Pre-tax income for the United States hotel industry in 2007 increased 5.3 percent to a record $28 billion, according to the recently released 2008 Hotel Operating Statistics (HOST) Study issued by Smith Travel Research (STR). The industry posted an all-time best $139.4 billion in revenue in 2007—which is over $6 billion more than it generated in 2006 ($133.4 billion)—and for the second consecutive year, gross operating profit as a percentage of revenue came in at 41.3.
In 1998, the light in Harlingen Lighthouse was extinguished after three quarters of a century of faithful service. For a moment the future of this landmark monument seemed uncertain. Uncertain, that is, until a private individual used it to fulfil a dream: create a unique place offering panoramic views, comfort and a bed for the night. Doesn't this sound tantalising? There is more...
