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U.S. Lodging Sector on Solid Footing at the Start of 2013, Says PwC U.S.
Forecasting RevPAR Gains to 5.9% for 2013


NEW YORK, Jan. 22, 2013 -- Reflecting stronger lodging demand and economic activity that exhibits less retrenchment than expected, an updated lodging forecast released today by PwC US anticipates stronger revenue per available room ("RevPAR") recovery in 2013, compared to the previous outlook. Lodging demand growth, which had eased in the third quarter of 2012 on a seasonally adjusted basis, gained more strength than expected in the fourth quarter. While some of the lodging demand fluctuations are attributable to the timing of holidays and Superstorm Sandy, the underlying momentum in the travel recovery remains intact.  As a result, PwC expects RevPAR growth of 5.9% in 2013, representing the fourth year of lodging recovery.

The updated estimates in PwC Hospitality Directions US are based on a quarterly econometric analysis of the lodging sector, using historical statistics supplied by Smith Travel Research and other data providers, and an updated macroeconomic forecast released by Macroeconomic Advisers, LLC. Macroeconomic Advisers' December outlook anticipates slightly weaker economic growth in the first half of 2013, reflecting on-going fiscal contraction and policy wrangling, uncertainty regarding the Eurozone crisis, and still-impaired bank and household balance sheets, followed by stronger economic growth in the second half of the year. As a result, Macroeconomic Advisers, LLC now expects real gross domestic product ("GDP") to increase by 2.6 percent in 2013, measured on a fourth-quarter-over-fourth-quarter basis.

Despite the near-term economic challenges, lodging demand and, more importantly, pricing, are expected to remain on positive trajectories. Overall, based on the analysis referenced above, PwC expects lodging demand in 2013 to increase 1.8 percent, which combined with still restrained supply growth of 0.8 percent, is anticipated to boost occupancy levels to 62.0 percent, the highest since 2007. While hotels across the spectrum of price tiers are expected to benefit from this recovery, hotels in the higher-priced segments are expected to experience the strongest gains. Occupancy levels at hotels in the luxury, upper-upscale and upscale segments have already exceeded pre-recession peaks. As stronger business transient and group activity returns to higher-priced hotels, revenue management initiatives are anticipated to drive increased pricing of available hotel rooms, resulting in a continuation of meaningful RevPAR gains. Hotels in the lower-priced segments have not experienced as solid of a recovery in occupancy, but are still expected to realize increased room rates as demand gradually strengthens.



"Recent results have exhibited the underlying tenacity of lodging recovery, despite ongoing economic uncertainty," said Scott D. Berman , principal and U.S. industry leader, hospitality & leisure, PwC. "At the outset of 2013, the lodging industry has reached a point in the cycle where industry stakeholders are more confident about their performance, with more reason to be optimistic, based on the underlying strength of the broader travel and tourism sectors."

A full copy of PwC's US Lodging Forecast can be accessed by visiting: http://www.pwc.com/us/en/asset-management/hospitality-leisure/publications/index.jhtml.

About PwC US
PwC US helps organizations and individuals create the value they're looking for.  We're a member of the PwC network of firms in 158 countries with more than 180,000 people.  We're committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services.  Tell us what matters to you and find out more by visiting us at www.pwc.com/US.

Learn more about PwC by following us online: @PwC_LLP, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Google +.

© 2013 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the US member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

This content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisors.
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PwC US
Web Site: http://www.pwc.com

 

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Also See: Near-term Economic Uncertainty, Weaker Q3 Lodging Performance and the Impact of Superstorm Sandy Result in Lodging Outlook Setback According to Updated Forecast by PwC U.S. / November 2012

Despite Near-term Economic Uncertainty, U.S. Lodging Recovery Remains Intact, Says PwC U.S. Report / August 2012

Continued Recovery in Hotel Room Demand Supports Expected Gains in U.S. RevPAR in 2012 & 2013, According to PwC U.S. Report / June 2012

When a Negative Experience Occurs, Fix it Before Check-Out; Issue Resolution and Current Room Amenities Most Important to Hotel Guests, According to Latest Experience Radar Report Released by PwC for the Hospitality Industry / May 2012

With Improved Occupancy, Focus Turns to Pricing in 2012, According to PwC US Lodging Industry Forecast / January 2012


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