We’re pleased to see our research featured in the latest Recreation Management article, “Making Waves.” The story explores how data and design are shaping the next generation of aquatic facilities nationwide. Thank you to the Recreation Management team for including insights from H&LA’s national database of leisure property performance. Published by: Joe Bush/Recreation Management Published

Our recent research for a project in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area showed that the area continues to thrive as a hub for tourism, entertainment, and investment. From major attractions to transformative developments, here’s a look at what is new and what is coming soon: Mall of America Keeps Reinventing the ExperienceBloomington’s iconic Mall of America

WWA’s Annual Symposium is almost here! H&LA’s David Sangree and Kate Cheung are excited to share their insights at the Waterpark Design, Development, and Expansion Workshop. Their session will dive into key methodologies for planning and evaluating successful waterparks and resort projects.

CoStar recently highlighted declining demand at regional theme parks in “Drop in theme park demand not the thrill ride hoteliers want.” In the piece,  H&LA’s David Sangres, shares insights on how shifting guest behaviors and economic pressures are impacting hotel stays. Published by: Bryan Wroten/Costar News Published date: September 2025 No roller coaster goes up

Our recent research for a project in Orlando, Florida revealed some exciting new hospitality-related developments happening in the area. These developments will have an impact on tourism, employment, and the general economy in Orlando and the surrounding areas in 2025 and beyond. Universal Epic Universe Opens to Major BuzzUniversal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe opened in

On behalf of the City of Bellevue, Nebraska, H&LA has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified development partners to bring new hospitality, entertainment, restaurant, and retail projects to the Good Life District, a transformative mixed-use destination now taking shape. Anchored by the under-construction Bellevue Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort, the district has been prioritized

The theme park industry is often viewed as a reliable barometer of family spending and leisure demand. This summer, however, the numbers tell a more complicated story. According to Forbes, U.S. theme parks experienced a season that was “lackluster” overall, with fewer middle-income families making visits—but a notable uptick in spending among affluent guests helping

H&LA is proud to congratulate our client, Uphoff Ventures, on securing financing and moving forward with the development of Dellshire Resort in Wisconsin Dells. We were pleased to complete the feasibility study for this exciting project, which will bring a new level of high-end, family-focused hospitality to one of the Midwest’s premier tourist destinations.. We

On behalf of the City of Richmond, Texas, H&LA has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified development partners to build a full-service hotel and convention center within the highly visible and rapidly developing River Pointe mixed-use district. Located off Interstate 69 in Fort Bend County, the site offers strong accessibility, regional connectivity, and

Despite some strong headwinds in the hotel industry, speakers at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum painted a cautiously optimistic picture. While average daily rate (ADR) growth is trailing inflation in 2025, occupancy remains relatively steady, which signals underlying resilience in the sector. The following are some key takeaways from the conference that stood out

STR and Tourism Economics have downgraded their U.S. hotel forecast through 2026, citing weaker early 2024 performance and economic pressures. Revised projections show slower growth in ADR and RevPAR, with demand softening among cost-conscious travelers. While luxury hotels remain resilient, overall industry recovery is expected to be moderate amid high interest rates and cautious consumer

Last week, the H&LA team came together for our annual corporate retreat, which presented a great opportunity to connect, learn, and refocus with our awesome staff. This year, we were fortunate to welcome several guest speakers from the hospitality industry who brought fresh insights into hotel operations and waterpark resort design. A big thank you

Great Wolf Lodge has recently adjusted its resort fee structure, reducing or eliminating fees at some locations. This move aligns with broader industry trends toward greater pricing transparency, as consumers and lawmakers increasingly scrutinize hidden fees. Traditionally, resort fees have been a significant source of ancillary revenue for indoor waterpark resorts, covering amenities like Wi-Fi,

The debut of Great Wolf Lodge in Mashantucket marks a major expansion of Connecticut’s growing theme and water park industry. The $300 million indoor resort is expected to draw 500,000 visitors annually, adding new competition for established parks like Quassy and Lake Compounce. Despite this, local operators see the development as a positive sign of

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