Consumers hoping to take in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will be hit with sky-high room rates, some surging as much as sixfold, according to Bloomberg.
And Embratur study compared rates hotels are charging for the World Cup period compared to current rates in the same cities. In Rio de Janeiro, where the July 13 final is scheduled, room prices are more than double, averaging $461 per night.
Government officials, along with FIFA, have already warned hotels in Brazil about overcharging, and have threatened to take action if rates rise too high.
In June, sports minister Aldo Rebelo said: “The government will not tolerate overcharging because it would be damaging to both Brazil and the Cup’s host cities. Those who think they can abuse consumers should know that the heavy hand of government will take action and hotels could even be closed as a result.”
More at Bloomberg.com.
