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HOTEL AND TRAVEL associations welcomed the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill by the House of Representatives over the weekend, saying the measure is long overdue. At the same time, there is some concern that the bill also eliminates a key piece of federal assistance to companies struggling to retain jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The House passed the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on Friday after months of debate over it and the related Build Back Better legislation, which is still pending. The bill, according to the Associated Press, contains: $110 billion to repair the nation's aging highways, bridges and roads, including almost $40 billion for bridges alone $39 billion to expand public transportation systems $66 billion to improve Amtrak's Northeast Corridor $65 billion to improve broadband internet access $7.5 billion for electric vehicle charging stations $65 billion to improve the reliability and resiliency of the power grid $25 billion to improve airport runways, gates, taxiways and terminals $55 billion on water and wastewater infrastructure. That includes $15 billion to replace lead pipes and $10 billion to address water contamination from polyfluoroalkyl substances

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), maintaining adequate liquidity is essential to ensure smooth operations and sustainable growth. Effective liquidity management involves optimizing cash flow, allowing businesses to meet short-term obligations and invest in new opportunities. The correct strategies help mitigate financial risks and enhance the company's ability to navigate economic fluctuations. Optimizing cash flow Creating detailed cash flow forecasts is necessary for SMEs to predict inflows and outflows accurately. These forecasts help businesses anticipate potential shortfalls and address them proactively. Maintaining a cash reserve provides a buffer against unforeseen expenses or economic downturns, ensuring stability during challenging times. Prompt invoicing with clear payment terms accelerates receivables and improves the cash flow cycle. Electronic invoicing and payment systems enhance efficiency and reduce delays, allowing companies to access their funds more quickly. Negotiating favorable payment terms with suppliers also offers more flexibility in cash management, enabling them to hold onto their cash for longer periods. In addition, regular reviews and audits identify areas for cash flow optimization. By closely monitoring performance, businesses can implement corrective actions promptly, ensuring that cash flow remains steady. Advisors or consultants can provide tailored strategies to enhance liquidity and improve overall financial health. Additionally, automating routine tasks can free up valuable time and resources, allowing staff to focus on more strategic activities. These practical measures help SMEs improve their liquidity, reduce financial risks, and support sustainable growth.

PERFORMANCE OF U.S. hotels improved in the third week of September compared to the week before and also when compared to 2019, according to STR. Occupancy was 69.6 percent for the week ending Sept. 17, up from 61.7 percent the week before and decreased 2.4 percent from 2019. ADR was $155.58 for the week, increased from $146.80 the week before and increased 15.6 percent from three years ago. RevPAR reached $108.25 during the week, up from $90.50 the week before and improved 12.9 percent from 2019. Among STR's top 25 markets, Norfolk/Virginia Beach reported the highest occupancy increase during the week, up 6.6 percent to 70.9 percent, over 2019. Miami reported the largest ADR gain, increased 30.7 percent to $177.10, over 2019.

24SEVEN HOTELS, A California-based third-party hotel management company, has partnered with the digital tipping platform Shiny to improve services for over 450 associates across its 30-hotel portfolio. David Wani is the founder and CEO of 24Seven Hotels. This partnership will include 24Seven's premium-branded, select-service, and lifestyle hotel segments throughout the western U.S., with implementation across various hotel departments, including housekeeping, the companies said in a joint statement. "With one of the tightest labor markets in industry history and ever-rising costs, it has become increasingly important for us to recognize the efforts put forth by our associates," said Wani. "We believe that by consistently rejecting the status quo and insisting that we can always improve and innovate, we conquer complacency-and ultimately improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our operation. Along with our Daily Pay program, this is another example of the additional efforts we take to ensure our employees are among the most satisfied in the industry."

