Best Western

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.

Barclays updated their U.S. lodging REIT estimates ahead of the onslaught of expected conservative earnings that are coming.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Baird/STR Hotel Stock Index dropped by -2.4% in October, marking the third consecutive monthly decline. Wells Fargo adjusts price targets for Apple Hospitality and Ryman Hospitality, maintaining Overweight ratings. Trump Hotels and Irongate reach a buyout agreement for Trump International Hotel, Waikiki, transitioning to Hilton's LXR Hotels & Resorts in 2024.

Truist expects strong international and group earnings in 3Q lodging reports but weak domestic leisure. CoStar reports higher hotel performance in September 2023, with New York City leading in occupancy. Several hotel transactions and developments are mentioned, including Omni Pontoque Resort and Alt Hotel Calgary University District.