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A jeep tour to upper mustang is fascinating trip that expose rich Tibetan culture and diverse landscapes. The Upper Mustang jeep tour highlights Lomanthang, Kora la border, Konchok Ling Cave, Ghar Gompa, Dhakmar Cliff, Luri Gompa, Ranchung Chungsi Cave, and Sky cave. A 7 days Upper mustang drive tour gradually ascent on the arid landscapes that provides good view of mountains and unmatched landscapes

BOUTIQUE HOTELS GENERATED more annual RevPAR than traditional hotels in the U.S. last year, according to a report from consulting agency The Highland Group. Hotels focused on experiential stay, exceptional design and amenities also attracted a rate premium, the report said. Boutique hotels are classified into independent boutique, lifestyle hotels and soft brand collections. The Boutique Hotel Report 2022 has said that upper midscale, upscale and luxury soft brand collections recovered strongly in 2021 in performance metrics against their US upscale counterparts, while the upper upscale class was ahead in rate recovery and lagged in occupancy. According to the report, lifestyle upper upscale and luxury hotels recovered at parity with their counterparts, while upper midscale and upscale lifestyle hotels reported slower recovery in both occupancy and average rate. "Upper midscale and upscale independent boutique hotels in urban locations recovered at a stronger pace than all U.S. hotel in urban locations in both performance metrics.

THE HOTEL PROPERTY types most associated with business travel, upper upscale hotels, are well represented in the U.S. hotel construction pipeline. The volume of projects in the segment points to confidence in the future of business travel, according to STR. "Upper upscale saw the slowest recovery, but a steady climb in performance and the business travel indicators have supported developer confidence in the segment," said Isaac Collazo, STR's vice president for analytics. "The more than 23,000 upper upscale rooms in construction right now represent 3.4 percent of the segment's existing supply. That is well above the long-term growth average, up 2 percent in the U.S." According to STR, a total 154,284 rooms were under construction in March, down 0.5 percent compared to the same period last year. As many as 239,995 rooms are in the final planning state, an increase of 34.6 percent over last year. STR pipeline data showed that 232,517 rooms are under planning, a decline of 21.6 percent compared to March 2022. After three consecutive month-over-month increases, the overall number of U.S. rooms in construction fell slightly in March, which aligns with patterns in previous years. Among the chain scale segments, luxury shows the highest number of rooms as a percentage of existing supply. Luxury segment reports the highest increase in hotel construction in March, up 5.2 percent containing 7,136 rooms, followed by upscale, up 4.1 percent with 36,089 rooms and upper midscale, increased 3.7 percent containing 43,470 rooms.

Upper Mustang also allures people from all around the world through its amazingly celebrated Tiji Festival trekking. And Nepal Kailash Trekking has been arranging the Upper Mustang Tiji festival trekking each year during the Tiji festival. The festival has rejoiced for three days in Lo-Manthang of Mustang. Tiji Festival is reckoned as a prominent festival in upper mustang region. It is celebrated by the sacred pilgrimage of inhabitants of Mustang. The word Tiji has been derived from the word Tenji which means worshipping for bringing peace in the world. Tenji, in fact, marks the conquest of Dorje Sonam against Matamaruta, a wicked man who was the reason for bringing drought and ultimately caused loss of crops. During this celebration, the monks of the Chyode monastery execute the agony of Ma Tam Ru Ta, the delivery of the brave man Dorje Sonam who helped people of Mustang to get rid of the evil spirit who actually is his own father. The dances like called Tsa Chham, Nga Chham, Rha chham is shown on the first second and third day respectively. Tiji festival is celebrated by letting the monk act the role of Dorje Sonam.

Are you planning a visit to Upper Mustang in Nepal? Great Decision! Our ultimate Upper Mustang travel guide has all the things you should know.

U.S. EXTENDED-STAY hotels experienced their first quarterly decline in RevPAR since the first quarter of 2021, according to The Highland Group. In the first quarter, the segment saw a 1.6 percent drop in RevPAR, despite a 1.5 percent increase in revenues. Demand increased by 1.7 percent, contrasting with a 2.8 percent fall in total hotel demand when excluding upper upscale and luxury segments. STR/CoStar estimated that overall hotel RevPAR, excluding upper upscale and luxury segments, which have minimal extended-stay room supply, increased by 1.3 percent in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The Highland Group's 2024 First Quarter U.S. Extended-Stay Hotels report indicated that overall hotel RevPAR and room revenues declined by 1.1 percent and 0.9 percent year-to-date, respectively, excluding upper upscale and luxury segments.

