Hard Rock International

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.

The DJIA jumped 490 points while Nasdaq surged 327. The S&P 500 rose 84 points and the 10-year treasury yield was down .19 to 4.44%, all on a low inflation report. HLT and HT hit new highs while…

Morgan Stanley favors C-Corps over hotel REITs for their growth potential and downside protection, while Barclays upgraded Park Hotels and Resorts due to its high dividend yield. Choice Hotels missed estimates, and the potential acquisition by Wyndham remains uncertain, with suggestions for possible negotiation tactics.   Various hotels reported earnings and developments, with openings, auctions, and construction plans in different regions, including California, Texas, and North Carolina.

The Thai Hotels Association (THA) expresses concerns about new regulations that exclude accommodations with up to eight rooms and 30 guests from the hotel business, anticipating a 15% to 20% loss in tourism revenue and increased safety risks. The THA believes these regulations have more disadvantages than benefits, while the Tourism Council of Thailand supports them. Speculation grows regarding the legalization of casino gambling in Thailand within three years, attracting international and regional operators. The text emphasizes the importance of the government's approach to legalization, as it could affect investor interest, citing examples from other countries like Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan. New World Hotels & Resorts, an upper-upscale hotel brand under Rosewood Hotel Group, is actively expanding in Asia. They plan to have 18 operating hotels by the end of the year, with two more opening in 2024. The brand is entering various markets, including Mainland China, Vietnam, and Japan.

Stock Market Performance: DJIA fell by 291 points, Nasdaq decreased by 158 points, and S&P 500 dropped by 34 points. The 10-year treasury yield increased to 4.31%. Lodging Industry Trends: Lodging stocks, including SLNA and BHR, traded lower. Truist held a conference call on US lodging supply growth, with Marriott having the largest pipeline, and Hyatt showing the largest year-over-year increase. Hotel Performance Forecasts: CBRE Hotels revised down its 2023 RevPAR forecast due to weak summer demand, expecting a 4.6% YoY growth in RevPAR. Hotel supply growth is projected to be 1%, below the industry's historical average of 1.6% over the next five years.

Accor Pacific's partners have invested over $300 million in hotel renovations and refurbishments across various locations in the Pacific region to enhance guest satisfaction and maintain a leading position in the industry. Centara Udon in Thailand underwent renovations and now offers remodeled facilities, new dining options, and event spaces. S Hotels and Resorts PCL is set to open SO/ Maldives , a new resort on a private island with beachfront and over-water pool villas, and various dining venues in November 2023.

Market Summary: DJIA rose 82 points, Nasdaq fell 17, S&P 500 down 1 point, 10-year treasury yield down to 3.85%. Uncertainty remains about the Fed's rate hike decision. Certares Real Estate Hospitality Fund : Certares closes its first real estate fund with $284 million in equity commitments, investing in 10 U.S. hotels. Hilton and Travel + Leisure face mixed responses from investors. JD Power study highlights staff service as the highest contributor to guest satisfaction in hotels.

Airbnb hit a new 52-week high on the stock market, Soho House rose 9%, and Sonder was up 6%. Long-term licensing agreement for MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy, encompassing 17 MGM resorts, and loyalty marketing agreement with BetMGM. The City of London plans to convert empty offices into hotels to revitalize the area, attract tourists, and address the growing demand for serviced accommodations in London.

Stock market: DJIA down 245 points, Nasdaq down 22, S&P 500 down 21 points Decline in travel and tourism deal activity: 41% YoY decline, all deal types registered a decline in volume Hotel transactions: Several hotels sold, renovated, or under development in different locations