By: Joseph Pierce, MAI Immersive experiences are not entirely new to hospitality and leisure—theme parks, destination hotels and resorts, and cultural attractions have long found ways to draw guests into unique worlds. What is changing is how properties are increasingly using technology to push those experiences further, creating spaces that blur the lines between the

Surf parks are no longer a novelty; they are redefining the surfing experience. What began as a niche attraction has surged more into the mainstream, driven by Olympic exposure,  global media, and the allure of perfectly engineered waves. With participation booming and surf parks offering consistent access, they are becoming more than training grounds. They

H&LA’s Adam Zarczynski presented at Building Epic Venues!, an economic and tourism development workshop hosted by American Resort Management in Grand Prairie, Texas. In his presentation, Adam shared H&LA’s distinctive approach to waterpark feasibility studies, offering developers key insights and practical strategies to lay the groundwork for successful waterpark projects. Click on the link below

By: David J. Sangree, MAI, ISHC In 2024, waterpark owners and operators continued to face a highly competitive market as new development continues across many regions in the U.S. and Canada. While the growth in total waterpark square footage in 2024 was less than 2023, 2024 saw more new guestrooms developed. Waterparks continue to face

As travel rebounds from the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, family travelers are increasingly seeking unique and memorable experiences when selecting a destination. While this trend is not new, it has gained momentum post-pandemic, as many travelers are opting for indoor waterpark resort getaways in addition to other travel. This increase in demand prompted action

As we enter 2025, we reflect on the hospitality industry in 2024, which has proven to be a dynamic and interesting year. Though many of the challenges facing the industry have carried forward into 2025, some will be less of a factor moving forward. For example, by year-end 2024, challenges such as the highest interest

Surfing is rapidly gaining traction, emerging as one of the fastest-growing water sports globally. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), participation in surfing surged by 28.5% in the United States in 2023, with one in every 100 Americans engaging in the sport (SFIA, 2023). The sport’s global appeal is further bolstered by

At a time when financing for hospitality development projects is challenging for developers, it can often mean that some projects won’t ever come to fruition. At the same time, municipalities would like to increase their hotel or resort offerings to attract travelers to their destinations while remaining fiscally responsible. When developers seek government assistance for

In 2023, waterpark owners and operators saw a more competitive market as attendance levels remained similar to 2022 while ticket pricing growth was more subdued. This occurred due to increased competition from a variety of additional attractions and entertainment venues in the post-pandemic economy. In 2023, 16 indoor waterpark openings and expansions added 480,000 square

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 years, H&LA has seen

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

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

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

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

By: Stephen Szczgyiel, CHIA 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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,

The once-in-a-century pandemic has caused hoteliers to endure a firestorm that decimated the hotel and leisure industries. The growing COVID-19 cases across the U.S., as well as government restrictions on travel that further stress demand, continue to leave the hotel industry significantly behind pre-pandemic levels in terms of revenues, profitability and valuations. Gateway cities such

Back when we were all naïve enough to think that 2020’s biggest headache would be a seemingly endless year of political campaign ads, hotels and resorts in the U.S. were poised to enjoy the fruits of a robust economy. But the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic threw the industry into chaos, forcing hotels and resorts

The current COVID-19 crisis continues to have a significant negative effect on the waterpark industry. Waterparks play a major role in providing entertainment, supporting job creation, fostering small business opportunities, and contributing to robust economic growth. Due to COVID-19, many outdoor waterparks delayed their season openings while others have decided, or were mandated, not to

A hotel feasibility study is generally required by the mortgage lender or investor before a developer or organization is able to move forward with constructing a new hotel. Typically completed by an independent third-party consultant who specializes in analyzing hotel projects, a feasibility study determines whether a proposed hotel development is economically feasible and if

As casino resorts prepare to reopen in the era of the coronavirus pandemic, operators are looking at how to best serve the needs of both their customers and team members in this new reality. The world has changed and Indian nations across the country are evaluating best practices, reopening plans, and business strategies to stop

This article explains the major components of a waterpark feasibility study that should be analyzed as part of determining the potential success of a waterpark project.

Among the many challenges facing the waterpark industry in 2020, one of the biggest questions on the minds of many developers is: after so many years of growth in the industry, are new waterpark projects still being financed? Financing a new construction waterpark has always been extremely difficult, but 2020 has the added complication of

Waterpark Appraisal Methodology A waterpark resort appraisal is similar to other appraisals in that it is a professional appraiser’s opinion of value. It is typically required by a lender before financing can be obtained for a new project. The scope of the project, including plans and development budgets should be well defined prior to the

Coming into 2020, the United States hotel industry was ready to build on the record-setting performances of the past few years. In 2019, revenue per available room and average daily rate reached the highest levels ever tracked by STR. While some experts warned of oversaturation with the number of new properties built in recent years, nobody

