Fourfold Rise In Broadband-Enabled Hotels Projected

The number of broadband-enabled hotels worldwide is expected to increase more than fourfold by 2009, with much of the growth occurring in North America, a research firm said Wednesday.

The ranks of hotels with broadband access in guestrooms are expected to rise to 54,000 in 2009 from 14,300 in 2004, In-Stat said. Broadband services have penetrated North American hotels much faster than expected, and that region is forecast to see continued growth over the next few years.

Most of the growth in North America, which accounts for two thirds of the world's hotel broadband, will be centered on two and three star properties, In-Stat analyst Amy Cravens said. Europe and Asia Pacific are also expected to see an increase in hotels with broadband-enabled guestrooms.

In terms of the total market for all travel accommodations worldwide, broadband is expected to make up 11.4 percent of the market in 2009 from 3.4 percent in 2004.