H&LA News

David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC participated in an Aquatics International and Waterparks + Resorts 2013 Virtual Conference. To view the webinar or the PowerPoint presentation, please see our Publications page.

David J. Sangree will be attending the 35th Annual New York University International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference in June, 2013. For more information about the conference, click here.

Eric Hansen, AIA, ISHC is co-chairman of the Ohio Travel Association's Legislative Committee and its representative on the Ohio Tourism Roundtable. The Roundtable fosters awareness of the importance of tourism and provides support for the tourism industry within the state of Ohio. For more information on how tourism impacts each region of Ohio, visit www.OhioTourismWorks.org.

Waterpark Resort and Hotel Industry News

Overall hotel market:

Hotel & Leisure Advisors' analysis indicates that in 2012, the U.S. hotel market achieved improved occupancy and average daily rate levels in most cities. Performance statistics between 2010 and 2012 showed steady improvement in occupancy levels after the substantial nationwide drop-off in 2009. Average daily rates also improved nationwide, especially in the last two years, after a similar plunge in 2009 and a lesser one in 2010. We project continued improvement in 2013 throughout the United States with higher percentage gains for upscale and luxury properties. Lack of new construction financing will limit new hotel openings in 2013 with larger resort properties affected particularly. Smaller chain-affiliated properties will continue to open in 2013, though at a lower rate than before 2009.

Here are highlights of a few new indoor waterpark resort projects which opened in 2012.

Jay Peak Resort in Jay, Vermont added a 50,000 square foot indoor waterpark to its four season resort campus in December 2011. In 2012, the resort opened a new 176-room hotel which was funded through the EB5 program. The indoor waterpark features the only indoor Aqualoop by Whitewater in the United States as well as a double FlowRider surfing machine, indoor activity river, and multiple slides.

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe opened the 243-room Soaring Eagle Hotel and Waterpark in May 2012. The Mount Pleasant, Michigan property includes two hotel towers with a restaurant, lounge, and meeting space. The 45,000 square foot waterpark includes a single flow rider, climbing wall, pool, wet deck with multi-level play structure, dumping bucket, body slide, bowl slide, lazy river, two brightly colored birthday party rooms, and a food court.

The Schlitterbahn South Padre Island Beach Resort opened in 2012 with 221 rooms and an indoor waterpark. The indoor waterpark features seven attractions. The property is located adjacent to the Schlitterbahn outdoor waterpark. The hotel was a former Holiday Inn which was renovated into the resort property.

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• Insightful feasibility and impact analysis
• Property condition assessment
• Expertise with hotels, outdoor and indoor waterparks, amusement parks, resorts, casinos, conference and convention centers, golf courses, ski resorts, restaurants and other leisure real estate
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