At the beginning of 2020, the continuing trend of two decades of growth was expected in the waterpark industry. Major projects will open throughout the United States in both the indoor and outdoor waterpark categories totaling over $1 billion in investment in 2020. Fourteen new standalone waterparks and one resort with outdoor waterpark are anticipated

Looking back at the past always helps to give an indication of what the future may hold. The hotel industry has shown tremendous growth in all metrics since 2009. Forecasts show occupancy levels starting to decline while demand and supply level and ADR will grow. The consolidation of brand companies and new brand offerings that

The “Retailtainment” Trend: No Signs of Slowing Down  as published by Park World Magazine, November 2019 It’s no secret that the face of retail is rapidly changing.  America’s malls are facing the fallout from not just the rise of e-commerce but also an overabundance of retail space and changes in consumer behavior. As discussed in

In the span of only a few years, the immersive entertainment concept has taken much of the attractions world by storm. A relatively new phenomenon, it has quickly moved into the mainstream, covering everything from immersive art installations and virtual reality to escape rooms and fully-themed immersive parks. What connects all of these experiences is

Michigan’s economy is growing again, and Grand Rapids is leading the way. Since 2009, Grand Rapids has had the fastest growing regional economy in the state, increasing 29.2% to $58 billion, according to Michigan-based Bridge Magazine. The Metro Grand Rapids area has also been recognized as one of the fastest growing economies in the country.

This article was first published in the April Edition of World Waterpark Magazine For the ever-growing waterpark industry, 2019 will be another year for robust growth as over $1 billion in investment is slated for indoor and outdoor waterparks and their related resorts. We project 21 municipal and private outdoor waterparks will open and three

As published by Park World Magazine: The American shopping mall has seen rapid growth over several decades since the 1950s. These retail havens were anchored by large department stores that attracted shoppers and made the American mall popular with the masses, but the rise of e-commerce and the explosion of online shopping have changed the

Benefiting from a strong economy, the United States hotel industry is currently experiencing a boom, which has developers across the country looking for their next opportunity. Many are finding that opportunity in major Ohio markets, as evidenced by significant growth in recent years. The Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus MSAs have each seen at least 15

Introduction The waterpark industry continues to expand in North America, with more than $1 billion in new investment in indoor and outdoor waterparks and their related resorts in 2018. Nearly 60 expansions and new facilities will open in 2018. We project 14 municipal and eight private outdoor waterparks will open, outpacing 2017’s nine municipal and

This article was originally published by Hotel News Now. With the start of the new year, many of us take stock of where we are and what 2018 holds in store. The status of the U.S. hotel industry partly depends on the lens you’re looking through—whether you’re a franchise company, developer, owner, operator or investor.

Over the past several years our consultancy has been asked to explore social entertainment options that enhance a patron’s experience whether at a resort, restaurant, casino, or mixed-use development. The trends of what’s hot and innovative always ignites the discussion. The evolution of social entertainment involves an innovative mix of activities, culinary, and entertainment value

Municipalities across the United States are seeking approvals, funding or public-private partnerships to develop or redevelop their convention centers with an attached, big-box hotel. City councils in Kansas City and Oklahoma City are in process of getting approvals and funding secured while Portland, Oregon, and Chicago have such projects underway. One of the latest convention

The waterpark industry continues to expand in North America, with more than $550 million worth of new investment in indoor and outdoor waterparks and their related resorts in 2016.

With Super Bowl 51 in the history books, Houston hotels are back to facing an uncertain future. The big question to answer in 2017 is, will this be a year of ups or downs for the local hotel market?

This article explores what hoteliers should consider before renovating hotel properties, including the effect on occupancy and ADR, timing, ROI, and mandates imposed by franchise companies.

This article compares the performance of casino slot machines and racino VLTs and gives an overview of the Ohio gaming industry.

The investments from state governments into tourism more than pay for themselves when compared to the travel and tourism revenue they generate.

With the closure of almost 1,500 18-hole equivalent golf course in the last ten years, golf entertainment complexes offer a new spin on golf that has the potential to bring new players to the game.

The waterpark industry continues to expand in North America, with more than $500 million of new investment in indoor and outdoor waterparks and their related resorts in 2015.

Hoteliers need to ready themselves for the possibility of wage increases and implement ways to mitigate the new costs of operation.

Part two of this article profiles several outdoor waterpark attractions and analyzes their water consumption versus their water use.

Can waterpark operators be innovators for water conservation?

A diversified and growing economy, robust convention market, growing tourism and increasing population have all contributed to the success of the Dallas-Fort Worth hotel market.

As hospitality consultants, we understand the relationship between private developers and public entities. These public-private partnerships have long been an economic tool in the hospitality industry, but post-recession they have become more commonplace.

The waterpark industry has shown continued growth in 2014 with increased numbers of indoor and outdoor waterparks being developed throughout the United States and Canada.

