Holiday Travel Spending Tests Resilience of Four Major Industry Stocks

With families preparing for holiday travel despite airfares and award ticket costs surging—such as a 32% increase in miles required for Thanksgiving flights between large U.S. airports—attention turns to how major lodging and leisure providers capture consumer spending.

Lodging and Platforms Show Mixed Momentum

Marriott International relies on franchise and management fees rather than owning properties. The company reported a 6.5% global rise in revenue per available room (RevPAR) during the third quarter, driven by a 9% leisure RevPAR increase in the U.S. and Canada. CEO Anthony Capuano noted that consumers continue prioritizing in-person experiences, while Marriott Bonvoy loyalty credit card fees further boosted revenue. Meanwhile, Booking Holdings experienced strong summer metrics, with gross bookings up 10% to $54.5 billion, though management anticipates fourth-quarter room night growth to moderate between 1% and 3% due to geopolitical tensions, high airfares, and softer international demand.

Alternative Stays and Cruising Stand Out

Airbnb reported third-quarter revenue growth of 19% to $4.9 billion, supported by a 16% increase in booked nights and seats, alongside new payment flexibility features tailored for group holiday gatherings. Carnival Corporation enters the holiday season with strong visibility, posting a third-quarter customer deposit record of $7.6 billion and high occupancy rates for future sailings, though management continues to monitor fuel price fluctuations that have impacted profit forecasts.