Hotels, Motels & Resorts
Companies in this industry are engaged in providing short-term lodging in facilities known as hotels, motor hotels, resort hotels, and motels. Major companies include Choice Hotels, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott International, and Wyndham (all based in the US), as well as Accor (France); IHG Hotels & Resorts and Whitbread (both based in the UK); Jin Jiang International (China); and NH Hotel Group (Spain).
The global revenue for hotel industry is forecast to reach about $480 billion by 2027, according to Statista. The most popular travel destinations include France, Germany, and Italy, as well as Qatar, India, and Saudi Arabia, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The US hotel, motel, and resort industry consists of about 55,000 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $185 billion. The industry does not include casino hotels and resorts, which are covered in a separate profile.
Competitive Landscape
Hotels, motels, and resorts are benefiting from global increases in tourist travel, but the incursion of short-term rental services such as Airbnb is disrupting the industry in markets around the world. Online travel agencies like Expedia have also influenced the competitive dynamic of the US industry by siphoning off revenue in the form of commissions that hotels must pay on each booking. Both of these trends disproportionately affect large hotel chains, which are fighting for stricter regulation of private rentals while negotiating more favorable contracts with third-party booking websites.
Global demand for lodging generally fluctuates based on flows of tourism and business travel, both of which are closely tied to the world economy. In addition to short-term rental properties, hotels may also compete with campgrounds, RV parks, and bed and breakfasts. Lodging establishments also lose business when potential guests instead choose to stay with family or friends when traveling.
Large companies have advantages in economies of scale in operations, can more easily raise capital, and have strong name recognition. Small companies, such as boutique hotels, can compete effectively in favorable locations and by providing specialty services. The US industry is fragmented: the 50 largest companies generate about 40% of revenue.
Competitive Advantages:
Desirable Locations — Proximity to popular tourist attractions, central business districts, and other high-traffic areas is a major competitive advantage for hotels. Operators often look to build new properties in areas with high potential for future growth.
Modern Facilities — Hotel operators continually update facilities and add new amenities to keep up with competitors, especially when new properties open in the same market. Companies with ready access to capital are in the best position to renovate and modernize their properties on a regular schedule.
Marketing and Customer Service — Hotels and motels rely on effective marketing and customer service to appeal to potential guests who might otherwise choose to stay at private rental properties. Many companies offer guest loyalty programs to encourage repeat business.
Companies to Watch:
Marriott International is one of the world's leading hoteliers, operating or franchising some 8,000 hotel, residential, and timeshare properties worldwide. The company owns brands that serve every market segment, including full-service (Marriott Hotels & Resorts), extended-stay (Courtyard and Fairfield Inn), and luxury (Ritz-Carlton).
Hilton operates and franchises about 7,000 properties, many of which serve the mid-market segment. In addition to its flagship, the company owns brands including Doubletree, Embassy Suites, and Hampton Inn.
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), based in the UK, is the world's largest hotel company by room count, with about 20 brands in more than 6,000 global destinations. The company owns mainstay chain Holiday Inn, and has invested heavily in technology upgrades at many of its properties to increase its appeal among young, high-income consumers.
Products, Operations & Technology
Major product lines are room accommodation, which accounts for about 90% of industry revenue. Sales of meals, snacks, and other food items account for
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Quarterly Industry Update
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Business Challenges
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Call Preparation Questions
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Industry Forecast
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Industry Websites
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Glossary of Acronyms