# The World Cup Travel Matrix
Skift ranked travel industry winners and losers across the World Cup season, breaking down who profited from tournament travel demand and who stumbled.
Hotels in Qatar benefited most during the 2022 World Cup, commanding premium rates that hotels in traditional football destinations rarely achieve. Doha properties reported occupancy rates above 95 percent, with average nightly rates hitting $400 to $600 for mid-range accommodations. Five-star properties like the Mandarin Oriental Doha and Banana Island Resort Doha charged upward of $1,200 per night during matches.
Airlines flying routes to Doha from Europe and Asia saw robust booking patterns. Qatar Airways, the official carrier, expanded capacity on transatlantic routes and added charter flights. European carriers like Lufthansa and Air France capitalised on connecting traffic through their hubs.
Ground transportation operators became freeloaders in Skift's analysis. Ride-sharing services struggled with surge pricing backlash, while traditional taxi services couldn't handle demand spikes around match days. Fans reported 2-3 hour wait times and fare multipliers reaching 10x normal rates.
Tour operators faced mixed fortunes. Those offering all-inclusive packages from Europe and the Americas booked solid, but last-minute availability dried up quickly. Independent travellers found flights and hotels selling out two to three weeks before matches.
Restaurant and retail establishments in Doha's central districts experienced the biggest uplift outside of lodging. The Souq Waqif marketplace drew unprecedented tourist traffic, with restaurants reporting 40 percent revenue increases.
Luxury hotel chains dominated the leaderboard. Raffles, St. Regis, and Four Seasons properties across the region reported their best quarter in years. Beach resorts on the Persian Gulf captured overflow demand from central Doha properties