Our Publications & Research

Man-Made Lagoons Gain Popularity

By: Stephen Szczygiel, CHIA Man-made swimming lagoons, not to be confused with pools or waterparks, have emerged as a new and innovative way to enjoy recreational water activities. These large (over one acre of water surface) and uniquely designed aquatic venues present new opportunities within the residential, resort, and attractions industries. Over the past several

2023: A Year of New Challenges and Opportunities for Hoteliers

The hotel industry has moved on from many challenges that have plagued it since the COVID-19 pandemic, but new challenges and opportunities have presented themselves in 2023. Carrying on from 2022, markets continue to deal with the highest cost of debt in decades, but the fear of a recession has receded, and the possibility of

Atlanta CBD Hotel Submarket Continuing to Push Forward

With the busiest airport in the world and a lower cost of doing business than peer regions, Metro Atlanta is the key inland distribution hub of the Southeast. Metro Atlanta is home to 17 Fortune 500 corporations like The Home Depot, Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, and UPS. It also sustains a diverse economy centered around

As Camping Popularity Surges, RV Resorts Look to Capitalize With Hotel-Like Comforts

Summary Over the past several years, H&LA has seen a marked increase in RV resort and campground feasibility study interest from developers and investors. RV parks are rebranding as resorts as they add more amenities. Though camping is far from a new phenomenon, its uptick in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic helped introduce it to

Waterparks Poised for More Growth Amid Robust Recovery

In 2022, waterpark owners and operators breathed a sigh of relief as the industry shifted back to normal in the wake of two years of uncertainty. With the pandemic a rearview concern in 2022, most waterparks continued their recovery to see attendance improve. This robust performance paved the way for new growth in all segments

As Surfing Popularity Rises, Plans For Surf Parks Surge

Summary  The popularity of surfing has grown significantly in recent years, especially in the United States. According to a study published by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the number of surfers has increased by more than 35% in less than a decade. The survey also found that surfers live all across the country,

Top Concerns and Trends for Hoteliers in 2022

As we get ready to flip the calendar to a new year, we are reflecting on the hospitality industry in 2022, which has proven to be a dynamic and interesting year. Many of the challenges that plagued the industry in 2021 still exist but in many instances to a lesser extent. By year-end new challenges

US Short-Term Rental Market Poised for Further Growth

Over the past decade, the short-term rental industry has taken the world by storm, affecting not just where people stay while traveling, but also how they vacation in general. Before 2008, short-term rental websites existed, but Airbnb revolutionized the home-sharing concept and essentially created a new category of rental housing. Similar platforms emerged, and in

Waterpark Resort Development: Successes and Pitfalls

This article was created for and first published by InPark Magazine, and is shared with permission. Visit www.inparkmagazine.com. The waterpark industry continues to flourish in the United States and Canada. While the pandemic slowed demand and growth in 2020 and 2021, 2022 has largely been a return to normal for operators but also for developers

Waterparks: Riding a Recovery Wave

After two years of pandemic concerns that saw many waterparks remain closed throughout 2020 and suffer continued disruption in 2021, 2022 is anticipated to be a pivot back to normal for the industry. As vaccines are now widely available and COVID becomes endemic, waterparks are poised to capitalize on pent-up demand and return to pre-COVID

Post-pandemic, hotels look to attract lost group demand

As U.S. hotels continue to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic, leisure travel has been a boon for the industry. Recent studies, in fact, suggest that leisure travel will reach prepandemic levels in 2022. However, not all hotels cater to the leisure segment, leaving a large swath of properties that cater to group

Top Concerns and Trends for Hoteliers in 2021

In a brief look back at 2021, there was widespread hope that it would be a slow return back to normal as pandemic concerns eased and society reordered itself, but pandemic troubles lingered through the year. While lockdowns and closures may be a thing of the past, new concerns were thrust to the forefront as

Impact of Whitewater Waterpark Equipment on Hotels and Resorts

Over the past few decades, there has been a growing trend globally of hotels and resorts adding waterpark attractions and features. Some properties have added one or two slides, and some have built a substantial waterpark attached to the resort. H&LA conducted a study for WhiteWater, the leading global manufacturer and designer of waterpark equipment,

The Rise of the Surf Park

Surfing is one of the fastest-growing action sports in the world. People around the globe flock to the ocean to enjoy the beaches, relax, exercise and surf. Perhaps the largest impact on the surfing industry has come from the rise of surf parks. One of the great challenges for surfers across the world is access

What’s Next for Waterparks?

Despite 2020 challenges, growth within the U.S. waterpark market is projected for 2021: See the article as published by WWA. The COVID-19 crisis was the definitive event of 2020. The lodging and attractions industries were among the most negatively impacted sectors and experienced record declines in occupancy, attendance, and revenue. With mandated closures, limited capacities,