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL recently relaunched Radisson Individuals in the Americas as an upper-upscale soft brand targeting full-service, boutique and independent hotels. This is the first time the brand is offered to owners since Choice's 2022 acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas. The launch marks the company's expansion into the upscale and upper-upscale segments, Choice said in a statement. "Choice is a different company today than we were just a few years ago," said Patrick Pacious, Choice's president and CEO. "We've seen strong interest in our upscale and upper-upscale brands, including Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson Red, Ascend Hotel Collection and Cambria. This reflects the strategic investments we've made to provide value to developers looking to grow in these segments." Radisson Individuals is one of the fastest-growing soft brands globally, with more than 30 properties opened since 2020, including 15 franchised by Choice in the Americas, the statement said.

HYATT HOTELS CORP. expanded its upper-midscale segment with Hyatt Select, a new select-service brand targeting transient guests and designed for easy conversions. The company also opened its first Hyatt Studios location, Hyatt Studios Mobile/Tillmans Corner in Mobile, Alabama, developed by 3H Group and led by CEO Hiren Desai. Hyatt Select is the sixth brand in Hyatt's Essentials portfolio, initially focused on the Americas before expanding globally, Hyatt said in a statement. "For Hyatt, launching a new brand is never just about adding to our portfolio-it's about strengthening our network in a way that benefits both owners and guests," said Jim Chu, Hyatt's chief growth officer. "Hyatt Select hotels will meet a specific need in the market by offering a cost-effective, conversion-friendly option for owners, while delivering an experience for guests who want reliability, comfort, and thoughtful design in the upper-midscale segment."

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL has completed its acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas for $675 million. The transaction includes Radisson's franchise business, operations and intellectual property. The merger, which was announced in June, will add Radisson's nine brands to Choice, bringing it to 624 hotels. "With the close of this transaction, Choice Hotels International has added approximately 67,000 rooms, expanding its presence in the higher revenue upper upscale and upscale full-service segments, and bolstering its core upper-midscale hospitality segment, particularly in the West Coast and Midwest of the U.S.," the company said in a statement. As part of the transaction, which covers properties in Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean as well as the U.S., Choice will independently own and control the brands in the Americas and will work with Radisson to drive the growth, continuity and success of the brands, according to a joint press release from the companies. Choice's board of directors unanimously approved the transaction, and it was expected to close in the second half of 2022. It was funded by cash on hand and revolver borrowings and includes 10 Radisson Blu hotels, 130 Radisson hotels, 9 Radisson Individuals, 1 Park Plaza hotel, 4 Radisson RED hotels, 453 Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and 17 Park Inn by Radisson hotels, as well as the recently launched Radisson Inn & Suites and Radisson Collection brands.

U.S. HOTEL REVENUES and profitability saw an increase in 2023 compared to 2022, with improvements in group business across the top 25 markets and upper-scale chains, according to STR's 2023 P&L data. Overall, 14 of the top 25 markets reported double-digit increases in GOPPAR. "Total industry revenues and profits were well beyond 2022 levels as pricing power continued to outweigh the impact of softer leisure demand," said Claudia Alvarado Cruz, senior analytics manager at STR. "A lift in corporate demand made improvements especially notable across the upper-upscale brands and major markets. New York City was the shining example with 47 percent growth in GOPPAR." In 2023, GOPPAR reached $75.83, marking an 8.2 percent increase from 2022. TRevPAR stood at $211.49, indicating a 9.6 percent rise, while EBITDA PAR amounted to $53.05, up 7.6 percent from the prior year. Labor costs notably increased, reaching $71.56, reflecting a 13.2 percent rise.

THE NUMBER OF U.S. hotel rooms under construction in June reached its highest level in 16 months, according to CoStar. The construction volume increased year-over-year for four consecutive months, with upscale and upper midscale segments dominating pipeline activity. "The number of rooms in construction has grown year-over-year for four consecutive months," said Isaac Collazo, STR's vice president, analytics. "While upscale and upper midscale continue to dominate, accounting for about 50 percent of all rooms in the final phase of the pipeline, the pace of activity in these segments has slowed compared to last year. Midscale and economy have shown the most growth, up 42 percent and 34 percent, respectively, with newer brands and extended-stay accounting for most of the new construction across the midscale segment." Approximately 157,713 rooms were under construction in June, up 5.5 percent from the same month last year. Additionally, 266,619 rooms were in the final planning phase, a 9.8 percent increase from June 2023. The planning stage saw 333,827 rooms, a rise of 38.7 percent compared to the previous year.

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL relaunched its breakfast program at Comfort and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson to attract guests and distinguish its upper-midscale brands. It is introducing new items, including a breakfast bowl at select Comfort hotels and a biscuit sandwich at some Country Inn & Suites. The company is working with Florida's Natural and General Mills to source juice and cereal to supplement its breakfast menu, Choice said in a statement. "At Choice Hotels, we recognize that a hearty breakfast is a key part of what upper-midscale guests expect, and these upgrades, co-developed with owners, are designed to deliver more value for them and for Comfort and Country Inn & Suites guests," said Judd Wadholm, Choice's senior vice president and general manager of core brands. "As we've done for 85 years, we continue to invest in areas that help owners generate more revenue and attract repeat guests, working closely with them to chart that path."

