Business Travel
Fred Dixon returns as NYC Tourism CEO to drive visitation, economic growth
NYC Tourism + Conventions announced on Wednesday that Fred Dixon will return as President and CEO starting December 1. He previously held the role from 2014 to 2024 and spent the last two years leading Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States. With a widening gap in international visitors and pressure on the hotel industry in New York, Dixon's return is expected to drive visitor growth and economic opportunities across the city.
Hilton launches fitness and recovery concept Signia Restore
Hilton introduces the Signia Restore wellness concept, combining fitness, recovery, and retail, with a planned debut in January at Signia Hilton in Indianapolis and gradual expansion to select Signia hotels worldwide.
Lodging Lowdown: Radisson Hotel Group launches B2B extended stay program, Extended Stay America leader to retire
Hotel Dive's weekly Lodging Lowdown highlights key industry headlines: Radisson Hotel Group introduces Long Stays by Radisson Hotels for corporate clients; Extended Stay America's Mark Williams announces retirement; Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital receive approval for a $2B Puerto Rico resort; Highgate appoints Siim Karu as chief commercial officer.
CoStar, Tourism Economics ‘significantly’ boost US hotel outlook
In a press release issued on Thursday, CoStar and Tourism Economics significantly upgraded their 2026 U.S. hotel performance outlook, projecting a 4.4% year-over-year increase in RevPAR, up from the previous forecast of 2.8%. The upgrade is attributed to stronger-than-expected leisure and business travel demand driven by the World Cup and America 250 celebrations. The two organizations also raised their growth forecasts for 2027.
Global business travel spending to hit record $1.71T in 2026: GBTA
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) released its 2026 Business Travel Index, projecting that global business travel spending will hit a record $1.71 trillion, up 7.2% year-over-year; trip volume is expected to exceed 1.84 billion, growing only 1.3%. The report notes that rising transportation and travel costs are dampening demand, with companies placing greater emphasis on the value of each trip.
Marriott’s Q2 RevPAR growth bolstered by US and Canada gains
Marriott International released its second-quarter 2026 earnings, with global revenue per available room (RevPAR) growing 3.4% year-over-year, including a 5% increase in the US and Canada markets, marking the highest quarterly growth in 13 quarters. The company accordingly raised its full-year RevPAR growth outlook to 3%-3.5%. The earnings call also disclosed highlights such as luxury and resort hotels leading growth, additional boosts from the World Cup event, a record global development pipeline approaching 629,000 rooms, and the launch of the AI search tool Ask Bonvoy.
IHG opens dual-branded Staybridge, Even Hotel property in Orlando
IHG has opened a dual-brand hotel in Orlando, Florida, featuring Even Hotel and Staybridge Suites with 288 rooms, adjacent to the Universal Orlando Resort. Developed in partnership with Japan's Daiwa House Group, the hotel aims to combine two complementary lodging experiences and further expand IHG's presence in the Orlando market.
Hyatt Regency to bring first property to Tucson, Arizona
Hyatt Hotels Corporation plans to open its first Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Tucson by the end of 2027. The hotel, converted from the former Braniff Place property, will offer 291 guest rooms and 22,000 square feet of meeting space, strengthening its presence in Southern Arizona.
Chambers Hotel New York reopens in Midtown as independent operation
Chambers Hotel in Midtown Manhattan has reopened as a fully independent boutique hotel. The property, which features 77 rooms and suites, was briefly operated under Sonder before returning to independent operation following Sonder's bankruptcy in 2025.
Top takeaways from 2026’s NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum
Earlier this month, the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Forum was held in New York. Hotel Dive participated in multiple discussions covering investment trends, economic models, and the impact of AI on the hospitality industry. During the forum, Hapi CEO Jeff Bzdawka and Mews founder Richard Valtr shared insights on technology trends and AI applications. Additionally, Hilton officially launched the Undergraduate brand, entering the university market.