Planning for massive weather events can be challenging for both travelers and hoteliers alike, and Hurricane Beryl was no exception. This storm is a clear example of the rapid fluctuations in demand and booking volume that the hospitality industry can experience. Thus, it is essential to have data-driven yet agile bidding strategies. We investigated the trends leading up to and immediately following Hurricane Beryl’s July 8th U.S. landfall to better understand its impact on Gulf Coast travel.

 

Booking demand changes along Hurricane Beryl’s path

 

 

Pre-Landfall Trends: The Early Impact of Hurricane Beryl 

Although Hurricane Beryl made landfall on July 8th, its impact could be seen as early as seven days prior. In the week leading up to Beryl’s landfall (compared to the baseline week of June 21-30, 2024), there was a 4% decline in demand, while bookings remained flat across Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. This decline in demand was likely due to travelers’ uncertainty about the storm’s path.

 

Understanding the Demand Changes During Landfall

After Hurricane Beryl landed in Texas, the demand map changed completely. Overall, demand increased by 5% across the three states, but this number hides significant regional differences. While Florida and Louisiana experienced a decrease in demand, Texas saw a 26% rise.

The increase in Texas hotel demand can likely be explained by the influx of storm-impacted residents evacuating southeastern Texas. Cities outside the storm’s direct path experienced a 21% increase in bookings, likely driven by displaced residents in need of temporary accommodations.

 

Booking Trends in the Gulf Coast Post-Storm

In the week after the storm, demand across the three states decreased by 11%. While this decline is expected as travel gradually returns to normal, it is important to note that bookings increased by 12% compared to the baseline week.

This post-hurricane surge in bookings not only reveals resilience within summer travel but also highlights the impact and traveler inflow variance between Gulf Coast states in relation to Hurricane Beryl. Furthermore, these trends emphasize the importance of dynamic market strategies to capitalize on travel influx during such periods.

 

Leveraging Data to Weather the Storm

The impact of Hurricane Beryl underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in the hotel industry. By closely monitoring demand trends and adjusting bidding strategies accordingly, hoteliers can better prepare for times of crisis and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Koddi can help your property make informed decisions by providing real-time insights through our flexible platform and expert team. Our advanced bidding capabilities enable hoteliers to navigate the complexities of event-based demand shifts, ensuring that your property remains competitive and maximizes performance.

Be prepared for the unexpected. Contact the Koddi team today to learn how we can help you navigate the complexities of the hospitality industry, including challenges posed by natural disasters.