US to lose $12B in tourism as policies deter visitors
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The World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts that the US will be the only country to see a decline in international visitor spending in 2025, with a projected $12.5 billion drop, while Tourism Economics now predicts an 8.2% decrease instead of a previously expected 9% increase. The U.S. Travel Association said it is “deeply concerned,” warning that cuts to tourism marketing will “significantly impact every sector of our industry.”
Full Story: Forbes (tiered subscription model) (7/4) A recent Esquire magazine article on the best new hotels worldwide highlights the growing prominence of independent hotels, with 33 out of 42 listed properties being independent or soft-branded. This trend aligns with Barry Sternlicht's observations at the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, where he noted that independent startups are increasingly capturing market share from legacy brands by offering unique experiences. Sternlicht also mentioned the rise of soft brands as a strategy for major hotel chains to attract independent properties.
Full Story: Hotels Magazine (7/5A recent Esquire magazine article on the best new hotels worldwide highlights the growing prominence of independent hotels, with 33 out of 42 listed properties being independent or soft-branded. This trend aligns with Barry Sternlicht's observations at the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, where he noted that independent startups are increasingly capturing market share from legacy brands by offering unique experiences. Sternlicht also mentioned the rise of soft brands as a strategy for major hotel chains to attract independent properties.
Full Story: Hotels Magazine (7/5The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has opened its first integrated Canadian location in Ottawa. The entertainment complex features a 150-room hotel, 150,000-square-foot gaming floor, 1,800-seat live performance venue, a high-limit gaming space and 10 restaurants, bars and lounges. The $350 million project, delayed by the pandemic, showcases Canadian culture with memorabilia and art pieces from Canadian artists.
Full Story: Ottawa Business Journal (Ontario) (7/3) 
