Market Trends

🏠 Since 2023, Red Roof has added over 30 women and representatives from underserved markets to its franchise ownership community through RIDE (Road to Inclusivity and Diversity in Entrepreneurship) and SHE, initiatives supporting diversity and women in hospitality. RIDE connects potential owners with lenders and partners, while SHE provides resources and thought leadership. Dimple Patel progressed from a front desk worker to part owner and general manager of the Red Roof Inn in Walton, Kentucky, exemplifying the success of these programs.

📌 Julien Mattei appointed as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of a&o Hostels, bringing 15 years of real estate expertise from previous senior roles. a&o Hostels, with investors StepStone Group and Proprium Capital Partners, aims to expand across Europe, having added 4 new properties, now totaling 42 hostels in 11 countries, 19 owned, representing 45% of the portfolio. The group plans to invest €500 million by 2030 for acquisitions, renovations, and sustainability-focused modernization. CEO Oliver Winter endorses Mattei for his strategic acumen and extensive network.

📌 Over 675 million monthly site visits are available to those who sign up for free. The Travel Recovery Trend Report for Q2 2021 showed industry positivity, although Q3 faced Delta variant concerns and renewed restrictions. Positive progress was noted in the industry, with data and research from Expedia Group guiding travel marketers globally and regionally.

🌊 In 2023, Barcelona and its region attracted nearly 26M tourists, with the city alone drawing 15.6M visitors. The hospitality sector in Catalonia, Spain, experiences strong seasonal trends due to leisure and corporate tourism influences.

🏦 The InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping, developed by Asset World Corporation and managed by IHG, has launched the Club InterContinental Lounge and The ii Spa, enhancing the luxury amenities with Lanna heritage experiences. The Club InterContinental Lounge, exclusive to Club InterContinental room guests, offers serene Lanna-inspired views and décor, priority services, and a rich local food menu sourced from organic produce supported by the Royal Project Foundation. The ii Spa features authentic wellness treatments such as the Lanna Signature Massage (THB 3,100 for 120 minutes), the Lanna Blessing Massage (THB 4,500 for 120 minutes), and Aroma Bliss Massage (THB 3,300 for 120 minutes) using Panpuri and Phytomer products. The Lounge operates from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, while The ii Spa is open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.

🏛 Discover hidden gems near Dubai for a unique experience: Hatta's stunning scenery and outdoor activities, Al Ain Oasis' UNESCO World Heritage site with traditional farming methods, Fujairah's pristine waters for snorkeling and historical landmarks, Ras Al Khaimah's longest zipline at 2.8 kilometers within the Hajar Mountains, and the high dunes of Liwa Oasis. Enhance your adventure with a rental car for comfort, fuel efficiency, and connectivity, ensuring access to these secluded locales at your own pace.

🏨 Europe's hotel construction pipeline, as of Q4 2024, includes 1,661 projects with 244,464 rooms. The distribution is 736 projects under construction (112,904 rooms), 415 projects to start in the next 12 months (59,719 rooms), and 510 projects in early planning (71,841 rooms). In Q2 2021, Europe saw 169 hotels (24,472 rooms) open, coinciding with the Olympic demand. Upscale (352 projects/54,687 rooms), upper-midscale (322 projects/47,634 rooms), and upper upscale (276 projects/43,428 rooms) segments lead, comprising 57% of projects and 60% of rooms. Property conversions increased by 26% to 520 projects (61,550 rooms). The UK, Germany, Turkey, France, and Portugal account for 49% of pipeline projects and 46% of rooms; with London (77 projects/14,820 rooms) and Istanbul (49 projects/7,903 rooms) having the largest pipelines. The Hard Rock Hotel Athens Riviera, due in 2027 with 1,000 rooms, is a notable development. In Q4 2024, Europe saw 59 new hotels (7,368 rooms), with 342 hotels (48,564 rooms) expected in 2025 and 399 hotels (51,964 rooms) in 202

🏦 Marriott International announced 67 room agreements for about 8,000 rooms in the CALA region in 2024. 30 new properties were added, expanding to 528 properties across 37 countries by year-end. The company celebrated its 500th CALA property with Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort opening. Marriott’s CALA pipeline includes 183 properties, representing 27,817 rooms. The luxury segment signed 11 deals and anticipates openings like Salterra, St. Regis Punta Cana, and W Punta Cana in 2025. Marriott entered the all-inclusive market in 2019, now with 36 properties across nine markets and 19 all-inclusive properties in the global pipeline (15 in CALA). Post-City Express acquisition in 2023, Marriott boasts 153 open and 53 pipeline properties globally. Costa Rica and Dominican Republic are key growth markets with numerous developments and openings planned for 2025.