Brookfield

The Indian hospitality industry is experiencing strong investment growth in greenfield hotel developments, particularly in tier 2 and 3 cities, with investments rebounding to pre-Covid levels and expected to surge further in 2024.

The World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts that Australia's travel and tourism sector will contribute a record $265.5 billion to the economy in 2024, with expectations to surpass $345 billion by 2034.

ITC shareholders approved the company's plan to spin off its hotel business, retaining a 40% stake, with overwhelming support from minority shareholders.

Aman Group is launching a new brand, Janu, in Tokyo with its flagship property featuring luxury amenities, including a large wellness center and various dining options. Several hotel management changes and expansions are announced: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts in New Zealand, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts in Sikkim, India, and Ramee Group of Hotels entering Tamil Nadu, India. New developments and reimaginings in the hospitality industry include Megaworld's new township in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Townplace West Kowloon in Hong Kong launching a new social club, and SAii Resorts in Thailand undergoing extensive renovations.

International arrivals in the Asia Pacific region saw growth in 2022, reaching the strongest level since 2019, with the Pacific region having the highest growth rate. Macau received over five million visitors from Hong Kong in the first nine months of the year, nearing 2019 levels. Radisson Hotel Group announced the rebranding of Fridays Boracay into a Radisson Collection Resort, marking their entry into Boracay, Philippines.

Major indices, including DJIA, Nasdaq, and the S&P 500, experienced significant drops. BHR reached a new low, and Bernstein and B.Riley adjusted ratings and price targets for several key hotels. Hotel Transactions & Development**: Numerous hotel properties underwent ownership changes, refinancing, or development, with notable mentions like the Delta Hotels by Marriott New York Times Square and the Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas nearing completion. Aimbridge Hospitality strengthened its team, Melia Hotels announced multiple openings in Mexico, and Selina Hospitality launched a new location in Evia, Greece.

Hotel industry updates: Canadian hotel RevPAR exceeds C$100 for third consecutive month, with Manitoba and Vancouver leading in occupancy rates. Renovations and expansions: Knoxville, Tennessee plans to add 350 hotel rooms, while a $12 million extended-stay hotel is set to open in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Company announcements: Hyatt Place Melbourne Airport opens in Florida, while LVMH scraps luxury hotel plans in Beverly Hills.

STR reported China hotel data for the week ended March 18. China hotel RevPAR rose 134% on a year-over-year basis, up against an easy -46% comp result in 2022. Marriott International announced the milestone opening of  hotel number 1,000  in Asia Pacific , signaling its continued confidence in the long-term growth potential of the region. Sabre said they have found strong demand among Chinese outbound travelers, despite high airfare costs.

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust reported sold 3Q22 earnings, but since they give monthly updates and pre-announced, there was no surprise. While lodging stocks were higher, the action in Selina on Friday was just as ridiculous as on Thursday but in the other direction. While Travel + Leisure’s stock price rebounded a little bit after Thursday’s earnings-induced decline, Credit Suisse lowered the boom on them.

The  DJIA  rose 230 points while  Nasdaq  was up 154, the  S&P 500  rose 43 points and the  10-year treasury yield  was up .04 to 3.36%. Lodging stocks were modestly higher. IHG’s hack appears to be a lot worse than the ones at other hotels as the ransomware attack may very well impact their 3Q results as they continue to have their online reservation system crippled by the attack. Watermark Lodging Trust  said the proposed acquisition of the company by private real estate funds managed by  Brookfield  was approved by its stockholders.