Among the noteworthy quotes from stories this week is Hilton's Chris Nassetta talking about an environment in the U.S. ripe for a turnaround.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“We continue to believe that in the U.S. lower interest
rates, a more favorable regulatory environment, certainty on tax policy and a
significant investment cycle will result in accelerated economic growth and
meaningful increases in travel demand.” – Chris Nassetta, Hilton Read story
“Long-term structural drivers of both travel demand and
supply remain compelling, and while near-term macro-economic challenges persist
in some markets, others are showing improvement or sustained growth. We remain
confident in a strong outcome for the year and further delivery beyond.” – Elie
Maalouf, IHG Hotels & Resort Read
story
“Volatility can’t be ignored but the region’s [APAC] growing
middle class, strategic geographic positioning, and improving tourism
infrastructure create compelling long-term growth prospects that sophisticated
institutional investors recognize and are positioning to capture.” – Nihat
Ercan, JLL Read story
“Last year… we sold a hotel at S$530 million and on our
books it was S$100 million. That’s almost a S$430 million profit. What other
place can you get that?” – Peng Sum Choe, Pan Pacific Hotels Group Read story
“Uncertainty often leads to inaction, and developers and
financial institutions are still waiting for a more favorable environment.
Higher building and material costs are also hampering groundbreakings, and we
don’t foresee the cycle turning for some time. However, more rooms are under
construction now than after the Great Recession—development is down but still
happening.” – Isaac Collazo, STR Read
story
“This beautiful destination resort [the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club] is the perfect complement to the Tribe's investment portfolio and fits well with our long-term investment and diversification strategy.” – Lynn Valbuena, San Manuel Investment Authority Read story
“Europe is a cornerstone of Ascott’s global growth strategy, offering a resilient, high-yield market underpinned by strong tourism fundamentals and fragmented supply, where a significant portion of quality assets remain unbranded. By deepening Ascott’s asset-light model in Europe through franchise and management agreements, we are scaling efficiently while building long-term brand equity across one of the world’s most attractive hospitality markets.” – Kevin Goh, The Ascott Ltd. Read story
“The hospitality industry has always been a testing ground
for revenue innovation – forced by its unique blend of high fixed costs,
variable demand, and human complexity. Yet its greatest export isn’t room
service or revenue management software – it’s a way of thinking. Hospitality
thinking means seeing customers as guests, not transactions; treating time and
capacity as perishable assets; turning experience into economics; and aligning
culture, data, and adaptability for continuous growth.” – Judith Cartwright, Black
Coral Consulting Read story