FIFA has canceled a significant number of hotel reservations in Toronto and Vancouver, potentially easing accommodation shortages but leaving fans uncertain about whether high market prices will decrease.
FIFA has canceled thousands of hotel reservations in Toronto, mirroring a previous release of 15,000 rooms in Vancouver.
Experts describe the move as routine adjustments for staff and guest requirements. While the release provides more availability, experts are unsure if costs will drop.
“You might want to be looking at booking really, really quickly or waiting to the exact last second,” warned Professor Wayne Smith.
Despite the cancellations, hotel demand is up 28 percent from last year, and high costs remain a barrier for many.
Rob Notenboom, president of Team Canada’s fan club, noted that overall expenses make attending “just not doable” for some.
Sara Anghel of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association called the mass release a “unique speed bump,” as individual hotels now decide how to price the newly available inventory.