Read all of the highlights from the 2021 New York University International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, held Nov. 7-9 in New York City.
Click on each headline below to read more.
U.S. hotel industry forecasters and analysts said pace of demand and growth of rates, driven particularly by leisure travelers, has helped move the recovery timeline forward just as improving weekday bookings show group and corporate travelers are getting back on the road.
Hotel demand and average daily rates are high, but hoteliers must juggle what amenities and services they can consistently deliver.
Hotel industry and lending experts said the pace of the U.S. hotel industry recovery has attracted pent-up capital, creating the potential for a lot of deals and competition.
The signs pointing to strong business transient and group travel in 2022 outweigh concerns over more COVID-19 waves and inconsistent return-to-office policies, executives say.
Hotel companies are concentrating efforts on diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels of their organizations.
The increased level of leisure demand opens pricing opportunities, but opinions differ over traditional models and the a la carte approach.
Hotel brand companies relaxed their standards and renovation requirements to give owners relief during the pandemic, but hotels that have gone years without a refresh will need an update, putting a financial strain on owners still building back their reserves.
Recaps
Hotel executives came out of the gate with strong messages of optimism at the 43rd NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference here this week, the first held in person since 2019.
While hotel executives’ optimism from the first day of the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference carried over into the second, they also recognized the major challenges that increased travel demand creates for their short-staffed industry.