Hilton Worldwide Holdings reported a second-quarter profit Thursday as rising vaccination rates, leisure travel demand and overall economic recovery carried US hotel occupancy to its highest level since October 2019. Major chains are expected to approach pre-pandemic occupancy marks as the year progresses and lagging business travel ramps up.
RLJ Lodging Trust is acquiring the Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Midtown in a $58 million deal. "Midtown Atlanta is a top submarket, and this property is located within the heart of demand, surrounded by significant new development activity," RLJ CEO Leslie Hale says.
Two travel tech companies, Revinate and Navis, have merged, but details of the deal were not disclosed. The merger will enable the companies to consolidate the services they offer to hoteliers and vacation rental managers.
Microsoft reportedly is negotiating to invest in Indian hotel startup Oyo, whose leaders say they're aiming toward a public listing. Sources say the SoftBank-backed Oyo may use Microsoft's cloud services under the proposed deal.
New York City led the way among cities with planned hotel construction in the second quarter, according to a report by Lodging Econometrics. Los Angeles and Dallas were second and third, respectively.
Regardless of vaccination status, guests at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California will be required to wear face coverings indoors beginning Friday. The updated policy is based on new guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention amid surging COVID-19 cases.
