Connect with us

Hotels & Accommodations

Study: Hiring people with disabilities can help hotels

Published

9 hours ago

on


The company’s global pipeline exceeded 93,000 rooms, including nearly 77,000 in the U.S. Its global system size grew 2.1 percent, including 3 percent growth in the upscale, extended-stay and midscale segments, Choice said in a statement.

“Choice Hotels delivered another quarter of record financial performance despite a softer domestic RevPAR environment, underscoring the successful execution and diversification of our growth strategy,” said Patrick Pacious, president and CEO. “We are especially pleased with our strong international performance, where we have achieved significant growth and accelerated global expansion through a recent strategic acquisition, the signing of key partnerships, and entry into new markets. With more diversified growth avenues, enhanced product quality and value proposition driving stronger customer engagement and a leading position in the cycle-resilient extended-stay segment, we remain well-positioned to deliver long-term returns for all our stakeholders.”

Domestic RevPAR declined 2.9 percent, reflecting macroeconomic conditions and a difficult comparison with 2024 due to the timing of Easter and eclipse-related travel, the statement said. Excluding those effects, RevPAR fell approximately 1.6 percent. Meanwhile, the domestic extended-stay portfolio outperformed the broader lodging industry by 40 basis points in RevPAR, while the economy transient portfolio exceeded its chain scale by 320 basis points.

Adjusted EBITDA rose 2 percent to $165 million, or $167 million excluding a $2 million operating guarantee related to the Radisson Hotels Americas acquisition. Adjusted diluted EPS increased 4 percent to $1.92, the statement said.

Expansion and development

The domestic extended-stay portfolio grew 10.5 percent year over year, with a pipeline of nearly 43,000 rooms as of June 30, Choice said. The combined domestic upscale, extended-stay and midscale portfolio grew 2.3 percent. WoodSpring Suites expanded 9.7 percent to nearly 33,000 rooms and ranked first in guest satisfaction among economy extended-stay brands in the J.D. Power 2025 study. The domestic economy transient pipeline increased 8 percent to more than 1,700 rooms.

Choice acquired the remaining 50 percent interest in Choice Hotels Canada for approximately $112 million in July, funded through cash and credit. The deal expanded its Canadian brand portfolio from eight to 22 and added 327 properties and more than 26,000 rooms. The business is expected to contribute approximately $18 million in EBITDA in 2025.

International activity included a renewed master franchise agreement with Atlantica Hospitality International in Brazil for more than 10,000 rooms; a direct franchise deal with Zenitude Hotel-Residences in France, which nearly tripled room count and two agreements with SSAW Hotels & Resorts in China. These include a 9,500-room distribution deal for 2025 and a master franchise agreement projected to add 10,000 rooms over five years.

Global net rooms for upscale brands increased 14.7 percent year over year, the statement said. The pipeline for these brands rose 7 percent since March 31 to nearly 29,000 rooms.

2025 outlook

Choice revised its RevPAR outlook to reflect more moderate domestic expectations due to macroeconomic conditions, the statement said. The adjusted EBITDA forecast includes a $6 million contribution from the Choice Hotels Canada acquisition for the remainder of 2025. It also reflects the $2 million Radisson-related operating guarantee payment incurred in the second quarter.

Net income guidance was lowered to a range of $261 million to $276 million, down from $275 million to $290 million. Adjusted net income remains at $324 million to $339 million.

Domestic RevPAR growth was revised to between negative 3 percent and flat, compared to the earlier range of negative 1 percent to positive 1 percent. The global net system rooms growth projection remains at approximately 1 percent.

In May, Choice reported 2.3 percent year-over-year growth in domestic RevPAR for the first quarter.



Source link

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Hotels & Accommodations

UK Tourism Impacted as Protests Erupt Outside Immigrant Hotels Amid Housing Controversy

Published

2 hours ago

on

August 9, 2025

By


Home » TRAVEL ALERT » UK Tourism Impacted as Protests Erupt Outside Immigrant Hotels Amid Housing Controversy

Published on
August 9, 2025 |

On August 8 and 9, 2025, protests erupted outside multiple hotels across the UK that house asylum seekers, stirring controversy around the government’s immigration policies. The demonstrations, which took place in over 20 locations, raised significant concerns about the broader implications of housing asylum seekers in hotels. These protests, centered around what many have called “immigrant hotels,” are not only a challenge to the country’s immigration policies but also threaten the tourism industry, with potential impacts on local economies that rely on tourism.

