The World Cup fever is spreading like wildfire across the Atlantic as demand for hotel stays in Miami soars ahead of England's highly anticipated quarter-final clash with Norway. UK travellers' searches for accommodation between 10th and 12th July have skyrocketed by a staggering 403 per cent, reflecting the sheer scale of enthusiasm from Three Lions fans.
The momentum gathered from their thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico in the round of 16 has now been matched by a frenzy of travel plans as thousands flock to the United States to back their team. Booking.com reports an unprecedented surge in search activity by UK-based individuals for those dates, with prices reaching dizzying heights – despite ticket prices for the crucial match hitting an eye-watering £6 million, according to The Telegraph.
But it's not just hotels that are feeling the pinch; short-term rental properties in Miami are experiencing a 15 per cent year-on-year increase ahead of the quarter-finals, while Kansas City is seeing an even more dramatic 25 per cent rise as Switzerland takes on Argentina on the same evening. And with Norway's qualification for the quarter-finals sending shockwaves through the travel industry, Norse Atlantic airline's inaugural direct flight from Oslo to Miami sold out in a flash – prompting the carrier to scramble and arrange a second service just hours later.
Meanwhile, the England squad is being hailed as heroes back home, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer suggesting that a World Cup victory could be celebrated with an extra bank holiday. The Prime Minister was more cautious, but one thing's for sure – this quarter-final showdown has captured the nation's imagination and will be watched by millions on Saturday.