From massive megaresorts to quaint boutique hotels, accommodations around the world host millions of travelers every day. But what’s the total global count of available hotel rooms?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: There are approximately 18.5 million hotel rooms worldwide as of 2022.
Leading Countries by Hotel Room Count
United States
When it comes to hotel room count, the United States takes the lead with an impressive number of accommodations. With its vast land area and diverse tourism industry, it’s no surprise that the US has a high number of hotel rooms to cater to domestic and international travelers.
According to the latest statistics, there are approximately 5 million hotel rooms across the United States.
China
China, with its booming economy and growing tourism industry, is another country that boasts a significant number of hotel rooms. As one of the most populous nations in the world, China attracts millions of visitors each year.
The number of hotel rooms in China is estimated to be around 4.5 million, making it one of the top countries in terms of hotel accommodations.
Japan
Japan, known for its rich cultural heritage and technological advancements, is also a leading country in terms of hotel room count. With its vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and unique attractions, Japan attracts tourists from all over the world.
The country offers a wide range of accommodations, from traditional ryokans to modern luxury hotels. The number of hotel rooms in Japan is approximately 1.5 million, catering to the diverse needs of travelers.
These three countries, the United States, China, and Japan, are at the forefront when it comes to hotel room count. Their abundant accommodations ensure that travelers have a wide range of options to choose from, whether they are looking for budget-friendly stays or luxurious experiences.
These statistics highlight the importance of the hospitality industry in these countries and their commitment to providing exceptional service to visitors.
Fastest Growing Hotel Markets
As the tourism industry continues to thrive, the number of hotel rooms around the world is constantly increasing. Some regions are experiencing remarkable growth in their hotel markets. Let’s take a closer look at three of the fastest growing hotel markets.
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in recent years, and its hotel market has been growing at an astonishing rate. Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam have seen a surge in both international and domestic visitors, leading to a high demand for accommodation.
According to a report from HVS, the hotel room supply in Southeast Asia is projected to increase by an impressive 35% over the next five years. This growth can be attributed to the region’s diverse attractions, affordable travel options, and the rise of online booking platforms.
Middle East
The Middle East is another region experiencing rapid growth in its hotel market. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have been investing heavily in tourism infrastructure, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The hotel room supply in the Middle East is projected to grow by 25% over the next five years, according to a report from Knight Frank. This growth is driven by major events such as the Dubai Expo 2020 and the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
The region offers a unique blend of luxury, cultural experiences, and world-class hospitality, making it an appealing destination for travelers from around the globe.
Africa
Africa is a continent that has often been overlooked in terms of tourism potential, but it is now emerging as a fast-growing hotel market. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Africa has a lot to offer to travelers.
According to a report by JLL, the hotel room supply in Africa is expected to grow by 7% per annum over the next five years. The growth is fueled by increased investment in infrastructure, improved air connectivity, and the rise of international hotel chains expanding their presence in the region.
Countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Morocco are leading the way in attracting tourists and expanding their hotel offerings.
Largest Hotel Chains Worldwide
Marriott International
With over 7,800 properties globally, Marriott International is the largest hotel chain in the world. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Marriott operates 30 leading brands including Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Sheraton, Westin, and W Hotels.
According to their 2021 earnings report, Marriott has 1,420,000 rooms worldwide. Some fun facts about Marriott:
- Founded in 1927 by J. Willard Marriott
- First motor hotel chain in the world
- Operates in 140 countries
Hilton
Hilton is the second largest hotel chain with over 6,800 properties and 1,000,000 rooms globally. Based in McLean, Virginia, Hilton operates 18 brands including Conrad, Canopy, DoubleTree, and Waldorf Astoria. Hilton has a strong global presence with hotels in 119 countries across six continents.
Here are some key facts about Hilton:
- Founded in 1919 by Conrad Hilton
- First hotel brand to enter the international market in 1949
- Over 4,000 properties in the U.S. alone
In 2022, Hilton aims to open more than one hotel per day to reach their goal of having over 1 million rooms. Their loyalty program, Hilton Honors, has 130 million members which shows their immense popularity!
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
With headquarters in Denham, UK, IHG operates over 6,000 hotels and 890,000 rooms worldwide across nearly 100 countries. Their brand portfolio includes Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, and Kimpton. Here are some key IHG facts:
- Founded in 1777 as Bass Brewery
- Rebranded as InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in 2003
- Over 1,800 properties in Greater China alone
According to IHG’s 2021 financial results, they opened 351 hotels and signed deals for 580 more properties. With strong growth in Asia and the Middle East, IHG continues its rapid global expansion. Their loyalty program, IHG Rewards, has 158 million members and counting!