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL reported improved performance for Country Inn & Suites by Radisson following its integration with Radisson Hotels Americas. The brand saw a 19-point RevPAR Index increase, a 20 percent rise in direct online contribution and year-over-year revenue growth from group and business travelers. Radisson Americas brands have seen increased digital traffic and higher booking conversions, driving new hotel commitments, including 38 Country Inn & Suites additions in two years, Choice said in a statement. "Country Inn & Suites by Radisson has performed well above the goals we set out for the brand when it joined the Choice family of brands two years ago," said Judd Wadholm, Choice Hotels' senior vice president and general manager for upper-midscale, midscale, and economy brands. "We are committed to a long-term strategy to give this brand an even stronger edge in the competitive upper-midscale segment and to unlock additional channels for our owners to help grow their revenue."

Sonesta Essential Junction City is now open in Junction City, Kansas. The 119-room upper-midscale property is owned by Tapan Parekh. The hotel is near the Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, and Milford Nature Center & Fish Hatchery, Sonesta said in a statement. Junction City is known for its proximity to Fort Riley, the Buffalo Soldier Memorial, and agritourism attractions. "We are excited to expand our Sonesta Essential brand with the addition of Sonesta Essential Junction City," said Keith Pierce, Sonesta's executive vice president and president of franchise and development. "Sonesta Essential has quickly become Sonesta's fastest-growing brand, and this opening continues the brand's momentum following its launch in January 2023." The new Sonesta Essential is near the Spring Valley Historic Site, South Park Junction City and the U.S. Cavalry Museum. It features a fitness center, the statement said.

Sonesta Essential Hotels Overland Park is now open in Overland Park, Kansas. The 82-room upper-midscale property is owned by Mihir Patel. The hotel is near Overland Park Convention Center, Oak Park Mall, the Museum at PrairieFire and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Sonesta said in a statement. "Sonesta is proud to open the second Sonesta Essential Hotel in Greater Kansas City," said Keith Pierce, Sonesta's executive vice president and president of franchise and development. "Since its debut in early 2023, Sonesta Essential Hotels has excelled as the portfolio's fastest-growing brand. With our owner-centric approach, Sonesta prides itself on creating brands to fill market gaps and meet demand from consumers and owners alike."

Tsum valley trek Nepal located at the altitude of 1907 to 5095m meters is one of the remote and newly fascinating tourist destinations of Nepal. It is also known as the Hidden Valley and trek opportunity to explore the Gurung traditional and Himalayan panorama Mountains view as likes which boasts Baudha Himal and Himal chuli to the west,Ganesh Himal to the south and Sringi Himal to the North. This combines two secret villages development committee chhekampar (upper tsum) and chumchet (lower Tsum) .

Annapurna Circuit trek is popular trekking destination in Nepal with its beauty which will remind memorable culture and natural trekking route.There are many famous trekking routes in Annapurna Himalayan region as Annapurna circuit trekking, siklis, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Base Camp, Jomsom Muktinath, Ghorepani poon hill ABC trekking and upper mustang trek, etc.

THE OMICRON VARIANT of COVID-19 has come and, for now, gone, and U.S. hotels are recovering quickly according to STR. The recovery does come after a slight dip in GOPPAR. That dip was a $20 decline in January, but GOPPAR rose to $58.88 in February, the highest since October, according to STR's P&L report for the month. TRevPAR for the month was $169.77, EBITDA PAR was $39.29 and labor costs were $56.63. All also were increases over January. In 2021, U.S. hotel profits reached 52 percent of pre-pandemic levels, according to STR. "Following trends in top-line performance, U.S. profitability levels are recovering more quickly from Omicron than with previous variants," said Raquel Ortiz, STR's director of financial performance. "February GOPPAR was roughly 77 percent of the 2019 comparable, but independents (108 percent), luxury (94 percent) and midscale (88 percent) chains were far above the national average. The upper upscale (67 percent) and upscale (70 percent) segments are where the largest deficits persisted.

Sonesta Essential Plainfield, an upper-midscale hotel with 67 rooms, is now open in Indianapolis. The property, owned by Bipin Patel, is the second Sonesta Essential location to launch since the brand's introduction in January. The hotel is near Pioneer Park, Sodalis Nature Park, Indianapolis International Airport, the Indianapolis Zoo, Zip City Indy and the Indiana War Memorial & Museum. Amenities include a fitness center. "We're excited to provide guests with the full range of conveniences offered by Sonesta Essential," said Bipin Patel, owner of Sonesta Essential Plainfield. "From modern sleep amenities to refreshed communal spaces, visitors to Greater Indianapolis now have a fresh choice for dependable and comfortable lodging that caters to their travel requirements."