Presenting the Bear Case for the US Hotel Industry

Abstract

Although all trends are pointing towards a steady, yet long recovery to pre-pandemic numbers, STR has outlined varying factors that could push the hotel industry back in trajectory. Notably, STR details the new wave of virus variants, difficulty in widespread vaccinations, successful telecommuting, supply chain, and the opportunity for travelers to stay in accommodations other than hotels. However, STR determined that children back in school non-remotely, labor shortages, and a higher unemployment rate are additional factors that could stall the recovery of the hotel industry. Many of these trends remain un-surprising to experts, however, the industry remains optimistic when looking at how far it has come in just a short year since the start of the pandemic.