Boosted by several events, Sydney’s, Madrid's and Abu Dhabi's hotel industry posted its highest August average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) on record.

Sydney: August 2025 (year-over-year % change):

• Occupancy: 84.4% (+8.7%)
• Average daily rate (ADR): AUD285.71 (+14.9%)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): AUD241.18 (+24.9%)

Additionally, the market recorded its highest August occupancy since 2018. 

Performance peaked on the night before the Sydney Marathon – Saturday, 30 August: occupancy (95.1%), ADR (AUD414.96) and RevPAR (AUD394.76). 

“Sydney was elevated to seventh in the global marathon series, joining the likes of New York and London,” said Matthew Burke, regional director at STR. “Being the first in the southern hemisphere drew additional participation at professional and amateur levels.”

The market also hosted the last game of the British and Irish Lions Tour on Saturday, 2 August, pushing occupancy to 92.8%, and ADR and RevPAR to AUD390.18 and AUD361.91, respectively.

Overall for August, Sydney’s occupancy levels came above the 70% mark on all but one night – Sunday, 24 August (67.5%). 

“Sydney’s August performance was forecasted to be extremely positive,” Burke said. “As early as March, forward occupancy on the books for August was tracking 6 points higher in occupancy and grew further as the month approached.”

Abu Dhabi hotel occupancy reached record-high for August

Helped by a Limp Bizkit concert, Abu Dhabi’s hotel industry posted its highest August occupancy on record. 

August 2025 (year-over-year % change):

• Occupancy: 79.3% (+4.4%)
• Average daily rate (ADR): AED482.32 (+10.6%)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): AED382.25 (+15.4%)

In addition to the monthly record in occupancy, the market posted its highest August ADR and RevPAR since 2008.

Abu Dhabi saw its highest daily occupancy (90.7%) on Monday, 11 August, the night before the Limp Bizkit took the stage at Etihad Arena. On the night of the performance, the market posted its highest RevPAR for the month (AED451.77).

The market’s highest ADR (AED505.51) was recorded on Monday, 22 August.

Abu Dhabi also hosted the annual ADIHEX, which started on 30 August. The first night of the exhibition pushed occupancy to 72.8% and ADR and RevPAR to AED457.68 and AED333.28, respectively.

Overall, Abu Dhabi’s daily occupancy levels remained above 70% mark in all but two days in August.

ESC Congress helped push Madrid hotel performance to August high

Helped by the ESC Congress, Madrid’s hotel industry posted its highest August performance levels on record. 

August 2025 (year-over-year % change):

• Occupancy: 65.3% (+4.8%)
• Average daily rate (ADR): EUR143.11 (+17.3%)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): EUR93.52 (+23.0%)

On the second night (30 August) of the annual ESC Congress, the market’s daily levels spiked in each of the three key performance metrics–occupancy (89.8%), ADR (EUR251.29) and RevPAR (EUR225.55). The ADR was the second highest in the market this year, while RevPAR was the highest since 26 October 2024–the night of the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

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