2025/26 Federal Per-Diem Update: Steady Rates Ahead

The federal government per-diem rate is made up of a lodging allowance and a meals and incidental expense (M&IE) allowance. The per-diem lodging rates, which set the maximum amount a federal traveler can reimburse, are based on the average rates for mid-priced hotels and are set annually by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). A standard rate applies to most of the continental United States (CONUS), while individual rates apply to about 300 non-standard areas (NSAs), mostly comprising primary destinations or key cities.

New Survey: Majority of Hoteliers Scaling Back Development Plans

Rising costs and uneven demand challenges are placing a significant strain on hotel investment and operations, according to a new survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the leading voice representing all segments of the hotel industry. The survey, conducted in late August, featured input from nearly 400 hotel property owners and operators nationwide.