Valor Hospitality Partners

Spark by Hilton Is a Conversion Favorite

BofA Securities initiated coverage on Marriott Vacations with a Neutral rating and a $180 price target. The Wall Street Journal published an article on how hotel companies are stepping up efforts to lure competitors’ hotels to their own brands. The article referenced Hilton’s new Spark by Hilton brand. We had heard those concerns about upcoming maturities from Service Properties Trust when we were positive about their resumption of the previous dividend, giving them an 11% yield at the time.

U.S. Hotel Construction Increased in December

After 25 consecutive months of year-over-year declines, U.S. hotel construction increased slightly in December. Wells Fargo cut their price target on Airbnb to $130 from $165. They maintained their Overweight rating. STR said US hotel RevPAR the week ended 1/14 was up 33.1%. RevPAR was up 9.4% versus the same week in 2019.

Western Australia Sees Surge of Singapore Visitors

Data from Tourism Western Australia shows Singapore is now the number one source of foreign visitors, with Singaporeans accounting for 24% of all international arrivals. The Ascott Ltd. has launched Citadines Connect in Lebuh Noordin, Georgetown, Penang , a hotel situated in a two-story pre-war building. Mohegan’s Inspire Entertainment Resort , under development in Incheon, South Korea , signed a management agreement with Hanwha Hotel & Resorts for the operation of five-star hotel towers in the property.

U.S. Group Bookings Increase While Biz Travel Lags

The  DJIA  rose 323 points while  Nasdaq  jumped 208, the  S&P 500  rose 59 points, and the  10-year Treasury yield  took a breather, down .08 to 3.03%. Inflation, energy prices, supply chain challenges, labor shortages, and regional developments are  pushing the forecast for full recovery into 2026,  instead of the previously forecasted 2024. According to the latest monthly data from  STR  and  CoStar , the number of  groups booking U.S. hotel rooms  continued to increase in June, although individual business travel continued to lag.