In 2025 Q1, the hotel group room nights index measured 90, this represents stays during the quarter equivalent to 90% of 2019 levels and indicating a mild drop relative to Q4, but a slight improvement relative to 2024 Q1 (87). The RFP activity index, representing request for proposals (RFPs) sent by event professionals during the quarter for future events also measured at 90% of 2019 levels. It too was below 2024 Q4, but slightly ahead of prior year (87).
The Barometer also provides insights on the upswing in negative sentiment amidst global tensions, shifting trade policies, travel concerns and an uncertain economic outlook.
“With so much economic and geopolitical volatility, many expected the drop to be higher – so there is some room for cautious optimism that perhaps some of these forces will be temporary,” said EIC President and CEO Amy Calvert. “That said, we recognise the need for continued dialogue and focus on how we as a sector navigate the near- and long-term impacts.”
2025 EIC Board Chair and CEO of ICCA Dr. Senthil Gopinath added: “The global business events industry’s continued resilience re-enforces its purpose as conduits for human connection and community building.”
EIC’s quarterly Global Events Barometer addresses the need to monitor our progress over time and by key global regions and countries. EIC’s research partner, Oxford Economics, created the Barometer and uses data provided by Amadeus Hospitality, Cvent, the Global Business Travel Association and STR Global to monitor the changes within the market relative to pre-pandemic levels.
Key findings from the 2025 Q1 report include:
- Global room rates in RFP responses in 2025 Q1 averaged 129% of 2019 levels, indicating a recovery in hotel pricing for business events.
- The easing in group room nights and RFP activity in 2025 Q1 relative to 2024 Q4 was prevalent across most global regions, except Middle East and Africa. North America has continued with RFP activity running well ahead of 2019 levels on a sustained basis.
- Middle East tensions, including the recent U.S. strike in Iran, represent an adverse shock to an already weak economy. Broad tariff uncertainty persists, and businesses may remain reluctant to commit to future investments, though a global recession is not expected. Sentiment and concerns around international travel to the U.S. represent a likely headwind to some business events.
Later this year, EIC will begin work with Oxford Economics on the comprehensive 2026 Economic Significance of Business Events Study with a continued global focus on the direct, indirect and catalytic impacts of business events.
The Events Industry Risk Management Guidebook, created during the pandemic, serves as valuable resource during periods of uncertainty. The guide covers the full spectrum of risk management as applied to the events industry, including assessing the risks that may threaten attendees, the meeting or event itself, the organiser, or partner-suppliers, and applying the appropriate measures to manage the probability and consequences of such risks.
“As a sector we are learning to adapt to the evolving expectations of our constituencies, and the ongoing challenges to support and build our workforce,” Calvert said. “As a federation, in collaboration with other industry stakeholders and partners, we are united in our commitment to advancing our industry and supporting our workforce.”
Tags: Amy Calvert, The Events Industry Council (EIC), ICCA Dr. Senthil Gopinath