Choice Hotels International, which has more than 7,100 hotels in over 40 countries is requiring guests
to cancel reservations at least 48 hours prior to arrival.
This change “allows hotel owners to better manage room inventory
and staffing, as well as provide guests with up-to-date booking options and
availability”, the group said. New reservations made by registered members of
its Choice Privileges loyalty programme will only require 24 hours of advance
notice.
The company said, “Recent increased travel volumes have led to
record high demand across several markets, and as a result, many hotels are
experiencing higher than normal cancellation rates. Guests still searching for
last minute summer travel plans are unable to take advantage of new
availability from last minute cancellations, which leads to unsold hotel rooms,
inaccurate forecasted demand and lost revenue, impacting hotels already facing
staffing shortages. The company’s decision to update cancellation policies is
driven by delivering a better experience for both hotels and guests.”
The group already tightened its cancellation policy
last summer.