Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

AHLA: Gas prices, inflation to impact summer travel decisions

A survey also found the pandemic has instilled a greater appreciation for travel in most people

AHLA: Gas prices, inflation to impact summer travel decisions

U.S. TRAVELERS SAID that gas prices and inflation will impact their summer travel decisions more than COVID-19 concerns, according to a survey commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

The survey, conducted by Morning Consult and released just ahead of the Memorial Day holiday weekend ending May 30, revealed that more than half of the respondents, 57 percent, are likely to take fewer leisure trips and 54 percent will take shorter trips due to current gas prices.


The majority of people surveyed, 82 percent, said that gas prices will have at least some impact on their travel destinations.

The Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer travel season. This year, AAA Travel forecast 39.2 million people would travel during the weekend, most by car.

The AHLA survey of 2,210 adults conducted between May 18 to 22 found out that 44 percent of the respondents are likely to postpone trips, and 33 percent are likely to cancel with no plans to reschedule. Nearly seven in 10 Americans, or 69 percent of survey respondents, are likely to travel this summer. Also, 60 percent of the respondents are likely to take more vacations this year compared to 2020-21.

“The pandemic has instilled in most people a greater appreciation for travel, and that’s reflected in the plans Americans are making to get out and about this summer. But just as COVID’s negative impact on travel is starting to wane, a new set of challenges is emerging in the form of historic inflation and record high gas prices," said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. "We will be keeping a close eye on these issues and urging Congress and the administration to do the same in order to help ensure they don’t negatively impact hotels’ continued pandemic recovery.”

Other highlights of the survey include:

  • 68 percent of Americans agree they have a greater appreciation for travel
  • 57 percent are planning a family vacation this summer
  • 46 percent are likely to travel overnight for a family event
  • 25 percent are likely to travel for Memorial Day, 32 percent for 4 July and 27 percent for Labor Day
  • 60 percent are likely to attend more indoor gatherings, 57 percent are likely to take longer vacations and 56 percent are likely to take trips to farther-away destinations
  • 90 percent say gas prices and inflation are a consideration in deciding whether to travel in the next three months
  • 78 percent of Americans say that COVID-19 infection rates are a consideration in deciding whether to travel this summer

More for you

Trump reviewing 55 million us visas
Getty Images

Trump reviewing 55 million visas

Summary:

  • The Trump administration says it is reviewing more than 55 million visa holders.
  • Reviews cover a wide range of visas for law enforcement and overstay violations.
  • The administration also suspended worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION is reviewing more than 55 million people who hold valid U.S. visas for potential violations. It is expanding a policy of “continuous vetting” that could result in revocation and deportation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Funds Rio Las Vegas Renovations | $176M CPACE Loan
Photo credit: Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Peachtree originates retroactive CPACE loan for Rio Vegas

Summary:

  • Peachtree Group originated a $176.5 million retroactive CPACE loan for a Las Vegas property.
  • The deal closed in under 60 days and ranks among the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.
  • The company promotes retroactive CPACE funding for commercial real estate development.

PEACHTREE GROUP ORIGINATED a $176.5 million retroactive Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy loan for Dreamscape Cos.’s Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The deal, completed in under 60 days, is its largest credit transaction and one of the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spark Acquires Home2 Suites Wayne, New Jersey
Photo Credit: Hunter Hotels

Spark acquires Wayne, N.J., Home2 Suites

Summary:

  • Spark acquired the 120-key Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne in Wayne, New Jersey.
  • Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the transaction with DC Hospitality Group affiliates.
  • The 2020-built hotel is near William Paterson University and less than 20 miles from Manhattan.

SPARK GHC RECENTLY acquired the 120-key Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne in Wayne, New Jersey, from affiliates of DC Hospitality Group. Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the deal for an undisclosed amount.

Keep ReadingShow less
Global hotel construction pipeline reaches record 15,871 projects in Q2 2025, with U.S. and Dallas leading growth
Photo Credit: iStock

Report: Global pipeline hits 15,871 projects

Summary:

  • Global pipeline hit a record 15,871 projects with 2.4 million rooms in Q2.
  • The U.S. leads with 6,280 projects; Dallas tops cities with 199.
  • Nearly 2,900 hotels are expected to open worldwide by the end of 2025.

THE GLOBAL HOTEL pipeline reached 15,871 projects, up 3 percent year-over-year, and 2,436,225 rooms, up 2 percent, according to Lodging Econometrics. Most were upper midscale and upscale, LE reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
HAMA Launches 20th Student Case Competition in USA
Photo Credit: iStock

HAMA launches 20th student case competition

Summary:

  • HAMA is accepting submissions for its 20th annual student case competition.
  • The cases reflect a scenario HAMA members faced as owner representatives.
  • Teams must submit a financial analysis, solution and executive summary.

THE HOSPITALITY ASSET Managers Association is accepting submissions for the 20th Annual HAMA Student Case Competition, in which more than 60 students analyze a management company change scenario and provide recommendations. HAMA, HotStats and Lodging Analytics Research & Consulting are providing the case, based on a scenario HAMA members faced as owner representatives.

Keep ReadingShow less