LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 14

2 min

AHLA President and CEO Testifies Before Congress

📈 Rosanna Maietta, CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, testified in Washington, D.C., highlighting the economic impact of hotels, which generate nearly $900 billion in GDP and $83 billion in tax revenue annually, supporting 1 in 25 U.S. jobs. She urged legislative action as the U.S. prepares for global events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Maietta presented four policy recommendations, including H-2B visa expansion and restoring Brand USA funding. Rising operating costs challenge the industry post-pandemic.

4 min

SiteMinder: U.S. Travelers Turn to Familiar Brands When Researching Hotel Bookings

📍 Fourteen percent of U.S. travelers prioritize familiar hotel brands, tripling last year's 5%. In 2026, 52% plan domestic travel, a slight increase from 49%. Direct bookings rose to 40% from 36%, outpacing the global average of 28%. AI use in trip planning reached 4%, with 7% among U.S. Gen Zs and Millennials. The desire for travel is growing, with 49% globally planning more trips. Quality is key, as 58% prefer premium rooms.

4 min

SiteMinder: U.S. Travelers Turn to Familiar Brands When Researching Hotel Bookings

🛑 U.S. travelers' reliance on familiar hotel brands tripled to 14% in 2026 from 5% last year, per SiteMinder's report. Direct bookings rose to 40%, surpassing the global 28% average. In 2026, 52% plan domestic travel, up from 49%. U.S. named a "dream destination" by 10% globally, topped by Japan at 17%. AI usage in booking rose to 4%, with 71% of U.S. travelers desiring AI features like price alerts. Event-driven travel appeals to 63%, with a focus on quality experiences.

Azul Hospitality Group Announces Debut of EMRE at The Ava Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

🏨 In August 2025, Azul Hospitality Group celebrated the opening of The Ava Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, in Paso Robles, California. This 151-room hotel now features EMRE, its signature restaurant led by chef Julien Asseo. Located downtown, it's a joint venture with Paso Robles Hotel Partners and Peachtree Group. The hotel includes 6,500 sq. ft. of event space and three dining venues: EMRE, Pine Street Bistro, and Esperanza on The Rooftop.

3 min

Choice Hotels Announces Expansion Into Africa With Three Hotels in Kenya

🏨 Choice Hotels International is expanding into Africa, signing three franchises in Kenya to open by early 2026. One property near Maasai Mara and two in Nairobi. By 2030, they aim to add 15 more across sub-Saharan and southern Africa. The EMEA portfolio now has nearly 64,000 rooms, growing 7% year-over-year. Internationally, they aim to double profitability by 2027, with recent expansions in Australia and Canada, generating approximately $3 billion in gross rooms revenue.

1 min

CoStar Reports Mixed U.S. Hotel Industry Performance Results in October

📅 October 2025, Arlington, Virginia—U.S. hotel occupancy decreased for the eighth month year-on-year to 65.8%, a 2.4% drop. ADR increased 1.5% to $167.71, while RevPAR fell 0.9% to $110.35. New York City had the highest occupancy at 89.4% (-1.6%). Tampa, Florida (62.5%), and St. Louis, Missouri (63.1%) reported the lowest occupancies, with Tampa affected by post-Hurricane Milton demand. Top 25 markets outperformed others in occupancy and ADR.

2 min

Hunter Hotel Advisors Reaches $1 Billion in 2025 Transactions

🏢 ATLANTA, November 2025—Hunter Hotel Advisors surpassed $1 billion in hotel sales with 76 transactions, despite market challenges. Q3 alone saw over $515 million in sales, including hotels in San Diego, Knoxville, Athens, and Albuquerque. By year-end, another 47 closings worth $500 million are expected. Hunter's success reflects strategic buyer activity and capital deployment, emphasizing asset quality over price. More than 150 assets are being marketed nationwide, with ongoing activity into early 2026.

2 min

Cloudbeds Announces Partnership With HTS

✈ Cloudbeds and HTS announced a partnership in San Diego and Cambridge, offering the Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) feature to independent hoteliers. This integration provides hotels with increased flexibility, higher conversion rates, and new revenue opportunities. Hoteliers can earn commissions on CFAR fees and resell canceled room nights. The collaboration aims to boost direct booking conversions and enhance marketing efficiency, empowering hotels to compete with OTAs and setting a new industry standard.

3 min

Small Luxury Hotels of the World Debuts Call-to-Action Report

📖 Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) launched its first sustainability Call-to-Action Report in London, UK, during its 35th anniversary in 2025, showing a commitment to sustainable luxury hospitality. The Considerate Collection expanded to 82 hotels in 40+ countries, adding 24 properties in 12 months. By 2027, SLH's 650+ member hotels in 90+ countries will follow 10 Minimum Standards of Sustainability. The Considerate Connections Retreat was held in Morocco in September 2025.

3 min

Hyatt Regency Austin Completes Renovation

🏨 Hyatt Regency Austin completed a property-wide renovation in November 2025, adding 2 guestrooms, 3 dining concepts, and revamping 448 rooms. The $ renovation began in April 2025 and featured new design elements by Ealain Studios. Dining options include Ripple & Roots, Cypress Grove, and Juniper Breeze Market, with flavors highlighting local traditions. Updated meeting venues offer modern amenities and views of Lady Bird Lake, with sustainable, locally sourced ingredients central to the dining experience.

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