By: Kate Cheung, CHIA In 2025, the hospitality industry experienced a more normalized operating environment. Average daily rates grew modestly while overall occupancy softened, and demand remained stable amid rising operating costs and broader economic uncertainty. Several macro-level factors shaped hotel performance during the year. The implementation of new tariffs increased the cost of construction

David Sangree and Kate Cheung attended the World Waterpark Association Conference in Orlando this past October. The event drew strong attendance and featured a dynamic trade show showcasing the latest innovations and products shaping the waterpark industry. As part of WWA’s Waterpark Design, Development & Expansion Workshop, David and Kate presented an educational session on

At the 2025 IAAPA Expo, H&LA had great session from David Sangree and Placer.ai’s Elizabeth Lafontaine. The presentation highlighted the important role of reliable, actionable data in operations, marketing, and strategic planning for waterparks, FECs, and attractions. Thank you to Placer.ai for partnering with H&LA on this session. Understanding the Data A Breakdown of Attractions

By: Anthony DiPonio, CHIA Over the past several years, H&LA has seen increased interest from hotel owners, operators, and developers seeking ways to maximize the value of underutilized areas within their properties. As competition intensifies and guest expectations evolve, hotels recognize that unused or inefficient spaces represent an opportunity to enhance the guest experience, improve

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