Meetings and event spend is expected to increase across the globe in 2013, according to Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT). However, while spend per attendee will rise by 11 per cent in Latin America, delegate spend is only expected to increase by 1 per cent in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

CWT’s 2013 Travel Price Forecast draws on statistics from client data and looks at hotel rates, airfare and meetings and events spend, amongst other criteria. The forecast predicts average daily hotel rates will likely increase 1.3 per cent in Europe, but a decrease in post-Olympic demand for hotel rooms in London will bring 2013 rates down in the city. In other regions, hotel rates look set to rise 6.3 per cent in Latin America, 3.5 per cent in Asia and 3.2 per cent in North America.

It forecasts Latin America will see the highest increases in meetings and events spend per attendee, per day – with an average increase of 11 per cent in 2013. Group sizes will decrease by 7 per cent however, as buyers look to offset higher supplier costs.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to see spend per attendee rise by 6 per cent, but will also see a decrease in group size of 3.8 per cent, holding a larger number of smaller meetings with fewer attendees and shorter durations. Events spend in North America will also grow, up 4.8 per cent, with a 6 per cent increase in group sizes. Group sizes are expected to increase by 3 per cent in EMEA.

Airfares will likely climb 2.5 per cent during 2013 in the EMEA region, and high-speed rail rates will likely increase 4.3 per cent as it increasingly becomes a competitive alternative to air travel in key markets.