By David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC  November 2026 Every year, the TEA Global Experience Index (TEA Index) gives the industry benchmarks for which waterparks drew the biggest crowds in the previous year. The 2025 report, which was issued in the fall of 2026, provides estimates of attendance for the top 20 outdoor waterparks in

H&LA is heading to the 2026 IAAPA Expo in Orlando this November! David Sangree, Adam Zarczynski, Kate Cheung, and Heidi Banak will be representing the firm on the show floor. Stop by our booth to connect with our team (S1517). Whether you’re a longtime partner or client, or someone we haven’t had the pleasure of

Attending the World Waterpark Association’s (WWA) 46th Annual Symposium & Trade Show at the Paris Las Vegas was an energizing reminder of how dynamic and forward-thinking the waterpark industry remains. Over several days of sessions, conversations, and trade show visits, we connected with operators, developers, designers, and suppliers, all sharing ideas about how to evolve

How does mobile data help waterpark owners and operators better understand their markets? That question was at the center of a presentation by H&LA’s David J. Sangree and Stephen Szczygiel at the World Waterpark Association’s Annual Symposium in Las Vegas. Their well-attended session, “What Mobile Data Reveals About Waterpark Market Demand,” explored how mobile data

Hotel & Leisure Advisors is pleased to share that Associates Kate Cheung and Shaan Karani will be attending the Urban Land Institute’s All-Ohio Young Leader Exchange (AOYLE) on August 20-21, 2026, here in Cleveland. AOYLE brings together emerging real estate professionals from across Ohio for two days of behind-the-scenes tours and conversations on the projects

Since completing our recent assignment in the Las Vegas market, the pace and scale of investment across the region have continued to accelerate. Major sports facilities, entertainment districts, cultural institutions, and transportation infrastructure projects are advancing, reinforcing Las Vegas’s position as one of the world’s premier destinations for tourism, conventions, and live entertainment. Las Vegas

H&LA’s David Sangree and Anthony DiPonio were among the more than 2,200 hospitality professionals, investors, developers, and brand executives who descended on New York City for the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum — and here are their top five takeaways. Hotel Performance Is Stronger Than Previous Projections Despite early signs of weakening performance coupled with

Two of Ohio’s leading zoos are moving forward with plans for on-site hotel development. Hotel & Leisure Advisors is working on behalf of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, seeking qualified developers for a minimum 130-room upper-upscale hotel adjacent to the entrances of the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay Waterpark in Powell, Ohio. The proposed hotel

Hotel & Leisure Advisors was recently featured in a CoStar News article exploring the complex world of water park development. President David Sangree shared his expertise on why so many announced projects never break ground — and what it takes to make one succeed. Published by: CoStar News/Kristian Gravenor Published date: May 2026 After years

Dollywood continues to set the pace for regional tourism investment. The park celebrated its 40th anniversary season in 2025 with the debut of The Dolly Parton Experience, the new Wilderness Pass Restaurant, and a 750-space parking expansion. Looking ahead, Dollywood plans to open the $50 million NightFlight Expedition in 2026—an indoor coaster and raft ride

H&LA was proud to provide the feasibility study that helped lay the groundwork for one of the most transformative downtown development projects in Akron’s recent history. Our client, Quaker Square Redevelopment Group, is now moving toward a groundbreaking on their $75 million vision to reimagine the iconic Quaker Square complex. Published by: Crain’s Cleveland Business/Dan

What does it mean when a theme park is suddenly “worth” half a billion dollars less than it was yesterday? For Six Flags, the answer lies in a single accounting term — goodwill — and a formal test that forced the company to reconcile big merger dreams with real-world results. Published by: Los Angeles Daily

On behalf of the Columbus Zoo located in Powell, Ohio (Delaware County), Hotel & Leisure Advisors invites qualified developers to submit initial interest and qualifications for the development of a signature, minimum 130-room, upper-upscale hotel as part of the Zoo’s long-term growth initiative. The proposed hotel (the “Project”) will be located adjacent to the entrances

Since completing our recent assignment in the Cincinnati market, several major public- and private-sector initiatives have advanced, reflecting continued investment in the city’s convention, sports, residential, and entertainment infrastructure. Together, these projects underscore downtown Cincinnati’s ongoing evolution as a more competitive and vibrant urban destination. Cincinnati is making a major reinvestment in its convention and

The Hospitality Business Real Estate Advisory Council will host its upcoming meeting in April at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, convening industry leaders and academic partners to discuss key trends shaping hospitality real estate. David Sangree and Anthony DiPonio will represent H&LA at the event, contributing to discussions focused on development strategy, market positioning,