Opinion Articles

Hotel Market & Feasibility Studies: Connecting Vision with Viability in Untapped Markets

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, macroeconomic trends have helped breathe new life into secondary and tertiary hotel markets. The shift to hybrid and remote work, an increase in highway tourism, and a strengthening of the logistics and manufacturing sectors have supported a resurgence of leisure and commercial hotel demand in many small and medium-sized communities. These factors, among others, have generated interest in new hotel development in these areas, often by local municipalities and/or economic development organizations.

Why is Airbnb losing the war of STR dominance to Booking.com?

Last year, Booking.com delivered 400.4 million nights booked at short-term rentals (STRs), which was 80% of Airbnb’s total nights. At the same time, Booking.com generates almost twice as many nights per listing on its platform as Airbnb. Growth rates for a number of STR listings on the Booking.com platform were 17% vs only 4% for Airbnb.

The Changing Landscape and Recovery of the Newark Airport Hotel Market

The Newark Airport hotel market has faced significant adjustments since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes to the submarket’s hotel supply, coupled with the rebound in passenger levels through Newark Airport, have resulted in a slow but steady recovery of the hotel market. Recent and upcoming expansion projects at Newark Airport support a positive outlook.

HVS ANAROCK Insights - Navigating the Noise: What US Tariffs Could Mean for Indian Hospitality?

India has received a short break on the tariff front, but the bigger picture remains complex. Earlier this month, the US administration announced a steep 26% tariff on Indian imports, sparking concerns across trade-focused sectors. Fortunately, a 90-day suspension has been granted, offering India, along with several other countries, a temporary pause and a crucial opportunity for trade discussions.Key Indian export sectors like electronics, gems and jewelry, textiles, and auto components are watching the developments closely as these industries have strong export ties with the US. If the tariffs are enforced after the suspension period, many could face higher input costs, lower margins, and reduced global competitiveness.Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there is an underlying opportunity. Trade experts believe this could prompt long-overdue reforms, such as streamlining India’s tariff structures, improving import policies, and increasing investments to strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains. As trade talks progress over the coming weeks, the spotlight will be on how India positions itself, not just in relation to the US, but within the rapidly evolving global trade landscape.The travel and hospitality sector in India, while not directly impacted by the tariffs, could feel the ripple effects over time. With the global economic environment in a state of flux, marked by protectionist trade policies, recessionary signals in some regions, and general uncertainty, travel demand may begin to soften. These factors can influence discretionary spending, which in turn could affect both corporate and leisure travel.

Tools and Data for Decision Making: Hospitality Metrics & KPIs

I have been teaching with metrics for a long time. Before teaching, I worked for a consulting firm and was immersed in the world of hospitality metrics. Prior to that, as a restaurant manager on both coasts, I focused, for managers and owners, on food and labor costs. In the old days, restaurants were very food-cost oriented. I can calculate food cost percentage, but it reminds me that unless you lock the front doors of your restaurant and serve no one, the restaurant will incur food costs as a function of the food they sell.

In Focus: Singapore

Singapore, a city-state spanning 734 square kilometres with a population of approximately 6.04 million, remains one of the world’s top travel and business destinations. Its modern infrastructure, cultural diversity, and strategic location continue to attract millions of visitors annually.

Tropical Trends: an Analysis of the Caribbean Hospitality Market

The Caribbean hotel market has long been one of the most enviable and robust sectors in the global hospitality industry. Thanks to its convenient proximity to the United States, the Caribbean offers an unbeatable combination of weather, sun, and adventure, attracting millions of visitors annually and fueling tourism-dependent economies. Following the 2020-2021 downturn in the travel industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the market continues to improve and flourish, albeit at a slower pace in the last 12 months compared with prior years.

Building Momentum: The Resurgence of the Downtown St. Louis Hotel Market

The Downtown St. Louis hotel market steadily recovered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic until 2024, when the recovery stalled due to a correction in leisure demand and disruptions at the convention center. However, subsequent airport passenger traffic growth and completion of the convention center’s expansion, along with other trends and developments, provide a stronger outlook for the market in 2025 and beyond.