As further global expansion is projected in 2021, Hilton has highlighted two areas that contributed positively to its performance: the increased conversion of non-Hilton properties and the role of extended-stay brands in drive-to markets.

A year after Covid-19 started affecting the lives of most of the world,the hospitality and travel sector is still trying to strike a balance between fighting for recovery and planning for the expected pent-up demand. This week brings some hope for future growth opportunities.

Investment giants Blackstone and Starwood Capital are making a $6 billion bet that the travel and hospitality industry can bounce back following the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a further vote of confidence in the future of hospitality—and in the extended-stay sector, specifically—Blackstone and Starwood Capital Group have agreed to acquire Extended Stay America and its paired-share real estate investment trust, ESH Hospitality, for $6 billion.

Commercial real estate investment firm Avistone has formed a hotel division to explore investments in limited-service, extended-stay, full-service and resort hotels throughout the United States.

Marriott International is due to open its first dual-branded hotel in the UK with a new property in Slough, bringing together a lifestyle Moxy and an extended-stay Residence Inn.  

Accor is boasting a healthy development pipeline for 2021 banking on lifestyle, luxury and conversion brands, as recently announced Chief Development Officer Agnes Roquefort takes on her new role.

Looking back at the In Focus series from 2020, we have highlighted two of the biggest stories this year, the Travelodge saga and Airbnb IPO.  Join us for a glimpse into the many conversations between Alexi Khajavi. Julie Rey-Gore and Katherine Doggrell and just a few of the many guests who joined us to review the latest news and developments in the sector.  Never miss a thing, you can view the full In Focus series over here. 

Robert Alley, COO at Roomzzz Aparthotels joined Katherine Doggrell last week to discuss how the pandemic has affected their organisation and expansion plans.  An example of a company who have managed to retain some healthy occupancy levels and perhaps a bright spot during the difficult results season we are hearing about elsewhere. Roomzzz supported the NHS initiative during the height of the pandemic and went after the the extended stay side of their business. "The beauty of aparthotels is that we could do something that hotels couldn't, offer a solution which people still needed" averaging a 70% - 75% occupancy through lockdown and sustained these numbers ever since.  Robert foresees the extended stay sector to remain strong despite the loss of the leisure market due to lockdown restrictions.  The lease structure is something they have discussed with their landlord through open dialogue however he describes the need for a convergence of healthy lease models such as hybrid leases that work for all stakeholders. If you missed our weekly In Focus episode, catch up here now.