The protests are particularly noteworthy as they coincide with peak tourist season, with demonstrators voicing their dissatisfaction about the government’s approach to housing migrants in temporary accommodations. As asylum seekers occupy hotels that are usually booked by travelers, local tourism providers and businesses face growing tension as protests disrupt tourism hotspots and challenge the use of hotels as temporary housing.

The Strain on Local Tourism and Communities

The increasing number of protests in tourist-heavy regions such as Dover, Birmingham, and London has drawn attention to the negative effects on local tourism. These areas, which are popular for both domestic and international visitors, are experiencing disruptions. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, have reported a decline in foot traffic and bookings due to the protests. As tensions rise, international tourists might reconsider their travel plans, wary of potential unrest and the heightened political atmosphere surrounding immigration.

In areas like Dover, where protests have frequently occurred, local tourism is struggling. With many hotels housing asylum seekers, there’s growing concern among small businesses that rely on seasonal tourists. Protestors argue that the influx of asylum seekers has placed a burden on the local economy, which is exacerbated by the political rhetoric surrounding migration. For these businesses, the uncertainty of the situation is affecting their ability to plan for a stable future, especially as the peak summer season approaches.

Government’s Response and Its Impact on Tourism

The UK Home Office has responded to the protests by reducing the number of hotels being used to house asylum seekers. From over 400 hotels in the summer of 2023, this number has now dropped to fewer than 210. This reduction is part of the government’s effort to manage the immigration crisis while attempting to limit its impact on tourism.

Further plans to phase out the use of hotels for housing migrants by 2029 aim to reduce costs and stabilize the accommodation situation. However, the impact on the tourism sector is already being felt, particularly in regions where the presence of asylum seekers is higher. Local tourism businesses are calling for clearer solutions that do not disrupt their operations, as the unpredictability of protest activity makes long-term planning challenging.

How Protests Could Shape the Future of UK Tourism

As protests continue across the country, many are questioning the long-term consequences for the UK’s tourism sector. The growing public debate surrounding the housing of asylum seekers and the use of hotels is likely to affect the UK’s international image, potentially deterring tourists who are concerned about safety and stability. For countries that depend on tourism as a significant part of their economy, this could have far-reaching consequences, especially in cities that rely on foreign visitors.

The UK government’s plan to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers by 2029 may offer some relief, but there is concern about how the transition will unfold. Will the country be able to accommodate asylum seekers in other ways without disrupting local economies and tourism? The road ahead remains uncertain, as communities, businesses, and tourism stakeholders continue to voice their concerns.

Navigating the Challenges: Can UK Tourism Recover?

As the UK government moves forward with its plan to address the housing of asylum seekers, the question remains: How will this situation impact the future of UK tourism? Tourism, one of the country’s most valuable industries, depends on the perception of safety, stability, and accessibility. The growing protests and political unrest may have long-lasting effects on the sector, especially in areas where tourism is a primary driver of the economy.

However, the government’s eventual plans to reduce its reliance on hotels for housing migrants may offer hope for the recovery of the tourism industry. As businesses and local communities continue to navigate these challenges, a more stable and sustainable solution for housing asylum seekers could pave the way for the restoration of tourism flows.



Source link

Continue Reading

Hotels & Accommodations

Tornos News | BCD Travel Survey: What Business Travelers Look for in Hotels

Published

5 hours ago

on

August 8, 2025

By


BCD Travel surveyed 1,035 business travelers worldwide, capturing their accommodation preferences, booking and payment habits, and the challenges they face during their business trips.

