Delaware

Global tourism rebounded strongly in 2024, with international arrivals reaching 98% of pre-pandemic levels, driven by post-pandemic demand, increased air connectivity, and growth in key regions like the Middle East, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Quarterly reports were mostly positive, but the week ended on a down note as hospitality stocks were down across the board.

The U.S. stock market rose again today and most lodging stocks came along for the ride upward.

Travel + Leisure Co. has closed the acquisition of the vacation ownership business of Accor. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Travel + Leisure Co. earnings.

The BT Tower will be transformed into a hotel after the telecom giant inked a £275m deal to sell the London landmark to MCR Hotels.

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.

DJIA fell 174 points, Nasdaq down 85, S&P 500 down 27, and 10-year treasury yield surged to 4.71%. Financial analysis by JP Morgan on Marriott Vacations Worldwide, noting risk factors and a Neutral rating. Acquisitions by Apple Hospitality REIT, renovations of Marriott properties, and promotions at Noble House Hotels & Resorts, KSL Resorts, JLL's Value and Risk Advisory platform, and Auberge Resorts Collection.

Truist reports strong trends in the U.S. hotel industry, with no signs of demand slowdown and expectations of growth in Q4 2023, driven by group business, business travel, and international visitors. CoStar data indicates a shift in U.S. hotel occupancy trends, with family travel slowing, group events strengthening, and a return of business travel, particularly during weekdays. Various hotel-related developments include property updates, new hotel constructions, and management changes across different locations in the United States.

Hotels are increasingly charging for early or late checkouts, impacting both regular guests and loyalty program elites. This comes alongside a 1.8% rise in US hotel RevPAR and a 3.1% increase in Group RevPAR. Waramaug Hospitality acquires Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners with 222 rooms and versatile meeting spaces. SpringHill Suites by Marriott open in Delaware, Scottsdale, and Lansing. Oyo Hotel in St. Louis undergoes a $46 million renovation to become a Sheraton, introducing Bonvoy Apartments. Leading Hotels of the World adds four member hotels: The Adria (London), Azur Legacy Collection Hotel (Vancouver), Chedi Katara Hotel (Qatar), and Aleenta Retreat (Chiang Mai). These properties offer unique amenities, including a tranquil spa, rooftop dining, private beaches, and repurposed Thai dwellings.

The DJIA rose 27 points while Nasdaq was up 71, the S&P 500 was down 12 points, and the 10-year treasury yield was up .08 to 4.03%. MAR was up about 1.45% at the close.