The challenge and debate over stay to play for hotels and sports groups lies in three areas: implementation, lack of transparency and the end user’s limited understanding of mutual benefits.

Hotel development in Cleveland is booming, thanks in part to the city winning the bid for the 2016 RNC, a new convention center and a surging health care sector.

Thanks to a rebound of the “Big Three” automakers and emerging technologies boosting the local economy, Detroit has seen steady improvements in hotel occupancy since 2010 and in ADR since 2011.

The waterpark industry is poised for growth in 2014. Read about the increases in supply and how the waterpark landscape will change in 2014.

Due to the energy boom, Houston rebounded from the recession and the proof is in hotel development.

Many hotels are adding convenience shops as alternatives to classic full-service gift shops and vending machines. Learn how these shops are earning their 100 square feet of lobby space.

Some full-service hotels are dropping room service, while others are maintaining the long-time amenity. Explore the cost and consumer impacts of this new trend.

 Summary: Economic impact studies demonstrate the economic benefits and desirability of hospitality projects Government entities may provide financial incentives for a project when they are presented with its benefits Economic impact comes from both short term and long term effects Developers planning hospitality projects such as resorts and conference centers are often looking to local

Hotels can win big by courting sports group consumers. Discover opportunities and key relationships between the sports group consumer and hotels.

On-site airport hotels make a connection with travelers and have distinct advantages over nearby airport properties.

As the popularity of waterparks continues to grow across North America, we have analyzed current and projected supply for 2013.

Golf courses with multiple amenities offer buyers more opportunity. List prices reflect the number of rounds played and overall financial projections.

The financial bottom line encourages water conservation in waterpark operation.

Developers slow to tap into weight loss resort demand. Learn about this emerging trend and its opportunity for growth.

In an effort to boost tourism and revenue many cities are offering broad-based municipal incentives in order to attract tourism developers.

The importance of completing a feasibility study and market analysis for waterpark properties. With money on the line, developers need clear answers.

2012 waterpark season pass price points and incentives show that passes boost revenue and attendance at waterparks.

When land is not available for purchase for hotel construction, a well negotiated ground lease can benefit both the developer and the land owner.

Hilton Hotels and Resorts brand achieved the highest median sale price per room of the top brands in the U.S., while the Days Inn brand garnered the lowest median sale price per room.

Discover the impact that increased oil drilling has had on the local hotel market of Williston, North Dakota.

How a feasibility analysis answers the important questions and assist in the decision making process.

Waterpark resorts continue to emerge as a growing leisure development option. Explore current and projected (2011) waterparks in the U.S. and Canada.

New developments offer opportunities for growth in the Cleveland hotel market.

Buyers see opportunity in upper-tier hotel market as sales increase. Lower-tier market sees decline in sales as the great recession lingers.

What the new phenomena of dry ski slopes could mean for the industry. Areas with no snow can take a bite out of the ski market with opportunities for development.

In today’s green environment it is important to address the various types and purposes of the certification programs available, and to assess key attributes about each program.

An appraisal of an indoor waterpark resort is similar to other appraisals in that it is a professional appraiser’s opinion of value. It is typically required by a lender before financing can be obtained for a new project. The scope of the project, including plans and development budgets, should be well defined prior to the

Analysis of current waterparks in the U.S. and Canada and those projected to open in 2010. Number of waterparks continues to climb, but at much slower pace than recent years.

By: David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC and Joseph Pierce, The economic upheaval of the past few years has impacted all industries. Nationwide, the hospitality industry experienced some of the sharpest declines in occupancy and average daily rate in 2009 since records have been kept. Gains in occupancy and rate that were made through the

We project growth in the development of private and municipally owned waterparks. Explore the differences between these very different waterpark types.

Lender disinterest and equity contribution requirements make waterpark development funding difficult.

Value Place has a unique niche in the extended-stay market. Explore the brand that looks like a hotel but acts like an apartment complex.

By David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC, and Joseph Pierce Summary: The median sale price per room of hotels in the United States declined by over 40% between year-to-date October 2008 and year-to-date October 2009.  The dramatic decline is a result of the economic recession and the fact that there was a much smaller pool

The recession has taken its toll on the waterpark industry. Indoor waterpark development expected to decline in 2009.

Proactive strategies for hoteliers to improve profitability during the economic decline.

With the injection of new capital, Cleveland looks to new developments to boost hotel industry.

Overcome the challenges of waterpark financing with a thorough feasibility analysis and a comprehensive loan documentation package.

This family oriented resort segment is established as a viable segment of the travel industry. Wide family appeal has bolstered the growth of North American indoor waterparks.

Water conservation at waterparks is a naturally occurring design principle. Owners in drought stricken areas need to increase awareness of conservation and change public perception.

An analysis of existing indoor waterpark destination resorts and preview of those expected to open in 2008.

Methodology for preparing impact studies on existing and proposed hotels.