Q3 2026 Travel Alert: Planning Ahead for Peak Accommodation Demand

The FIFA World Cup may be over, but increased travel demand continues into late summer. A series of major sporting and cultural events across the United States, Germany and Spain will place additional pressure on accommodation availability and transport infrastructure throughout August and September.

Although these events are smaller in scale than the World Cup, their impact on regional travel markets can be significant. For travel and mobility managers, early planning remains the best way to secure accommodation and minimise disruption.

Key Global Events to Watch this Quarter

Total Solar Eclipse

12 August, Andalusia & the Balearic Islands, Spain

Although primarily a leisure event, the total solar eclipse crossing southern Spain is expected to attract significant international visitors to destinations including Seville, Córdoba, Málaga and Mallorca.

This increase in visitor numbers will place additional pressure on accommodation availability during the surrounding travel window. Roads across Andalusia are also expected to be congested on 12 August, affecting ground transportation across the region.

Travel Guidance:

Accommodation and ground transportation for travel to Seville, Málaga, Córdoba and Mallorca between 10–15 August should already be secured. Build additional journey time into itineraries on 12 August to account for potential road congestion.

US Open (Tennis)

23 August – 13 September, New York, USA (USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center)

The US Open is one of New York's largest annual demand drivers, generating three weeks of sustained pressure across the city's accommodation market. This year, the event follows an already busy summer influenced by FIFA World Cup travel, further reducing available inventory.

The greatest impact will be felt in Queens and Flushing, although higher occupancy and increased rates are expected across Manhattan and Brooklyn. JFK Airport is also likely to experience increased congestion throughout the tournament period, with Newark (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA) offering alternative options.

Travel Guidance:

Review all New York travel requirements between 20 August and 14 September and secure accommodation now to protect availability and pricing. Where business needs allow, consider locations outside Queens and alternative airports to maintain flexibility.

FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup

4–13 September, Berlin, Germany (Berlin Arena & Max-Schmeling-Halle)

Berlin is expected to experience increased accommodation demand throughout the tournament as international teams, officials, media and spectators converge on the city. While Berlin has a substantial hotel inventory, September is already a busy month for corporate travel and conferences, meaning availability is likely to tighten as the event approaches.

Travel Guidance:

Secure accommodation in Berlin well ahead to maximise choice and support budget management. Organisations with activity in the city should review September requirements now to avoid last-minute constraints.

Presidents Cup (Golf)

22–27 September, Chicago, USA (Medinah Country Club)

September is consistently one of Chicago's busiest business travel periods. The Presidents Cup will add concentrated demand around Medinah Country Club and increase pressure on accommodation across the wider metropolitan area.

Higher rates are expected throughout central Chicago, particularly in the Loop, River North and Magnificent Mile. Well-connected western suburbs may provide suitable alternatives, with commuter rail services offering access into downtown Chicago.

Travel Guidance:

Confirm Chicago travel plans between 21–28 September as early as possible, particularly for travellers requiring central accommodation. Consider suburban alternatives where appropriate to improve availability and maintain convenient access to the city.

Key dates to flag

10-15 August: Peak accommodation demand across southern Spain and the Balearic Islands 

12 August: Total Solar Eclipse; significant road congestion expected across Andalusia 

23 August: US Open begins in New York 

4 September: FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup opens in Berlin, Germany 

13 September: US Open and FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup conclude 

22 September: Presidents Cup begins in Chicago

27 September: Presidents Cup concludes 

Beyond Q3: Preparing for the Next Wave of Travel Demand

With Q3 demand patterns becoming clearer, organisations should also begin preparing for the travel landscape ahead. Several major international events will continue to influence global corporate travel into the final quarter of the year.

The Asian Games in Japan begin on 19 September, creating demand across Asia-Pacific. October brings the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, followed by COP31 in Antalya and the G20 Summit in Miami later in the year.

Organisations should begin reviewing Q4 travel requirements now to secure accommodation early, manage budgets effectively and reduce programme disruption.

Plan Ahead with AltoVita

Major events create predictable periods of increased demand—but with the right planning, they don't need to disrupt your mobility programme.

Whether you're supporting international assignments, business travel or group relocations, securing accommodation early helps protect availability, budgets and employee experience.

Planning travel across any of these markets this autumn? Get in touch to secure quality corporate accommodation at negotiated rates, with the flexibility and support your programme needs.