Quotes of the Week: Hilton, IHG, STR, Pan Pacific

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