Accommodations: Comfort, Location, and Employer Policies

Most business travelers choose mid-range (3*) or upper-class (4*) hotels, with location being the most important factor (77%). Employer policies (56%) and cost (53%) also play an important role. Occasional apartment dwellers prefer apartments for longer trips, as they offer more space and the ability to prepare meals and laundry.

Search, book, and pay

75% use their company’s online booking tool (OBT) to search for hotels, while 33% turn to hotel websites or apps. For booking, 84% again choose OBT, 20% directly through the hotel, and only 10% by phone. Three out of four pay with a corporate credit card, while virtual cards are rarely used.

75% of travelers say that their company sets a price cap for hotels, 10% say there are no limits, and 18% do not know.

Habits and preferences

Personal experience strongly influences choice: 77% prefer hotel chains with consistent service standards, while 73% stay in the same hotel on repeat visits to the same destination.

The most frequently used amenities are Wi-Fi and breakfast. Restaurants, parking, fitness centers, and flexible check-in/check-out are also popular. Travelers also value wellness amenities, such as bottled water, pools, spas, and healthy dining options.

Earning loyalty points is a strong motivator, especially in North America, where 99% are members of relevant programs. Overall, 80% participate in at least one program and 2/3 choose hotels that partner with them. 75% say they save points from business stays.

Problems and security

70% say they are satisfied with their company’s hotel policy and preferred suppliers. However, complaints are recorded about slow Wi-Fi, not including breakfast in the price, outdated rooms, and uncomfortable beds.

Security remains a concern: 30% said they did not feel safe due to the location, while 70% double-lock their room door.

Sustainability: Low Priority

50% rarely or never consider environmental factors when booking. 40% don’t consider sustainability at all, while only 20% look for features like eco-certification, reduced plastic, low carbon, water efficiency or limited cleaning.

BCD Travel says sustainability should be built into the hotel selection process and goals should be clearly communicated to travelers.

Strategy for the Future

As Teri Miller, BCD’s Executive Vice President, notes, a successful hotel program is “dynamic” and adapts to the needs of the market and travelers. With the hotel contract negotiation period underway, the company is providing tools and advice to better leverage programs and improve deals for 2026.





Source link

Continue Reading

Hotels & Accommodations

European hotels join class action against Booking Holdings: Travel Weekly

Published

7 hours ago

on

August 8, 2025

By


More than 10,000 hotels across Europe have joined a class action against Booking.com, and organizers have extended the deadline to join the lawsuit to Aug. 29. 

The lawsuit’s participation deadline was initially set for July 31.

The complaint is being organized by HOTREC, a Brussels-based hospitality association that represents hotels, restaurants and cafes across 36 European countries, and 30-plus national hotel associations.

The class action stems from a September 2024 European Court of Justice ruling on a case between Booking.com and more than 60 German hotels and hospitality groups.

HOTREC says that the court found that Booking.com’s parity clauses violated EU competition law, preventing hotels from offering lower prices or better availability via their own websites or other OTAs. 

“Hotels across Europe are entitled to claim compensation from Booking.com for the financial losses suffered,” said HOTREC in a statement, adding that “affected hotels may be eligible to recover a significant portion of commissions paid to Booking.com” between 2004 to 2024, plus interest.  

“Now is the time to stand together and seek redress,” said HOTREC president Alexandros Vassilikos. “This collective action sends a strong message: abusive practices in the digital marketplace will not go unchallenged.”

Booking Holdings, the parent company of Booking.com, disputes the claims, with a spokesperson for the company calling statements made by HOTREC and other hotel associations “incorrect and misleading.” 

“The ECJ ruling that HOTREC and other hotel associations have been referencing to validate a potential class action did not conclude that Booking.com’s price parity clauses were anticompetitive,” said the Booking Holdings spokesperson. “The ECJ was not even asked to assess whether our clauses had anticompetitive effects or any impact on competition. The court simply stated that such clauses fall within the scope of EU competition law and that their effects must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.”

The spokesperson added that the company has “not received any formal notification of a class action.”

HOTREC said the case is being coordinated through the Dutch-based Hotel Claims Alliance Foundation and will be heard in Netherlands courts.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 AISTORIZ. For enquiries email at prompt@travelstoriz.com