U.S. hotel performance improved in the fourth week of April from the week before, according to STR. The top 25 markets saw improvement as well. Occupancy was 65.8 percent for the week ending April 23, up from 62 percent the week before and down 4.2 percent from 2019. ADR was $148.35 for the week, increased from $147.25 the week before and up 15.4 percent from three years ago. RevPAR reached $97.66 during the week, up from $91.25 the week before and rose 10.5 percent from 2019. Among STR's top 25 markets, Tampa saw the highest occupancy, up 3.4 percent to 78.1 percent and ADR, increased 38.5 percent to $203.40, over 2019. Minneapolis experienced the largest occupancy decrease, dipped 21.1 percent to 53.8 percent, from 2019.

U.S. HOTEL PERFORMANCE increased in the second week of November compared to the week before, according to STR. All performance metrics improved during the week compared to same period in 2019 as well. Occupancy was 64.6 for the week ending Nov. 12, up from 62.4 the week before and increased 0.9 percent from 2019. ADR was $148.43 during the week, improved from $147.48 the week before and up 17.1 percent from three years ago. RevPAR reached $95.89 during the second week of November, increased from $91.99 the week before and up 18.2 percent from 2019. Among STR's top 25 markets, Norfolk/Virginia Beach reported the largest occupancy increase, up 14.3 percent to 63.6 percent, over November 2019. San Diego posted the largest ADR increase, increased 35.2 percent to $202.86, over 2019.

U.S. HOTELS REPORTED higher performance in October compared to September, according to STR. However, performance during the month weakened when compared to 2019. Occupancy of U.S. hotels were 67.2 percent for October, increased from 66.7 percent from the month before and decreased 2.4 percent from 2019. ADR was $155.63 for the month, up from $154.32 in September and up 16.8 percent from three years ago. RevPAR was $104.59 for the month, improved from $103 the month before and up 14 percent over 2019. STR's top 25 markets showed higher occupancy and ADR than all other markets in October mainly due to continued improvement in business travel and groups.

GOPPAR FOR U.S. hotels improved in September compared to the month before and it exceeded the pre-pandemic levels, according to STR. Meanwhile, the cost of labor per available room came in higher than the pre-pandemic comparable for the first time. GOPPAR was $84.03 for the month, up from $64.26 reported in August. It was $78.30 for July and $91.23 in June. The performance index was $88.63 in May and stood at $90.96 in April. EBITDA PAR was $60.71 for September, TRevPAR was $222.97 and labor costs per room were $71.52. "Labor costs moved ahead the 2019 comparable due to continued high levels of hospitality unemployment and more spending on contract labor," said Raquel Ortiz, STR's director of financial performance. "Total labor costs were up 5 percent year to date, with all departments reporting higher expenses, except F&B, due to less group demand earlier this year. GOPPAR was the strongest since June 2022, and profit margins came in higher than September 2019. Profit margins have been strong for some time caused by lower employment levels and reduced services."

U.S. HOTEL PERFORMANCE improved in the first week of October due to school breaks and extended holiday weekend, but the performance was mixed when compared to 2019, according to STR. Hotel performance during weekdays declined due to Yom Kippur as expected. Post-Hurricane Ian demand in Florida also boosted the performance. Occupancy was 68.2 percent for the week ending Oct. 8, up from 66.4 percent the week before and decreased 3.5 percent from 2019. ADR was $153.79 during the week, increased from $149.71 the week before and up 16.9 percent from three years ago. RevPAR reached $104.83 in the first week of October, up from $99.36 the week before and increased 12.8 percent from 2019. Orlando reported the highest occupancy increase among STR's top 25 markets, up 1.9 percent to 73.6 percent, over 2019.

Melissa Ross Smith is now chief operating officer for Peachtree Group. She will be responsible for the overall performance, strategy and organizational development of Peachtree and its operating businesses. Before joining Peachtree, Smith held several high-level positions at organizations. Most recently, Smith was managing director of OS National, where she managed more than 250 professionals and was responsible for evaluating performance management systems and devising improvements to strengthen controls and optimize results, Peachtree said in a statement. "As Peachtree continues to evolve, improving our foundational processes is imperative to the future growth of our business," said Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO of Peachtree Group. "Melissa is an excellent complement to our team as she has an exceptional blend of leadership, vision and execution needed to be Peachtree's COO." Smith will report to Friedman, and will be a key executive team member, Peachtree's statement said. Peachtree Group is led by Jatin Desai and Mitul Patel as managing principals. "I am deeply impressed by Peachtree's success," Smith said. "Not only am I excited about the future opportunities, knowing that I can help execute and bring operational excellence across all segments, but I am also pleased to be joining an executive team representing some of the best people in commercial real estate."

