We are excited to share that our President, David Sangree, was recently a guest on the Inspired Stories Podcast for an episode titled “The Power of Niche Expertise: David Sangree’s Hotel and Waterpark Appraisal Success.” David shares his 20-year journey building H&LA, how a clear focus on hotels and waterparks shaped the firm’s growth, and

Based on our recent research for a project in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the area continues to build on its legacy as a hub for tourism, innovation, and family entertainment. From thrilling new rides to major corporate investments and even a Hollywood production, 2025 has been a big year for the region. Here’s a look at the

By: David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the annual International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) conference in New Orleans. ISHC is a global network of hospitality experts representing all facets of the industry, from development and operations to finance, appraisal, asset management, litigation, and design. Membership is

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Attending the World Waterpark Association’s (WWA) 45th Annual Symposium & Trade Show at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort was an energizing reminder of just how dynamic and forward-thinking the waterpark industry continues to be. Over several days of sessions, conversations, and trade show visits, we connected with operators, developers, designers, and suppliers—all sharing ideas about how

H&LA is proud to announce that we received two Leading Edge Awards from the World Waterpark Association for our work on the newly minted OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the Bavarian Blast Waterpark in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Being part of these remarkable projects—especially alongside so many exceptional partners whose creativity and expertise brought these destinations

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

New alliance combines ADCI’s design leadership with H&LA’s market intelligence to redefine how hospitality destinations are envisioned, evaluated, and realized Wisconsin Dells, WI & Cleveland, OH — Architectural Design Consultants, Inc. (ADCI), a leading architecture and design firm, and Hotel & Leisure Advisors (H&LA), an internationally recognized hospitality consulting firm, are proud to announce a new

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

Our latest research into St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, uncovered a surge of exciting new hospitality and tourism developments poised to reshape the island’s economic landscape. These projects are set to boost tourism, generate new jobs, and drive long-term growth across St. Thomas and the broader region in 2025 and beyond. Record-breaking tourism numbers made