Impact of COVID-19 on Supply
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the hotel industry, with widespread closures and consolidation leading to a significant reduction in the total number of hotel rooms available worldwide.
These unprecedented challenges have forced many hotel owners to make tough decisions in order to survive.
Mass Closures and Consolidation
As the pandemic took hold, travel restrictions and lockdown measures resulted in a sharp decline in hotel occupancy rates. This led to a wave of temporary closures and, unfortunately, permanent shutdowns for some establishments.
Hotels that were unable to adapt to the changing landscape and meet the necessary health and safety requirements had no choice but to close their doors.
The closures, combined with a decline in travel demand, have also forced many hotel chains to consolidate their operations. This means that multiple hotels within a chain have been merged or rebranded, resulting in a reduction in the total number of hotel rooms available.
Pent-up Rebound Demand
While the pandemic has undoubtedly had a negative impact on the hotel industry, there is hope on the horizon. As vaccination efforts continue and travel restrictions are gradually lifted, there is pent-up demand for travel and accommodation.
People who have been eagerly waiting to explore new destinations or visit loved ones are expected to unleash a surge in travel bookings.
This rebound in demand presents an opportunity for hotels to recover and gradually increase their supply of available rooms. It also opens doors for new players to enter the market and meet the needs of the growing number of travelers.
According to recent data from Statista, the global hotel industry is projected to recover and reach pre-pandemic levels by 2023. This optimistic outlook indicates that the hotel industry will rebound from the impact of COVID-19, albeit with some changes in the way hotels operate and cater to the evolving needs of travelers.
Future Outlook and Trends
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, there are several key trends that are shaping the future of hotel rooms. These trends not only aim to enhance the guest experience but also to make hotels more sustainable, technologically advanced, and appealing to a wider range of travelers.
In this section, we will explore three major trends that are expected to have a significant impact on the total number of hotel rooms in the coming years.
Sustainability Efforts
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainability within the hospitality industry. Hotels are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices to reduce their carbon footprint and attract environmentally conscious travelers.
Many hotels now feature energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and recycling programs. Some establishments even generate their own renewable energy through solar panels or wind turbines. The implementation of sustainable practices not only helps preserve the environment but also reduces operating costs for hotels in the long run.
According to a report by Green Hotelier, a leading authority on sustainability in the hotel industry, the number of eco-friendly hotels worldwide is expected to increase by 20% in the next five years.
This surge in sustainable accommodations will undoubtedly contribute to the overall increase in the total number of hotel rooms available.
Smart Technology
The rapid advancement of technology has revolutionized the way hotels operate and interact with guests. Smart technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in hotel rooms, offering guests a more convenient and personalized experience.
From voice-activated assistants to keyless entry systems, hotels are leveraging technology to streamline processes and enhance guest satisfaction. Smart rooms can adjust temperature and lighting preferences automatically, provide personalized recommendations, and even offer virtual reality experiences.
A study conducted by Hospitality Net predicts that by 2025, over 80% of hotels worldwide will have integrated smart technology into their rooms. This integration of technology is expected to drive an increase in the number of hotel rooms, as hotels strive to meet the growing demand for seamless and connected experiences.
Bleisure Travel
Bleisure travel, a combination of business and leisure travel, is a trend that has gained significant popularity in recent years. More and more professionals are extending their business trips to include leisure activities, allowing them to experience a destination beyond their work obligations.
This trend has led to an increased demand for hotels that cater to both business and leisure travelers.
According to a survey conducted by Travel Weekly, 70% of business travelers have added leisure components to their trips. Hotels are adapting to this trend by offering amenities and services that cater to both types of travelers.
This includes providing well-equipped workspaces, high-speed internet access, and recreational facilities such as spas and fitness centers. The rise in bleisure travel is expected to contribute to the overall increase in the number of hotel rooms, as hotels strive to accommodate the needs of this growing segment of travelers.
Conclusion
From major tourism hotspots to remote destinations, hotel rooms worldwide number over 18 million and counting. Despite challenges in recent years, the hospitality industry continues growing and innovating to serve an ever-mobile global population.
The future promises exciting new lodging options and experiences for travelers across the planet.
