According to Lodging Econometrics’ Q4 2023 US Construction Pipeline report, Atlanta ranked second nationally in the number of hotel openings in 2023, third in the number of hotels actively under construction, and second in the number of projects in the pipeline. Below, we provide an overview of the market’s hotel demand and its notable new supply, both recently opened and on the horizon.
Tulsa’s tourism industry has experienced a strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism is Oklahoma's third-largest industry and is second only to oil and gas in bringing out-of-state dollars into Oklahoma. In 2021, along with the recovery from the pandemic and rebound of the hospitality industry, tourist spending was slightly below the 2019 revenue level. Leisure and group demand recovery continued through 2022, resulting in record-breaking tourism revenue for Tulsa.
Man-made swimming lagoons, not to be confused with pools or waterparks, have emerged as a new and innovative way to enjoy recreational water activities. These large (over one acre of water surface) and uniquely designed aquatic venues present new opportunities within the residential, resort, and attractions industries. Over the past several years, H&LA has seen the emergence of swimming lagoons in many facets of leisure development from large-scale resort settings to residential developments.
Given its location and position as the state’s largest city, Wichita serves as the primary economic hub for central Kansas. Wichita, known as the “Air Capital of the World,” is home to several major aircraft-manufacturing facilities and McConnell Air Force Base. The local economy is further supported by major employers in the manufacturing industry and healthcare and education sectors including Koch Industries, Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, and Wichita State University (WSU). This strong and diverse economy supported stability in the local hotel market’s occupancy and ADR through 2019.
Propelled by the driving force of the University of Alabama and the automotive manufacturing industry, Tuscaloosa’s lodging market quickly rebounded post-pandemic and trended upward through 2023. The outlook for area hotels remains positive, and interest in new hotel development is thriving in the greater market.
Increased cost of financing and ongoing economic and geopolitical headwinds in the CEE region, caused 2023 transaction volumes to drop by 18% compared to 2022. However, the volume invested by international buyers increased by 197% over the same period, illustrating the region’s rising attractiveness for inbound capital. Several significant deals are progressing since the year-end 2023 suggesting transaction volumes will rise in 2024.
As we unveil this special edition of “hopeful” for the HVS ANAROCK HOPE 2024 conference, it’s a time to reflect on the resilience and vibrant future of India’s hospitality sector. This edition is not just a collection of articles; it’s a beacon of optimism, mirroring the spirit of our magazine’s name.
A key driver of Seattle’s leisure demand is its cruise industry. In 2023, the number of Alaska cruises reached 291, a record number compared to 213 in 2019. The Port of Seattle estimates the annual impact of a cruise season on the region at $900 million. This demand particularly benefits local hotels, as passengers typically stay overnight in Seattle before and/or after their trip.
The Manhattan market was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic but has been experiencing a rebound, primarily driven by strong gains in average rate over the last three years. Legislative and supply changes are expected to positively affect hotel market trends going forward, and our demand forecast shows a rebound beyond 2019 levels by 2025.
This article examines Florence's tourism industry resilience amidst crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, analyzing key performance indicators such as airport statistics, hotel supply, and operating performance. Despite setbacks, Florence witnessed a remarkable recovery, notably in 2023, with record-breaking Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR). The analysis also highlights investment trends and future challenges, including concerns about over-tourism and evolving market dynamics.
The $600-million Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon project, which broke ground on December 14, 2023, promises to inject vitality into the Bakersfield suburb of Mettler. Phase I encompasses 150,000 square feet of gaming space, multiple dining options, and a 2,800-seat event venue. Phase II will include a 400-room hotel and additional dining and entertainment amenities. Phase I is slated to open in October 2025, with Phase II following 20 months later. Though situated 30 minutes from Bakersfield, this project is poised to become a prominent leisure demand generator for the region.
Orlando, nicknamed the City Beautiful, was one of the first of the top 20 U.S. hotel markets to recover from the pandemic. As average hotel rates and revenue now exceed historic peaks, demand continues to ramp up.
Group business is back in a big way. In-person events are returning to their pre-COVID normal pace. In 2024, 81 percent of meetings will have an in-person component in them. A recent study by Deloitte anticipates that by 2024, business travel spending will return to its level before the pandemic. This view is echoed in Accor's data, which shows in their latest survey regarding client business travel that 57 percent of those surveyed anticipate a budget increase for travel in 2024 compared to 2023.
Formerly a haven for retirees and snowbird travelers, Naples has been revitalized as a popular destination for all generations. While the area’s natural attractions, hotels, restaurants, and shopping districts will remain its most popular attractions, sports tournaments and events have become a new focus in Naples.
The Boston/Cambridge lodging market ended 2023 at 76.4% occupancy, a 6.8% variance over 2022’s 69.6%. This 6-point increase in occupancy is a result of the market accommodating 8.6% more rooms in 2023 compared to the prior year; 0.6% more rooms occupied as compared to 2019. Seasonality appears to be in sync with what we typically expect for the Boston market. Peak season, May through October, monthly occupancies ranged between 84% and 89%, averaging 86%.
In today’s world, the most in-demand skill sets change yearly, young graduates have trouble bagging their dream jobs, and employers struggle to fill essential roles. Yet, one sector doesn’t suffer from this disconnect between academic education and industry needs. It’s the hospitality industry, and vocational education is its proven solution.
With inflation decelerating, fears of a recession receding, and supply growth muted, the overall outlook for U.S. hotel metrics in 2024 is one of modest, steady growth. The investment market is also showing increased signs of life, as inflationary concerns are diminishing and interest rates are improving modestly.
The Brooklyn hotel industry has been experiencing post-pandemic recovery due in part to strong leisure demand, an increase in meeting and group business, and the gradual return of commercial demand. Additionally, the New York City Department of Homeless Services and related entities have been utilizing many hotels as temporary shelters for homeless residents and migrants/asylum seekers.
Little Rock is experiencing growth, both recent and potential. Propelled by average rate growth, hotel RevPAR in Little Rock continued to improve in 2023, with occupancy meeting or exceeding prior pandemic levels at most hotels. In addition to a recovery trend in both business travel and group demand, tourism and leisure demand in the Natural State experienced significant growth after the pandemic.