Market Trends

🏨 U.S. hotel rooms under construction decreased for a 15th consecutive month in March 2026, per CoStar. The construction phase had 136,990 rooms, down 5.4% from March 2025. Final Planning saw 247,728 rooms, down 9.3%, while Planning counted 333,467 rooms, down 7.3%. Luxury hotels increased by 4.5% with 8,039 rooms. The most rooms in construction were in the Upper Midscale segment, 40,179 rooms. The pipeline is still moving forward, particularly from earlier stages into construction.

📚 At Georgia State University, the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration is shaping future hospitality leaders. In July, Dr. Benjamin Lawrence became director, focusing on expanding the program and student opportunities in Atlanta, a hospitality hub. Georgia State, a major and diverse university with over 50,000 students, emphasizes internships and offers unique franchising and entrepreneurship courses. The university, founded in 1913, is renowned for its integration with the business community and its historical ties to hospitality education since 1973.

📈 Apr 29, 2026, Booking Holdings reported robust Q1 results with higher revenue, profit, and booking volumes, showing resilient travel demand, especially in the U.S. However, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are disrupting travel flows, affecting future visibility. The company revised its full-year growth projections and anticipates moderate growth in the next quarter. Hoteliers must adapt pricing strategies and distribution channels to address shifting demand and potential impacts like increased fuel costs and airline adjustments.

🗺 Apr 29, 2026, U.S.: Business travel is evolving with gender, age, and sector trends. Women lead in workforce numbers, but men travel more in senior roles. Both genders report increased travel post-pandemic. Younger professionals experience higher travel stress and prefer digital tools, with millennials integrating leisure into business trips. Healthcare, engineering, and sales drive travel demand. Smaller states like Kansas and Iowa show high per-capita travel intensity. Understanding these patterns helps shape effective corporate travel policies.

🏨 Apr 28, 2026: American Express reveals strong Q1 results driven by premium customers. Luxury retail spending rose 18%, hotel spending increased 6%, and bookings via Fine Hotels & Resorts surged 50%. Airline spending slowed in March-April due to geopolitical tensions, but affluent travelers prioritize experience-led spending. Fine dining spend rose 20%. Amex's curated hotel programs expanded, enhancing premium distribution. AI improves service efficiency. High-value segments drive growth despite travel uncertainty.