THE U.S. HOTEL construction pipeline continued its growth at the end of the second quarter of 2022 as travel returned, according to Lodging Econometrics. The upscale and upper-midscale segments continue to lead the pipeline with 68 percent of projects. The total U.S. construction pipeline stands at 5,220 projects with 621,268 rooms during the second quarter. That is up 9 percent by projects and 4 percent by rooms, over the same period last year, according to the U.S. Construction Pipeline Trend Report from LE. There were 965 projects with 130,914 rooms currently under construction in the second quarter, down 17 percent by projects and 18 percent by rooms, year-over-year. As many as 2,009 projects with 232,163 rooms are scheduled to start in the next 12 months, up 9 percent by projects and 9 percent by rooms, over last year. According to the report, projects and rooms in early planning reached a record high at 2,246 projects with 258,191 rooms, up 26 percent by projects and 15 percent by rooms, compared to last year. "Improved demand and increased consumer sentiment and spending has led to record-high rates of travel and much improved hotel revenue over the last few months. The outlook for the industry is positive and growth is expected to continue throughout 2022, albeit at a decelerated pace than initially expected. The industry's ability to adapt to the constantly changing economic environment provides a positive outlook for hotel performance, and its eventual full recovery," the report said.

IN JUNE, GOPPAR for U.S. hotels reached its highest level since October 2019, according to STR. All profitability metrics were up in the month compared to the month before. GOPPAR was $91.23 for the month, up from $88.63 reported in May. In April GOPPAR stood at $90.96. EBITDA PAR was $69.53 for June, TRevPAR was $226.10 and labor costs per room were $68.40. "Each of the key bottom-line metrics increased from May due to a rise in room rates as well as improved revenue from F&B and groups," said Joseph Rael, STR's senior director of financial performance. "Profit margins have held strong the past 12 months but have been slightly reduced recently due to rising wages and costs. Hotels have brought back services, amenities and F&B operations that were previously reduced, which have increased profits overall but at lower margins. While F&B revenues remain strong, catering and banquet revenue has lagged with improvement in recent months due to rising group demand."

AIR TRAVEL HASSLES lead fliers to skip an average of two trips annually, which will result in 27 million avoided trips and a $71 billion loss for the U.S. economy in the coming year, according to a recent report by U.S. Travel Association and Ipsos. The impact of traveler frustrations also leads to a loss of $4.5 billion in tax revenue. The federal government must prioritize improvements throughout the air travel ecosystem to foster greater growth, the association has said. "When almost 60 percent of recent air travelers equate the experience to or find it worse than going to the DMV, it's a worrisome sign that requires action," said Geoff Freeman, USTA president and CEO. "With targeted efforts, the federal government can certainly enhance the entire travel system." Half of travelers said they would increase air travel in the next six months if the experience were less of a hassle, the poll revealed. Similarly, business travelers would take an average of two more trips annually if travel frictions improved, resulting in 18 million additional trips and $52 billion in economic impact.

OWNERS OF ECONOMY brand hotels may not always think about improving the appeal of their properties, and up until now their options for interior design have been limited. Alpa Patel discovered those limitations and four years ago it inspired her to do something about it. She has created a company, Spaceez, that offers affordable design work to those owners to give them the option of upgrading their hotels into boutiques, allowing them to charge higher rates accordingly. Her inspiration comes from her efforts to help improve her parents' Super 8 hotel where she grew up in Arlington, Texas. "My dad was going to refresh the property because he hadn't touched it in a decade. I said Dad, do something nice with the lobby. He was just going to do the rooms," Patel said. "The lobbies, it's a public space and people come if it looks nice photographs, nice. You could charge higher rates."

