Breaking news about deals, development, data and more.
Impact of government shutdown. The loss to the U.S. travel economy in terms of lost revenue
and opportunity cost of the federal government shutdown has exceeded $1
billion, according to a U.S. Travel Association estimate. About 2,900 U.S.
flights were delayed as of 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to data from
FlightAware, compared with nearly 3,600 on Tuesday and more than 6,100 on
Monday. USTA said travelers are facing longer airport security lines, reduced
flight availability, which impacts local communities and businesses. U.S.
Travel-developed estimate that reduced government travel and closed
government-run attractions costs $100 million per day, brings the estimated
monthly loss of a shutdown to the travel economy of a bit shy of $4.2 billion.
US occupancy declines. The
U.S. hotel industry from September 28 to October 4 reported mixed
year-over-year comparisons, according to CoStar data. Occupancy was 63.7%
(-3.0% YOY) and overall, 18 of the Top 25 Markets reported an occupancy decline; ADR was $160.62 (+2.7% YOY); RevPAR was $102.37 (-0.4% YOY). Among
the Top 25 Markets, Tampa reported the largest declines in occupancy (-30.0% to
57.9%) and RevPAR (-35.5% to $81.84). Miami registered the steepest drop in ADR
(-8.1% to $150.78). Las Vegas reported the highest increases in each of
the three key performance metrics: occupancy (+8.7% to 81.7%), ADR (+37.1% to $234.52)
and RevPAR (+49.0% to $191.60). The market’s performance was helped by PACK
Expo 2025.
Fortier retiring. After nearly 30 years with Hilton, Senior Vice President of
Development for the Americas Bill Fortier has announced his retirement at the
end of 2025. His career included a decade with Marriott International, where he
helped pioneer the franchise model for brands like Fairfield Inn and Courtyard.
In 1996, Fortier was recruited to Hilton to help launch and scale Hilton Garden
Inn. When Hilton acquired Promus Hotels in 1999, Fortier led the integration of
the development teams and was promoted to oversee regional development in 2000.
He also helped design Hilton’s incentive structure to reward teamwork over
territory. Fortier said he looks forward to disconnecting from the 24/7 rhythm
of hotel development and spending more time with his wife at their retreat in
Pennsylvania, traveling, golfing, biking and dedicating more time to
Homestretch, a local charity where he serves as a board member.
Rosewood brand refresh. Rosewood has launched a reenergized brand identity focused on meaningful guest
experiences that foster personal connection, cultural immersion, and a deeper
sense of place. A refreshed visual identity featuring “Discovery Green” and a
new monogram complements a redesigned website that blends storytelling with
seamless booking and curated experiences. Rosewood has 41 properties and a pipeline that includes Courchevel, Crete, and Seoul.
Club Med update. In the first half of 2025, Club Med
reported Mountain Resorts saw a 7% increase in business volume and the
Exclusive Collection luxury line achieved a 6% ADR increase. It added that major
renovations at Club Med Punta Cana will be unveiled this fall with new social
spaces, culinary concepts, and redesigned accommodations. It will expand into
South Africa with the opening of Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari
Resort in 2026 on the Indian Ocean coast in Kwazulu-Natal.
Marriott grows in Kenya. Aksaya Estates Ltd. and Marriott International will
bring Courtyard by Marriott to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in
Nairobi, Kenya, in 2027. The Courtyard by Marriott Nairobi Airport, which has
commenced construction, will feature approximately 180 rooms and suites, two
restaurants and bars, a landscaped courtyard featuring a fire pit, a rooftop
fitness center and 18 meter swimming pool, as well as indoor and outdoor event
space. The property will be the second Marriott-branded hotel owned and
operated by Aksaya Estates in Kenya.