Global Hotel Industry Outlook: U.S. Weakens

Skift Global Forum East is quickly approaching, taking place on November 19-20 in Dubai. If you haven’t yet attended, now is the time to join industry leaders from travel, tourism, and hospitality, as they share groundbreaking insights and dive into the region’s tremendous potential.

Choice Hotels began to push upmarket when it debuted the Cambria brand in 2005. The hotel franchisor lacked upscale expertise, as it had been best known for midscale brands, such as Quality Inn and Comfort Inn, and economy brands, like Rodeway Inn.

MGM Resorts International president and CEO Bill Hornbuckle discussed the company’s strategy and outlook on stage at Skift Global Forum 2024.

Does this week mark the day the lifestyle hotel died? Depends on who you ask.

While the Global Entry application fee has risen to $120 for adults, it has been eliminated for children under 18. Before October 1 of this year, the fee was $100 for anyone applying, regardless of age. So, while there has been a 20% increase for adults, anyone under 18 can apply for Global Entry for free—as long as their parent or guardian is also applying or is already a member. In the past, if your kids did not have Global Entry, they would have to go through the long customs line even if you had it. Now, it is much easier to get your kids Global Entry.

Disneyland Resort just rolled out discounts for kids and hotel stays next year.

Hotel elite status provides plenty of benefits to make your next stay more comfortable, including room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout, bonus points and complimentary breakfast. These can be valuable, especially for top-tier elite members who receive far more perks than nonmembers in most loyalty programs.

The experiences sector has seen a boom in recent years as travelers are choosing to spend more money on experiences than possessions.  Skift Research’s Venture Investment Trends in Travel 2024 report revealed experiences was one of the few sectors in travel to see an increase in venture capital investment.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, October 3, 2024 and here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today. 

There's about to be a new southernmost hotel in the world — operated by a company you might not expect.

Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, sees a “10-year golden run” ahead for economy hotels, driven by the $1.5 trillion U.S. infrastructure bill. With only 20% of the funds allocated so far, Ballotti expects strong hotel demand from infrastructure workers needing affordable extended stays near project sites.

Remember 2014? Pharrell’s “Happy” was inescapable, everyone on social media was dumping ice water on their heads for charity, and Marriott decided it was high time to create its first select-service brand aimed at 20-somethings.