
Seattle effectively closed for business in early March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Attempts to reignite the local economy have faced multiple setbacks, compounded by 40+ national convention cancellations, the shuttering of the 2020 cruise season, and the substantial decline in inbound domestic and international travel. The effects of COVID-19 on the Pacific Northwest have been nothing short of catastrophic to the hospitality industry.

The ninth annual Lodging Tax Study also looks forward and assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis of 25 major US markets illustrates the depth of the impact on the hospitality industry and projects a pattern of recovery over the next few years. HVS also provides historical data on tax rates and the collection and distribution of revenue from lodging taxes levied in all 50 States and the 150 largest US cities.

Hotels are complicated investments and evaluating the most suitable hotel operating model for a hotel investment is crucial to ensure that the owner’s return is optimized. This publication summarizes the evolution of a number key terms in the hotel management agreements and our outlook on how these key terms may evolve in the future, provides an overview of franchise agreements and highlights alternative agreements that are being considered by sophisticated owners in the Middle East region.

Boise’s influx of new hotels since 2016 resulted in a year of absorption in 2019. This article reviews Boise’s current economic projects, tourism trends, the impact of the hotel development pipeline, and the per-diem rate increase in 2019, as well as the outlook for 2020.

A few major cities in Oregon, including the state’s capital, are located along Interstate 5, a major corridor that spans the length of the West Coast. Salem, Eugene, and Medford are prominent stops and growing tourism destinations along this route.

Vancouver is experiencing a development renaissance. Instilled with a new sense of confidence by The Waterfront’s ongoing success, Portland’s lesser known neighbor is buzzing with new construction projects, including office, multi-family, retail, and hotels along The Waterfront.

Generation Z currently comprises more than a quarter of the U.S. population and delivers a hefty contribution to the economy. They may not be booking hotel rooms yet, but they already have a significant impact on their parents’ choices of accommodation.

Spokane is becoming a national meeting-and-group destination following the convention center’s expansion and the opening of a new headquarters hotel in 2015. A greater variety of groups and events are attracted to Spokane, with 2019 tracking to be a record year for the city.

Boulder is a target market for hotel companies and brands. The city’s strong corporate and leisure demand, combined with a major university, makes it a perfect hotel market. Despite the ideal hotel environment with strong market performance, new hotel development has been limited.

A top tourism destination in the Pacific Northwest, the city of Bend is experiencing a period of economic growth, including an influx of new and proposed hotels.