After selling these 15 resorts, Hyatt will once again look less like a real-estate company and more like a capital-light services business. It will be less likely to get clobbered during a downturn from volatile cash flows tied to depreciating assets.
CEOs at big hotel brands like to brag about how little they own. Omni is betting that ownership still gives it an edge in design, service, and loyalty.
Meliá's ability to stay profitable while expanding is notable. CEO Gabriel Escarrer tells Skift he's turning the group into a global resort operator, not just a Mediterranean one.
Ascott got its start providing extended stays for corporate travelers. But it hasn't opened enough properties in places where people dream of vacationing. So expect it to buy resorts.
Sandals Resorts, the Caribbean luxury all-inclusive operator, is said to be restarting sale efforts a few years after its founder's death. The potential move comes as the brand makes a multi-million dollar marketing push.
Bali's tourism industry already has its fair share of challenges, so the last thing it needs is another issue that could hurt its reputation and future.
The acquisition positions Hyatt to capitalize on the growing demand for luxury all-inclusive experiences, while adding significant scale to its resort portfolio in key leisure destinations where development opportunities are limited.
Disney is expanding its cruise fleet and investing billions in its theme parks internationally. Yet maintaining premium pricing across a much larger footprint won't be easy.