Curio Collection by Hilton

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.

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.

Hilton Expands Its Curio Collection in Asia Pacific

China's hotel Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) increased by 46.5% for the week ending November 25, 2023, compared to a 2.2% increase year-over-year but was down 2.8% compared to 2019. Curio Collection by Hilton is set to reach its 150th opening by the end of 2023, with 19 new properties, including 10 first-in-market hotels, such as in Kenya, Vietnam, Monaco, Australia, Argentina, and Curacao. Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport opened on December 1, being the largest in Thailand with 468 rooms and multiple dining options.

Margaritaville Announces Plans for New All-Inclusive Resort

Hilton's Curio Collection is set to reach its 150th hotel milestone by the end of 2023, with notable openings in various global locations, including Kenya, Vietnam, Monaco, Australia, and Argentina. Sun Hill Properties announced plans for a new 395-key hotel next to the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, aimed at accommodating the 2028 Olympics. The Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Florida announced the opening of a newly transformed spa and renovated guestrooms and restaurants.

Global Deal Announcement Slowed in First 9 Months of 2023

U.S. hotel RevPAR rose by 4.9% for the week, with rates up by 4%. Group RevPAR also increased by 13.3%. Truist adjusted ratings and target prices: lowered ratings for some companies (e.g., Bluegreen Vacations), raised target price for Bluegreen Vacations, and decreased target prices for Hilton Grand Vacation, TNL, and VAC. A significant decline in deals across travel and tourism sectors globally during January-October 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, affecting various regions and deal types.

Wyndham Grand Makes Debut in Kuala Lumpur

Wyndham Grand debuts in Kuala Lumpur and Hilton's Curio Collection enters India, while Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point launches after a significant refurbishment. Hyatt and IHCL plan extensive expansions in India, while Genting invests in Sentosa. The Westin Tokyo undergoes a major makeover, and Candeo Hotels integrates a historic temple in Osaka.

Marriott and Hilton Embrace Dividends and Stock Buybacks

DJIA rose 391 points, Nasdaq up 277, and S&P 500 rose 68, with notable movements in lodging stocks, Hilton, and Marriott. PwC predicts economic challenges for hotels through 2024. CBRE reports mixed trends in the U.S. hotel industry, with RevPAR contraction, short-term rentals gaining market share, and outbound U.S. travelers surpassing inbound. Several hotel developments and expansions are underway, including in Banff, Nashville, and Park City. Hilton expands to Monaco, Marriott brings The Luxury Collection to Greece, and Minor Hotels debuts in Paris. Various hotel acquisitions, developments, and renovations are announced across the United States, reflecting a dynamic and evolving hospitality landscape.

Hilton to Open a Bevy of New Properties in 2024

Braemar Hotels (BRH) and Ashford Hospitality Trust (AHT) reported 3Q results, with BRH missing estimates due to its resort/leisure focus, experiencing a -7.1% decline in RevPAR growth. AHT's results exceeded expectations, especially in urban assets, with a 4% growth in RevPAR. Hersha Hospitality shareholders approved a $1.4 billion, all-cash deal for KSL Capital Partners to acquire the hotel REIT, taking them private. The deal, valued at $10 per share, is expected to close in the current quarter. The Global Hotel Investor Sentiment Survey by JLL revealed a surge in lodging demand, with global RevPAR up 10.2% relative to 2019. Key findings include 81% of investors planning to be net buyers, a preference for urban markets (84%), and a focus on luxury and select-service hotels. Investors anticipate a rise in hotel pricing per key and face challenges like the cost of capital, rising insurance costs due to climate risk, and deferred capital expenditures.  

Truist Discusses Challenges in Choice Hotels and Wyndham Deal

JP Morgan expects strong international performance in 3Q23 RevPAR, net rooms, and pipeline growth, particularly driven by ADR gains. Truist discusses potential challenges and concerns in the Choice Hotels and Wyndham Hotels deal, including antitrust issues and franchisee resistance. US hotel industry reports a modest 0.8% YoY increase in RevPAR, with ADR compensating for soft occupancy; group RevPAR up 0.9% for the week ending 10/14.

Kempinski Debuts in North America

Morgan Stanley adjusted price targets for several hotel companies, maintaining Overweight ratings for Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham, but lowered the price target for Park Hotels. They also raised the price target for Choice Hotels and maintained an Underweight rating on Pebblebrook Hotel Trust. Marcus Hotels & Resorts' new Chief Investment Officer, Tiffany Leadbetter Donato, aims to expand the company's hotel portfolio beyond the Midwest for greater geographic and customer diversity. Hotel del Coronado, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, is investing over $160 million to restore and revitalize its historic Victorian building in Coronado, California, with a target completion date in Spring 2025.