Hotel & Leisure Advisors

01/06/2026

As we head into 2026, the hospitality landscape is being reshaped by experience-driven travel, smarter use of technology, and evolving guest expectations. H&LA's Kate Cheung breaks down the trends that will define the year ahead.

By: Kate Cheung, CHIA In 2025, the hospitality industry experienced a more normalized operating environment. Average daily rates grew modestly while overall occupancy softened, and demand remained stable amid rising operating costs and broader economic uncertainty. Several macro-level factors shaped...

10/14/2025

H&LA is excited to announce our new partnership with Architectural Design Consultants, Inc. (ADCI)! Collaboration and strategic partnerships have always been central to our work, and this alliance with ADCI takes that strategy to the next level. By combining H&LA’s data-driven insights with ADCI’s design expertise, we have the opportunity to deliver bolder, smarter, and more innovative development of hotels, resorts, waterparks, and leisure properties.

https://hladvisors.com/adci-and-hla-announce-strategic-partnership-to-advance-innovation-in-hospitality-development/

04/10/2025

H&LA’s David Sangree recently shared insights with the City of Conneaut, unveiling the results of a comprehensive hotel feasibility study conducted across four cities in Ashtabula County, Ohio. The study explored strategic lodging opportunities tailored to each community, providing recommendations to enhance the region’s hospitality offerings. By identifying the most promising hotel and lodging options, H&LA is helping Ashtabula County pave the way for increased tourism and economic growth.

https://www.starbeacon.com/news/conneaut-hears-presentation-on-city-lodging/article_7b866337-2eba-41e0-838d-f94df31b5f90.html

11/18/2024

We are ready at IAAPA in booth 2842 in the Water Park Pavilion! We hope to see familiar faces and make some new connections!

11/07/2024

See you at IAAPA! Click on the link to schedule a meeting with one of our attendees.
https://hladvisors.com/see-you-at-iaapa-2/

09/17/2024

Check out the H&LA's latest article by Stephen Szczygiel, which discusses the growing industry and trends that will affect development. Surfing is rapidly gaining traction, emerging as one of the fastest-growing water sports globally. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, participation in surfing surged by 28.5% in the United States in 2023, with one in every 100 Americans engaging in the sport. Surf parks hope to capitalize on popularity by bringing the surfing experience to the masses with artificial wave technology and unique experiences.

By: Stephen Szczygiel, CHIA Surfing is rapidly gaining traction, emerging as one of the fastest-growing water sports globally. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), participation in surfing surged by 28.5% in the United States in 2023, with one in every 100 Americans engag...

04/16/2024

Check out H&LA's latest article by David Sangree about the state of the waterpark industry in 2024! New growth is forecasted for indoor and outdoor waterparks this year as several large-scale projects will open that will alter the waterpark landscape. These projects will continue to encourage existing properties to innovate and update to keep market share.

https://hladvisors.com/waterparks-maintain-momentum-in-2024-amid-growth-and-new-opportunities/

By David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC In 2023, waterpark owners and operators saw a more competitive market as attendance levels remained similar to 2022 while ticket pricing growth was more subdued. This occurred due to increased competition from a variety of additional attractions and entertainment....

12/21/2023

Check out H&LA's latest article on 2023 trends and concerns for hoteliers!

The hotel industry has moved on from many challenges that have plagued it since the COVID-19 pandemic, but new challenges and opportunities have presented themselves in 2023. Carrying on from 2022, markets continue to deal with the highest cost of debt in decades, but the fear of a recession has rec...

11/08/2023

H&LA's David Sangree, Anne F. Gompel, MAI, MBA, and Adam Zarczynski are attending the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Annual Expo from November 14-17 in Orlando.

They would love to hear from you! Visit H&LA at Booth 3042 in the Waterpark Pavilion area to discuss potential needs for market feasibility studies, appraisals, economic impact studies, or other consulting work.
We are looking forward to a great conference!