On January 25, 2023, the Seattle Convention Center (SCC) is debuting the completion of its expansion, known as Summit, which nearly doubles the capacity of the convention center facilities. This addition is not your average convention center expansion, with numerous unique and energy-efficient design features. This article provides an overview of the new building and its expected impact on the Seattle lodging market.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coastal Maine market, including Portland, has experienced a renaissance of leisure travel. This seasonal drive-to market has remained a stalwart of the New England region, while corporate and group-focused urban cores have been slower to rebound. Pent-up demand has catapulted Coastal Maine markets beyond pre-COVID peaks. This article highlights the market’s triumphs and challenges in recent years.
Bend’s strategic location as a drive-to destination in Central Oregon, within driving distance of Crater Lake National Park, Smith Rock State Park, and Deschutes National Forest, made it a bright light during the pandemic and contributed to the local lodging market’s resiliency.
Since March 2020, Boise hotels have suffered unprecedented declines in demand, similar to most cities in the United States, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Which factors affected 2020 hotel performance, and what key elements are expected to influence hotels in the Treasure Valley’s capital? What will the recovery look like?
Declining oil and gas prices since 2014 have largely resulted in an economic retrogression in Alaska. Aside from the oil and gas industry, the tourism industry is one of the largest private-sector groups of employers in the state and accounts for one of every eight jobs. Therefore, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been detrimental to the local economy. While the widespread availability of a vaccine has ignited hope, tourism recovery faces some obstacles in 2021.
Rod Clough, President – Americas, interviewed Kasia Russell, Managing Director and Senior Partner overseeing the U.S. Pacific Northwest region, on February 3, 2021, to discuss the current market dynamics and the outlook for recovery.
The challenges faced by the City of Roses in 2020 were nothing short of devastating. Not only did the COVID-19 pandemic wreak havoc on the local economy, but social injustice and political demonstrations, as well as devastating fires that displaced thousands and resulted in hazardous air quality, continued to impede recovery efforts throughout the year. Moreover, the exaggerated national media attention further exacerbated conditions. Looking ahead, Portland as a city works to heal and rebuild.
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.
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.
HVS C&V leaders offer the pulse of their markets heading into the fall season. Out of 23 markets discussed, ten are rated as hot, nine are rated as mild, and the remaining four are rated as cooling.