LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 131

2 min

Choice Hotels Signs Two New SOAR Contracts

🚧 Choice Hotels International, Inc. expanded hotel ownership for underrepresented entrepreneurs via 17 SOAR contracts in 2021, with a WoodSpring Suites in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico (82-room, construction next year), and a Rodeway Inn in Effingham, Illinois (49-room, opened October). SOAR's 20-year history boasts 387 franchise agreements, averaging two contracts per month over the last five years, enhancing diverse ownership in the hospitality industry.

3 min

AHLA Releases Statement on H-2B Visa Expansion

🏨 The Department of Homeland Security will issue an additional 64,716 H-2B visas for FY 2025, expanding the cap beyond the standard 66,000. American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) supports this, urging Congress for a needs-based visa system. AHLA endorses bills like the Closing the Workforce Gap Act of 2024 (H.R. 7574), the HIRE Act (H.R. 4708), and the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act (S.255/H.R.1325). AHLA Foundation focuses on workforce development, supporting programs for human trafficking survivors and Opportunity Youth.

2 min

CBRE: U.S. Hotel Performance Expected to Accelerate at Year End

📌 Dallas, Texas—U.S. hotel performance is projected to improve in Q4 2024 and continue into 2025 with a 0.5% increase in RevPAR growth, despite a downward revision from 1.2%. Occupancy is expected to decrease by 30 bps year-over-year while ADR is forecasted to rise by 0.7%. Q3 2024 saw a 0.1% dip in hotel demand, a 0.6% increase in supply, and a 0.8% decline in occupancy. CBRE predicts a 1% compound annual growth in supply over five years, below the 1.6% historical average, alongside a 2.6% GDP growth and 2.9% average inflation for 2024.

2 min

Choice Hotels Details Cambria Brand Growth With Three Openings

🏨 Choice Hotels International opened three Cambria Hotels in Imperial, California; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Spokane, Washington, and announced two groundbreakings for O’Fallon, Missouri and Bend, Oregon. The company added 18 Cambria properties in two years and has 62 in the pipeline, including a New York Times Square location opening in 2025. Their upscale portfolio expanded with the acquisition of Radisson Americas Hotels Americas in 2022. Newly opened hotels feature amenities like meeting spaces ranging from 738 to 2,050 square feet and on-site dining. Upcoming properties in Missouri and Oregon, opening in 2026, will offer 118 and 131 rooms respectively.

3 min

SiteMinder: U.S. Travelers Prefer Direct Booking for 2025 Hotel Stays

📍 In Dallas, Texas, SiteMinder released its "Changing Traveler Report 2025" showing 37% of U.S. travelers plan to book their 2025 stays directly, surpassing the global average of 27%. Travelers aged 60+ may reach 57%. Surveyed 12,000 respondents across 14 markets, U.S. direct bookings outdo Australia (35%) and Germany (33%), while Indonesia (16.5%) and China (17%) lag. 33% of U.S. travelers prioritize loyalty incentives, 9 points above global average. In 2025, 51% of U.S. respondents plan to travel abroad, up from 43% in 2024 with Gen Z's international travel intention at 73%. Canada emerges as the top destination (10%). Gen Z's trends include more spending on accommodation (69%), work-from-stay (59%), and eco-friendly preferences (87%).

2 min

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Partners With Lafayette Square

🔔 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts partnered with Lafayette Square, aiming to provide up to $100 million in financing to diverse hoteliers. This initiative is part of Wyndham’s BOLD and Women Own the Room programs, which have already resulted in over 100 hotel deals, with more than 20 now open. Lafayette Square's strategy tackles the capital access issue, supporting credible hoteliers facing financing barriers. Galen Barrett of Wyndham and Abhay Patel of Lafayette Square emphasize the importance of inclusivity in hospitality ownership.

2 min

Cendyn and Amadeus Index Reports Highest Rating in Four Quarters

🏨 AUSTIN, Texas—Cendyn's Sales Intelligence platform and Amadeus reported Q3 2024 Hospitality Group and Business Performance Index at 107.9% YOY, the highest in four quarters. Houston led with a 120.0% Index score, followed by New Orleans at 118.0%. All top 25 markets, except San Francisco, exceeded 100%, with New Orleans (152.6%), Chicago (123.6%), and Houston (115.3%) showing the highest group growth. GDS performance grew to 113.5% due to an 11% rise in room nights and a 2.4% increase in ADR. Negotiated performance was up at 101.6% despite a 2.2% decline in room nights, thanks to a 3.9% ADR rise. Event volume reached 110.2% of the previous year's level, with average attendee size at 136 and space used around 3,766 square feet. Las Vegas, Detroit, and Atlanta meeting volumes were at 124.1%, 123.5%, and 123% respectively.

2 min

AC Hotels by Marriott Shares Cava Sparkling Wine Program

🍷 AC Hotels by Marriott in Bethesda, Maryland, introduces a Cava sparkling wine program, featuring customizable experiences and pre-made cocktails. This initiative caters to the rising trend of personalized beverages and the popularity of sparkling wine cocktails. Currently available at 11 properties in the United States and Canada, the rollout will continue globally through 2025. Participating locations include properties in Vancouver, Bridgewater, Waco, Sawgrass Mills, Bloomington, Washington DC, Columbus, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas, and at Diagonal L´Illa.

2 min

This Week’s Comings & Goings

📌 Arlo Hotels appointed Jimmy Suh as president, effective immediately. Rentyl Resorts named Michael Trampas EVP of business development and marketing. Rosewood Washington, D.C. appointed Tony Mosca as managing director. Ganesvoort Meatpacking named Sherrin Thomas general manager. KSL Resorts appointed Luis Mendoza as GM of Avila Lighthouse Suites. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay welcomed Sandeep Kumar as hotel manager. Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach named Gilberto Contreras executive chef. Waldorf Astoria Chicago appointed Eric Damidot as executive chef. The Peninsula Beverly Hills announced Luis Cuadra as executive chef. Radisson Salt Lake City promoted Josh Lokken to executive chef. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek named Jonah Friedmann executive chef. The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel appointed José González as executive chef. Four Seasons Hotel New York set to reopen Fall 2024 with Michael Dedera as GM. The Quail named James Overbaugh as managing director.

2 min

Arlo Hotels Appoints Jimmy Suh as President

📌 Jimmy Suh appointed as president of Arlo Hotels in New York, effective immediately, bringing over 20 years of hospitality leadership experience. Suh, as former chief commercial officer since July 2021, launched new Arlo hotels in Miami, Chicago, and Williamsburg over the past three years. Arlo Hotels, with six properties in New York City, Miami, and Chicago, plans to open its seventh location in Washington D.C. on November 18, 2024. Founder Oleg Pavlov commends Suh’s approach to innovation and guest service excellence.

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