Quotes of the Week: Marriott, Accor, AAHOA, Sage

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“In general, there was a lot of optimism coming into the year. Our business is so closely linked to consumer confidence and the instability that you see with the short-term hit that the public markets have taken; those are not particularly powerful drivers of consumer confidence. I think our owners and franchisees worry a little bit about the short-term demand environment. They worry a little bit about a protracted trade war if that’s where we end up — it could have a real impact on construction costs, to be sure — and the impact on inbound and outbound international travelers. They worry about all the factors that could negatively influence consumer confidence.” – Anthony Capuano, Marriott International   Read story

“It’s encouraging to see that some markets are holding steady or growing, but the overall outlook calls for close attention and action. As owners, we are on the front lines, and partnerships like this help ensure our perspective is represented in broader industry discussions.” – Miraj Patel, AAHOA   Read story

“The rise in the return to office, combined with the market’s resilient venture capital funding and burgeoning AI sector, should fuel hotel demand in the future, particularly from increased conferences, industry events and transient business travel. San Francisco’s AI sector is booming, with 92 new AI company office leases in 2024 (up 163% from the previous year) and 80 more projected for 2025.” – JLL Hotels & Hospitality   Read story

“I don’t think you’re seeing those regional banks take on a new borrower unless, from a development perspective, they have experience [with them]. So, they’re jumping back in, but they’re starting with their existing customer base, and that’s why we’re staying.” – Sanat Patel, Avana Capital   Read story

“We were leaning heavily on making it an independent, but when we went to get the debt it was so much easier affiliating with Tribute by Marriott for the lender… because they felt a lot more secure.” – Tim Muir, TPG Hotels & Resorts   Read story

“This landmark partnership marks a transformative moment for Accor and its brands in India. By aligning with our long-term successful and trusted partner InterGlobe and bringing together the best of hospitality, tech and entrepreneurship in India, we are unlocking unprecedented growth potential in one of the world’s most exciting travel markets.” – Sébastien Bazin, Accor   Read story

“There was significantly greater activity in Africa last year, both in deal-making and in properties opening – but we do need more. The development pipeline averages about 10 per country on the continent, and the opening of hotels and resorts last year averaged just over one per country. Both metrics are about one-tenth of global averages. We’re getting there, the number of hotels and resorts that opened in 2024 was double the previous year’s figure, and I think that could double again this year.” – Trevor Ward, W Hospitality   Read story

“It creates this sense of community where people then say, ‘there’s always something going on at McGregor Square.’ That’s the mindset that you want the local community to have.” – Walter Isenberg, Sage Hospitality   Read story

“The launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express marks the beginning of a new chapter in Italian train journeys, made possible through our partnership with Arsenale Group. This unique experience is an invitation to rediscover Italy through a new lens—where the glamour of 1960s and 1970s Italy meets the country’s rich hospitality and warm conviviality.” – Gilda Perez Alvarado, Orient Express   Read story