheaper on average than in December 2019 - with a decrease close to 20 percent over the last quarter," said Dumont.

Despite the far higher prices in North America, a recent report from the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) showed that international visitors spent a record $16.5 billion coming to the United States in December 2022. That's the highest level of spending since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in February 2020.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Mia Taylor

Mia Taylor

Senior Editor

Mia Taylor is an award-winning journalist who has two decades of experience. Most recently she worked as a staff writer for America's largest digital publisher DotdashMeredith, where she contributed stories on a daily basis to four of the company's most iconic brands - Parents,Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Health. Her work has also appeared in Travel + Leisure, The Boston Globe, The San Diego UnionTribune, Westways Magazine, Fortune, and more.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...