-
North America
Hampton by Hilton Unveils New Brand Identity
Hampton by Hilton announced a new North American prototype and the unveiling of a refreshed global brand identity, with key updates for both Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites. -
North America
A&O to Invest €500 Million in Hostels
Europe hostel chain A&O is set to invest €500 million to aid its expansion across Europe. The company is seeking to expand its presence in European city centers. -
North America
Hotel Job Growth Slows Down
While U.S. unemployment remains below 4%, employment growth has been slowing and hotel job openings have also slowed. Wage growth outpaced inflation, but RevPAR contracted again in January. -
North America
Barclays Forecasts Optimistic Outlook for 2024
Barclays updated their U.S. lodging REIT estimates ahead of the onslaught of expected conservative earnings that are coming. -
North America
IHG and Best Western Announce Openings
IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of a new build Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel in Arkansas, while Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of the Best Western Halito Inn in Oklahoma. -
North America
Accor to Expand Luxury and Lifestyle Brands
As 2024 begins to unfold, Accor is continuing to expand the brands within its Luxury & Lifestyle division to meet the world’s accelerating demand for high-end and culturally relevant travel experiences. -
North America
Wells Fargo Expects Hotels Exposed to Group and Leisure to Thrive in 2024
Wells Fargo predicts a stabilization in interest rates in 2024, benefiting hotel sector growth, with a focus on high-end leisure and Asia Pacific markets. Oppenheimer raised the target price for Host Hotels, and Driftwood Capital secured a significant refinancing loan for Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Hotel. There were key personnel changes in various hotel groups, such as Concord Hospitality and Great Wolf Resorts, indicating a focus on business development and wellness. -
Asia-Pacific
Mandarin Oriental Unveils Three Resorts in Japan
There are notable expansion and renovations worldwide, including the opening of the Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya in India, the launch of Mondrian Hong Kong, and the extensive refurbishment of Peppers Marysville in Australia’s Yarra Valley. Osaka, Japan, aims to attract 20 million visitors annually with the new MGM Osaka resort. Mandarin Oriental announces plans for three unique resorts in Setouchi, Japan. -
Asia-Pacific
The Peninsula’s Parent Company Seeks a New CEO
The Philippine Department of Tourism achieved over 5 million international visitors in 2023, nearing pre-pandemic levels, with a focus on their National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028. China’s tourism rebound is driven by domestic demand, though sustainability into the next year is uncertain. The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels announced executive changes effective 2024, with a formal search for a new CEO. -
North America
JP Morgan Re-Ranks Many Hotel Stocks
JP Morgan upgraded Choice Hotels to Neutral and shifted Host Hotels, Park Hotels, Ryman Hospitality, and Sunstone Hotels to Neutral, citing less downside in lodging REITs. CoStar forecasts U.S. hotel demand growth of 1.8% in 2024, with occupancy increasing by 1% and room rate growth aligning with inflation, leading to RevPAR growth of 4.8% this year and 4% in 2024. Barclays shifted to Equal Weight on Marriott Vacations, expressing uncertainty in company-specific execution and favoring Hilton Grand Vacations in the timeshare sector.