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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.

STR reported US lodging data for the week ended December 30. RevPAR was down -9.7% led by a -7.1% decline in occupancy. Speculators are questioning whether everyone is thinking the Fed is going to cut interest rates more than they really will. Real estate developers  Fort Partners and Merrimac Ventures  are building a  Four Seasons  hotel and condo resort in  Telluride, Colorado .

The Thai hotel industry anticipates a full recovery from the pandemic by late 2024, with Phuket remaining a top destination. Thai hotels had a 60% occupancy rate in 2023, a surge attributed to direct overseas flights and visa-free entry for several countries. Vietnam's tourism authority targets 17-18 million international visitors in 2024, with a revenue goal of 840 trillion VND. In 2023, Vietnam exceeded its 12.5 million visitor target and saw 108 million domestic trips, generating 678 trillion VND in revenue. Marriott International plans to open new Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Marquis hotels in Beijing by 2026, enhancing their presence in China. The Sheraton Colombo Hotel, Marriott's second in Sri Lanka, has opened, offering luxury amenities and strategic location.

The  DJIA  fell 285 points,  Nasdaq  was down 174, the  S&P 500  fell 38 points, and the 10-year treasury yield was down nearly .10 to 3.91%. Let’s hope the first two trading days do not represent the rest of the year. STR’s  global “bubble chart” update through December 16, 2023 showed 75% of markets with growth in RevPAR compared to 2019. Could there be a hotel building moratorium in one of the most popular areas of Southern Florida?

Malaysia led Southeast Asia in foreign tourist arrivals in 2023 with 26 million visitors, followed by Thailand with 24.6 million. Vietnam attracted 12.6 million foreign tourists, reaching only 70% of pre-pandemic levels, while Cambodia's recovery rate was at 92.48%. Vietnam's National Authority of Tourism set ambitious goals for 2024, aiming to match pre-pandemic tourism levels despite past challenges. The Philippines exceeded its 2023 tourism target, welcoming over five million international tourists and surpassing pre-pandemic international tourism revenue. Dusit Hotels and Resorts opened Dusit Princess Phatthalung in Thailand, its first in the far south of the country. Regal Hotels International announced a partnership with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment to build about 100 hotels globally, with a significant focus on the Middle East.

Jefferies upgraded Park Hotels to Buy from Hold, reflecting positive changes like the removal of their San Francisco assets. Meanwhile, they downgraded Choice Hotels to Underperform from Hold due to concerns over its acquisition strategy, specifically regarding Wyndham Hotels. Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. announced the acquisition of the Springhill Suites by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center for approximately $75 million. Bradford Allen Hospitality acquired two hotel properties in Riverhead, New York, planning significant renovations for both. PEG Companies opened The Moxy in the historic Luhrs Building in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Hawkeye Hotels commenced construction of a Fairfield Inn & Suites in downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, targeting a spring 2025 opening.

Four Seasons announces two new hotels: Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai, opening in 2027 with 160 rooms and suites, and Four Seasons Hotel Suzhou, now open with 119 rooms, suites, and 11 villas. Marriott International expands in Sydney and Bangkok with the Moxy brand. Moxy Sydney Pitt Street, opening in 2025, will have 314 rooms and the city's highest rooftop bar. Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, opening in 2024, starts its experience with a 9th-floor bar check-in. IHG Hotels & Resorts opens two new Holiday Inn resorts in Phuket, managed by Destination Group. Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Karon Beach and Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Surin Beach feature over 220 rooms each, with private balconies and extensive amenities.

Citigroup downgraded Sonder Holdings from Buy to Neutral, with a new price target set at $4.Choice Hotels criticized Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for misrepresenting the lodging industry's competitive landscape. This criticism came after Wyndham's recommendation for shareholders to reject CHH's exchange offer and their discontinuation of discussions regarding a potential transaction with CHH. Hyatt announced plans to open over 35 luxury hotels and resorts globally through 2025, including new Park Hyatt locations in the UK, Mexico, and Malaysia, and expanding the Thompson Hotel brand in Europe.

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.

Apple Hospitality REIT declared a regular monthly cash dividend and a special distribution. Bluegreen Vacation Holdings' acquisition by Hilton Grand Vacations moved forward with the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. Several new hotel openings and acquisitions were announced, including AC Hotels by Marriott in Naples, Moxy by Marriott in Houston, IHG's first Garner hotel, and Choice Hotels International's 100th Suburban Studios hotel.

Wharf Holdings is planning to open 25 Maqo hotels by 2025 and is discussing expansions in China, Japan, and Thailand. IHG is introducing a new Holiday Inn Resort in Maharashtra, India, for 2027 and announced significant growth of their Holiday Inn Express brand in Greater China. ONYX Hospitality Group is expanding its Shama serviced apartment brand with five new properties across Asia, including locations in China, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Wyndham’s Board rejects Choice Hotels' unsolicited offer to acquire WH, backed by the Asian American Hotels Owners Association's opposition. Hilton to open its first Tapestry Collection hotel in Los Cabos in 2024, alongside another project in La Paz. Preferred Hotel Group aims to expand its Beyond Green brand in Mexico, targeting 75 sustainable hotels globally.