Opinion Articles

HVS Las Vegas Casino and Hotel Market Outlook 2024

Las Vegas continues to evolve, with billions of dollars being spent on the development of new world-class venues in recent years. In 2023, occupied room nights, as well as total occupancy (83.5%), continued to lag 2019 performance; however, like gaming revenue, the market’s ADR ($191.29) and RevPAR ($159.73) for 2023 reached record levels for the second year in a row. This article examines the latest trends and developments that are relevant to the Las Vegas casino and hotel markets.

Waterparks Maintain Momentum in 2024 Amid Growth and New Opportunities

In 2023, waterpark owners and operators saw a more competitive market as attendance levels remained similar to 2022 while ticket pricing growth was more subdued. This occurred due to increased competition from a variety of additional attractions and entertainment venues in the post-pandemic economy. In 2023, 16 indoor waterpark openings and expansions added 480,000 square feet of indoor waterpark space while twelve new outdoor waterparks opened. New growth is forecasted for indoor and outdoor waterparks in 2024 as several large-scale projects will open that will alter the waterpark landscape. These projects will continue to encourage existing properties to innovate and update to keep market share. The planned merger of Cedar Fair and Six Flags will create the largest owner-operator of outdoor waterparks in North America.

Hotel Market Beat 2023 - Italy

Following a slow start, hotel investment activity surged in the second half of 2023, exceeding €1 Bn (+74% vs H2 2022). Total investment volumes for 2023 amounted to €1.5 billion (+1% vs 2022), reaffirming hospitality as a leading sector in the Italian real estate market. Key transactions included the acquisitions of Six Senses Rome, Aermont Pellicano Portfolio, and the sale of Blackstone’s 35% stake in HIP.

2023 European Hotel Transactions

High inflation and consequential rises in interest rates had major impacts on investment markets throughout 2023, including slowed hotel transaction activity in Europe. Reaching €10.7 billion overall[1] , total volume was 19% lower than in 2022, which represented the second lowest level of investment in the last decade. There were 6% fewer transactions than in 2022, indicating that the average price per room was also down in 2023.

Hotel Market Beat 2023 - Spain

Spain was the most active hotel investment market in Europe, with €4.2Bn transacted during 2023, a 44% increase relative to 2022. Portfolio dealsrepresented more than half of 2023 volume, among which are the sale of Blackstone’s 35% stakes in HIP to GIC (63 properties out of 77 in Spain) andPortfolio Equity Inmuebles to ADIA (17 hotels). Sovereign funds and other players with less reliance on debt drove the activity.

Egypt and the Big 5 Dominate Hotel Development in Africa

When it comes to hotel development across Africa in 2024, just five words tell the story, “Egypt and the Big 5”. In this context, “the Big 5” does not refer to Africa’s major wildlife attractions, (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo) but to the global hotel chains – Accor, Hilton, IHG, Marriott International and Radisson Hotel Group. This year’s African Hotel Chain Development Pipeline report, widely acknowledged as the industry’s most authoritative source, documenting and analysing the number of hotels being planned and built across the continent, reports a market share of 28% for Egypt and 71% for the Big 5 global chains.

Unforgettable Meeting Spaces: Atlantis, the Palm Where Luxury Meets Adventure

Atlantis, The Palm, located in Dubai, is the ultimate entertainment destination to host an upcoming gathering or event. From spectacular rooms and suites, vibrant entertainment settings, captivating backdrops and extraordinary activities, every occasion is designed to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Outlook for 2024: the Rise and Rise of Experiential Travel

Seeking unique travel experiences will remain a robust trend in a growing global tourism market in 2024, which has major implications for hotel operators. Predictions paint a rosy picture for travel in 2024. UNWTO expects international arrivals to finally return to pre-pandemic levels, and even exceed 2019 figures by 2%. Airline connectivity may further rise this year from 89.5% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, IATA said.

Rivalry Brewing

It is no secret that The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is changing. Over just the past five years the change has been staggering, both socially, and politically as well as a dramatic shift in its economic vision.