WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Hotel & Lodging Association released a report on Monday showing that hotels across U.S. host cities for the FIFA World Cup have not seen strong bookings ahead of the tournament's June 11 kickoff, with domestic travelers outpacing international visitors. The tournament will be spread across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The report attributed the shortcomings to FIFA room block cancellations, international travel barriers and rising costs. A recent survey of hoteliers in Houston and the Dallas area found that anticipated demand is not translating into strong hotel bookings less than 40 days before the tournament.

"Hotels across host markets have spent years preparing for the World Cup, and while there is real excitement, the data points to a more nuanced outlook. A range of factors have tempered early optimism, though forward indicators show there is still meaningful opportunity ahead." said Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

In Kansas City, roughly 85% to 90% of hotel owners reported bookings below expectations, similar to a typical June or July without major events. In Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle, nearly 80% of respondents said booking pace was less than expected. In Miami and Atlanta, 50% of hotelier respondents said bookings are in line or ahead of expectations.

FIFA canceled hotel block reservations in Dallas and Arlington earlier this year. Arlington's AT&T Stadium will host nine World Cup matches, and Houston's NRG Stadium will host seven.

"Expensive ticket prices, trouble getting travel visas and anti-American sentiment during ongoing geopolitical uncertainty may all be contributing to the underwhelming demand for stays during the tournament," said Brent DeRaad, president and CEO of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau.

According to data from Houston First Corp., as of May 1, hotel bookings in the Houston market are up 9.1% for June and about 11% for July compared with the same period last year. In Houston's downtown submarket, hotel booking pace is up 38% in June and 63% in July compared with last year. Houston hotels abandoned minimum-stay requirements and nonrefundable policies to attract travelers.

Some World Cup tickets remain on sale, with top ticket prices reaching $4,105 for the U.S. opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles. FIFA will adopt dynamic pricing for the first time at the World Cup.