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Issue 4 : March 5th 2010
STUPID, PIIGS and the hotel industry
Sovereign debt rather than banking collapses are the new worries for global investors. For hotel investors the scare should be a welcome reminder that country risk remains.
But right now, the risk does not appear to be with the usual suspects - emerging markets - but rather with indebted industrialised countries.
Accor's challenging investment case
Accor last week laid out its plans for spinning-off its voucher business and further fleshed out its hotel strategy.
The asset right strategy looks compelling but the company has a challenge convincing investors how this is different to an asset light strategy. After all, stock markets are still failing to recognise the separation between strict managers of hotels, like Marriott and InterContinental, and owner operators, like Hyatt and Starwood.
Online battle heads to Europe
The 2001 to 2003 downturn saw online travel companies hugely advance their market share in the hotel space. The big brands responded and prevented OTCs commoditising their offer.
During this recession, OTCs have again grown strongly, albeit with unbranded or weakly branded product. And the OTCs reckon that the coming recovery will not see power regained by these hotels as they are locked in to agency contracts.
Testimonials
"Hotel Analyst provides a level of insight and analysis into the strategic issues facing the international hotel industry that no other publication attempts, let alone delivers."Paul Slattery, Director, Otus & Co
"Hotel Analyst has fantastic access to deal-makers and both their news comment sections are a model for others to emulate."
Chris Rouse, Senior Director, CB Richard Ellis Hotels Limited
"Not only does Hotel Analyst cover the key stories, it provides informed comment and the angle that leaves the reader reflecting."
Tim Helliwell, Relationship Director Hospitality & Leisure Team, Barclays Bank
"Hotel Analyst delves into key industry issues and succeeds at interrogating the subject matter, providing interesting and worthwhile opinion."
Alan Parker, Chief Executive, Whitbread
