Ernst & Young Global Real Estate Center - Ernst & Young - Global

What key trends are likely to affect the hospitality industry in 2009? (pdf, 8.6mb) The credit crunch, an increased focus on cost containment and the bottom line, leveraging brand recognition through the internet, globalization and green building are ranked at the top of the list. Discover which 10 trends are giving way to new order in the hospitality sector.

How are the global events and trends of the past year likely to shape the hospitality industry in 2009 and beyond? In this year’s report, we review the performance of lodging markets and segments throughout the US (pdf, 1.9mb), and examine the effects of the turbulent global economy and financial markets. See how today’s challenges are forcing the industry to focus on improving its bottom line.

The economic downturn is making its mark. Debt and equity capital, the lifeblood of a thriving real estate private equity firm, are scarce, costly and highly coveted. However, we may be entering one of the best periods for acquisitions of distressed assets the industry has ever seen (pdf, 1mb). So, what’s on the horizon? 40 US real estate fund sponsors get frank about their future expectations.

What makes an enterprise exceptional? We believe it’s a company that can successfully address six fundamental challenges. Learn about them as well as other burning issues that hospitality companies are contending with. Don’t miss our targeted insights on how to turn these challenges into benefits and discover for yourself what it takes to be considered an “exceptional enterprise” (pdf, 525kb).

Nobody knows when the real estate markets will bottom out. Rather than wait on the sidelines, many companies are focusing their efforts on managing risk and streamlining operations to better prepare for opportunities when they arise. To see how you can better navigate through today’s trying times, read our report on the top 10 business risks affecting real estate in 2009 (pdf, 6.7mb).

Governmental and nongovernmental organizations, corporations and consumers are focusing on ways to reduce their environmental footprint. With the concept of sustainability gaining momentum throughout the world, there’s no better time to tap into our timely insights on sustainability in the lodging sector. This is particularly true for trends and programs being initiated in Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, India, Latin America, Middle East, Oceania and the US. 

In the Middle East, governments have traditionally contracted with regional or international companies to build infrastructure such as airports, ports and roads. Though governments have usually operated the infrastructure, government entities are increasingly forming public private partnerships (PPPs) with the private sector to build and operate projects. Discover more about this growing market, one that holds great promise for investors. 

While the current economic shakeout brings on its own particular challenges, experience from prior downturns can provide valuable guidelines on how to survive, as well as how to identify and even take advantage of opportunities that might arise amidst the current turmoil. To ensure you are well-positioned to respond to whatever the crisis brings, consider our top five modes of action.