Hotel Analyst Podcast

IHG and Marriott look to grow conversions in their pipeline. IHG has cut its system fund charges, to enhance its attractiveness, as Marriott teases a new midscale brand designed specifically to encourage conversion signings. Spanish investor Azora has accelerated its long planned push in to hostels - who else will be challenging them in the market? And as there are signs of the hotel investment market defrosting, will it turn into a real melt?

A record set of results from Whitbread came along with more details on how it will optimise its restaurants and bars. Being vertically integrated has its benefits, but also growth challenges. Hilton and Wyndham are both looking to new brand additions for growth, as performance in their home US market flattens off. And all is quiet, calm and seemingly unaffected by geopolitical upheaval, for Scandinavian hotel groups Pandox and Scandic.

Thoughts from this year’s IHIF in Berlin, where the transaction market looks on, becalmed, as the brands and operators enjoy better times. Wyndham and Hilton buy new brands, broadening their offer - but who do the brands really serve? And while SPACs have not been a source of great riches for many hospitality businesses, market listings remain in favour, as far as Hotel101 and Motel One are concerned.

As B&B Hotels and CitizenM potentially come to market, who will be in the mood to spend billions buying these brands, and grow them to the next level? Travelodge now looks to be changing its business model, with owners of the operating business backing a linked property company and buying a portfolio of Travelodge hotels. And Africa is seeing the hotel brands renew their march after the pandemic - as they discover some familiar challenges.

As delegates at MIPIM get over the most recent shocks to hit property markets, there comes a growing realisation that active asset management is increasingly essential, to add value in operational real estate. Student accommodation providers are looking to adjacent spaces to learn operational lessons, and seek growth opportunities. And China's big property conglomerates are under pressure financially - what will the impact be on Western hotel partners?

Deals off, deals on - as Choice abandons its plan to take over Wyndham, Barry Sternlicht reveals plans to launch a SPAC which will own a mix of US and European hotels, previously held by Starwood Capital. Saudi Arabia has hit a key milestone in expanding its tourism sector - and is making impressive progress. And in Europe, airlines and package groups are offering greater flexibility to keep up with continuing strong leisure demand.

The extended stay niche was fastest to recover after the pandemic - and now they’re first to see performance level off, and face the economic headwinds out there. Worries continue over refinancing and the wall of debt the hotel sector faces - will it lead to distress and deals? And Greece has undergone an economic transformation, now its tourism market and hotels too are undergoing major change too, as international investors and brands arrive.

More new hotel brands are coming - are they any good for consumers, and will there be a fallout? Tourist taxes are being ramped up, as destinations use them to generate an income, in the name of moderating peak demand from visitors. And as Spain looks forward to a strong 2024, Asian markets are now enjoying strong tailwinds.

Accor, IHG and Hyatt are all looking to make more strategic moves, as they eye the last benefits of post-pandemic tailwinds. Choice hotels saw market conditions weaken in the US the fourth quarter - putting its share price under pressure, as it relies on that share price to buttress its hostile bid for Wyndham. And hospitality groups have taken a new direction in seeking public listings. Gone are US SPACs, with companies in Germany, Singapore and India tapping regional investor interest.

Marriott still sees tailwinds from growing group and business bookings; Wyndham worries about the impact on its business of the Choice bid, to date reckoned at a USD75m negative impact. Meanwhile in Europe, owner Pandox and operator Scandic are looking forward to a positive year of more growth across the continent. And as pub groups shift into boutique hotels, how should hotel brands react to this quiet, but growing competitive threat?