England

Canadian business travel is expected to grow robustly in 2024, outpacing global and U.S. rates, with increased spending and trip frequency despite financial challenges.

During the hotel group's earnings season, Hilton's report stood out as the most impressive – despite showing slowing RevPAR growth – due to strong performance in Net Unit Growth and EBITDA flow through.

CBRE anticipates continued growth in the U.S. hotel industry in 2024, with a 3% RevPAR increase driven by recovery in international travel and strong segments performance, amidst challenges of increasing operational costs and pressure on profit margins.

The Fed Chief made it pretty clear there will be no interest rates lowered for some time and the markets seemed to like the certainty.

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.

IHG posted slightly better than expected results with the most publicized part of the release being their intention to give more $1 billion back to shareholders in 2024.

Four Seasons will develop the Four Seasons Residences at The Ocean Club in Nassau, Bahamas. This project, set to open in 2027, will include 67 Private Residences with luxurious amenities including an oceanfront pool, private cabanas, a beachfront restaurant, a spa, and more.

The  DJIA  fell 285 points,  Nasdaq  was down 174, the  S&P 500  fell 38 points, and the 10-year treasury yield was down nearly .10 to 3.91%. Let’s hope the first two trading days do not represent the rest of the year. STR’s  global “bubble chart” update through December 16, 2023 showed 75% of markets with growth in RevPAR compared to 2019. Could there be a hotel building moratorium in one of the most popular areas of Southern Florida?

Deutsche Bank's conference highlighted mixed optimism in the lodging and gaming sectors, with expectations of growth driven by international markets. Revised forecasts for the U.S. hotel industry in 2023 indicate slight adjustments in occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR predictions. The sector saw various activities, including MHG's acquisition of Marriott West Palm Beach Airport, 3H Group's plans for a new Hilton in Florida, and the opening of a new Holiday Inn Express in Arizona. International expansions and renovations were also notable, with new properties and rebranding efforts in several countries. Valencia Hotel Group rebrands to Valencia Hotel Collection, marking its 20th anniversary with leadership restructuring and expansion plans. Libertyland USA, a mixed-use development, is set to open in South Dakota by 2026, featuring an indoor waterpark and other amenities. Agora Realty & Management acquires a 73-acre site in Las Vegas for mixed-use development.

Hilton Grand Vacations is acquiring Bluegreen Vacations for approximately $1.5 billion, expanding its membership base and resort portfolio. HEI Hotels & Resorts takes over management of the Renaissance Times Square hotel in New York. Hyatt is collaborating with Parks Hospitality Holdings to develop four new properties in Mexico, including the Park Hyatt Cancun and Grand Hyatt Mexico Santa Fe.