The NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum was held in New York City from June 1-3, 2025, bringing together a cross-section of the hospitality industry to discuss the latest trends in the market. Here are 10 takeaways and observations from the three-day event:
- Investors are concerned with the whipsaw of domestic and global policy, prompting them to take a cautious approach.
- International visitation is down, affecting both business and resort markets.
- Canadian travelers are forgoing Phoenix and South Florida, instead shifting their dollars to Mexico and the Caribbean.
- There was a general sense of fatigue among buyers who want to see more deals.
- Instead, they are seeing recycled deals return to market with new pricing.
- Investors are bullish on New York City and are focusing on ways to manage through unionization. Wage bills are receiving more attention in markets such as Los Angeles.
- Buyers are looking at markets along the West Coast, intrigued by reset pricing. San Francisco is currently on many investors’ hotlists as one of the best value propositions.
- Capital is available for the right deals. Assets with proper pricing are seeing activity, and debt markets are functioning efficiently.
- With few attractive acquisition opportunities, preferred equity and credit remain target positions for capital today. A recent shift: joint venture common equity opportunities are being met with greater interest.
- A logjam is forming on the special servicer side of the business. Lenders are moving to take properties into receivership or working with borrowers to develop an exit for their positions. Distress hasn’t hit yet.
Access our latest Hospitality report to read more about the trends driving the industry.