U.S. HOTEL PERFORMANCE improved in the second week of May compared to the week before, according to STR. Occupancy, ADR and RevPAR all rose from the previous week and the latter two rose from 2019 levels. Occupancy was 66.5 percent for the week ending May 14, up from 63.9 percent the week before and down 5.9 percent from 2019. ADR was $148.31 for the week, increased from $147.24 the week before and up 10.5 percent from three years ago. RevPAR reached $98.59 during the week, up from $94.10 the week before and rose 4.1 percent from 2019. Among STR's top 25 markets, Phoenix saw the highest occupancy increase, up 4.5 percent to 73.8 percent, over 2019. Miami posted the highest ADR, increased 62.8 percent to $282.26, when compared to 2019.

U.S. HOTEL PERFORMANCE improved in the final week of 2022 compared to the week before due to favorable side of a holiday calendar shift, according to STR. When compared to the same period in 2019 performance also increased in the last week of December. According to STR, the comparable week in 2019 covered Dec. 29 to Jan. 4. Occupancy was 54.2 percent for the week ending Dec. 31, up from 43.9 percent the week before and increased 10.4 percent from 2019. ADR was $167.21 during the week, a steep increase from $132.29 the week before and up 21.7 percent from three years ago. RevPAR reached $90.63 in the final week of December, rose from $58.04 the week before and up 34.3 percent from 2019.

AS NORMAL SPRING break patterns continue, U.S. hotel performance increased in the first week of April compared to the previous week, according to STR. Metrics improved over the previous week as well as year-over-year in most cases. Occupancy stood at 66.2 percent for the week ending April 1, up from 64.9 percent the week before, and rose 3.4 percent than the comparable week in 2022 and decreased 3.5 percent over the comparable week in 2019. ADR was $158.40, down from $158.61 the week before, increased 7.3 percent and 19.9 percent against 2022 and 2019, respectively. RevPAR was $104.78 from $102.98 in the last week and rose 10.9 percent and 15.7 percent over the same month in 2022 and 2019. Among the top 25 markets, Washington, D.C., registered the highest year-over-year increase in occupancy, up 18.2 percent to 78.7 percent, while Dallas saw the highest occupancy lift over 2019, up 6.2 percent to 73 percent. Houston showed the most substantial ADR, up 25.8 percent to $133.5, while Phoenix reported the highest ADR increase over 2019, up 49.4 percent to $232.54.

APPROXIMATELY 51 PERCENT of hospitality industry professionals participating in STR's Hospitality Industry Sentiment survey expressed optimism about their business confidence over the next two years. Respondents rated their confidence at "8" or higher on a 10-point scale. Analyzing the results over the survey's first year reveals a gradual, consistent decline in confidence ratings for each time span. Meanwhile, global recession fears have diminished since the last survey, STR said. Among various industry challenges, "concerns regarding a potential recession" saw the most significant drop between the last two surveys, ranking third behind labor costs and supply issues. Energy and utility costs are slightly increasing, while supply chain challenges and group demand issues are gradually diminishing. Regarding hotel performance, outlined trends influence demand forecasting expectations, the survey said. The percentage of respondents anticipating "strong improvement" or "some improvement" is gradually declining across all three hotel demand segments. A majority of experts still foresee growth in both business transient and group demand.

U.S. HOTEL PERFORMANCE improved in the fourth week of January compared to the previous week, according to CoStar. However, year-over-year comparisons remained mixed, with key metrics like occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR experiencing an increase compared to the preceding period. Occupancy came in at 56.2 percent for the week ending Jan. 27, up from the previous week's 52.2 percent but down 0.3 percent year-over-year. ADR increased to $149.76 from the prior week's $142.27, a 5.1 percent rise from the previous year. RevPAR rose to $84.13 from the prior week's $74.31, reflecting a 4.8percent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Among the top 25 markets, Las Vegas exhibited the highest year-over-year growth across all key performance metrics: a 28.9 percent increase in occupancy to 83.4 percent, a 46.3 percent rise in ADR to $228.37, and an 88.5 percent growth in RevPAR to $190.42. This performance surge was attributed to the SHOT Show and World of Concrete events.

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.