Press release

Snowy Norway steals the top spot this holiday season as travelers swap winter sun for frosty getaways

December 17, 2025
Last updated: December 19, 2025
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Snowy Norway steals the top spot this holiday season. Skiers on a ski lift head up the mountain.
Steve Joseph
Steve Joseph
Corporate Communications - Amadeus
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Christmas & New Year occupancy holds steady worldwide while room rates rise 7% year-on-year

Hoteliers are gearing up for a flurry of travelers on the hunt for snowy escapes this holiday season, though beach retreats remain on the itinerary for some. New, forward-looking insights from Amadeus reveal which destinations are currently topping hotel occupancy charts over Christmas and New Year’s.

According to Amadeus Demand360® data as of December 4, 2025, global hotel occupancy is up a modest 0.5% from 2024. The top destinations for holiday travel are:


  1. Tromso, Norway, 93%
  2. Aruba, 89%
  3. Queenstown, New Zealand, 86%
  4. Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, 83%
  5. Curacao, 80%
  6. Whistler, Canada, 80%
  7. Waikoloa, Hawaii, 78%
  8. Ko Samui, Thailand, 77%
  9. Langkawi, Malaysia, 77%
  10. Cairns, Australia, 76%

While the Caribbean remains the destination of choice for a significant contingent of travelers, Norway takes the crown as the most popular getaway, suggesting that many are seeking the magic of a winter wonderland this holiday season.

Destinations on the rise

Curacao stands out as an emerging holiday destination, with the biggest year-on-year increase in occupancy of the top 10 destinations (11%). Meanwhile, hoteliers are getting it right in Waikoloa, Hawaii, as they achieve the highest Average Daily Rate (ADR) ($942) among the top ten most occupied regions.

From affordable finds to premium getaways

Guanacaste in Costa Rica has secured the top ADR recorded so far, where hotel rooms are averaging over $2600. On the flipside, Cairns, Australia, is a great bet for those seeking an affordable getaway, with an ADR of $286, the lowest of the top ten destinations.

A season full of opportunity

Overall, the data shows that the holiday period remains an important opportunity for hoteliers, with global revenue predicted to reach $7.4 billion* over Christmas and New Year. New York alone is expecting to bring in $66 million, more than any other city worldwide, as travelers flock to enjoy the famous Times Square ball drop and other iconic sights.

"Travelers are showing new enthusiasm this holiday season, with clear demand for destinations that offer everything from sunny beaches to snowy winter escapes. This mix reflects a growing appetite for diverse experiences and a willingness to venture beyond the usual holiday spots. With access to forward‑looking insights, hoteliers can launch hyper‑personalized awareness campaigns, plan their staffing more effectively and refine their revenue strategies to make the most of the season."

Katie Moro Vice President, Data Partnerships, Hospitality, Amadeus

*Revenue calculated by multiplying the average daily rate by the number of rooms occupied. Occupied rooms are determined by applying the market’s occupancy percentage to its total room capacity.

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