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Amid mixed hotel sector performance, Hilton beat earnings while trimming 2025 guidance as hospitality firms expand with new properties across the US and globally.

Marriott International is set to make an entry into the U.S. midscale hotel segment.

In July 2024, the U.S. hotel industry saw flat year-over-year performance, with Oahu Island leading in key metrics, while Phoenix and New Orleans had the lowest occupancy rates.

IHG Hotels & Resorts plans to double the Hotel Indigo portfolio within three to five years, adding new properties in diverse locations such as the Cayman Islands, Oman, Mexico, and more, with several openings scheduled throughout 2024.

Selina Hospitality issued an update, emphasizing management's confidence through executive stock conversions and alignment with shareholders, clarifying that insider stock sales were automatic transactions for tax purposes, not discretionary market sales.

MCR has refinanced a 16-hotel portfolio for $333 million, generating $51 million of net proceeds. In less than three years, MCR doubled the portfolio’s new operating income, increasing it from $15 million at acquisition to $36 million.

Extended Stay America announced its growth outlook through franchising, following the momentum from a strong year of milestones, including 20% growth of its franchise portfolio across its family of brands.

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 .

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.

Barron's recommended investing in travel stocks like Hilton and Marriott for business travel and Choice Hotels is still planning a takeover of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. There is a new distribution agreement between Choice Hotels EMEA and Sercotel, the potential sale of Travelodge hotels by LXI REIT, and new hotel developments and refinancing deals in the UK and Europe. Significant strategic actions in the hotel industry include Choice Hotels' intent to nominate directors to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' board amidst an $8 billion takeover battle.