US group demand returns as hotel growth extends beyond the World Cup
US group demand returns as hotel growth extends beyond the World Cup
Chicago, Philadelphia hotels thrive as New York gets boost from tournament final
During the week of July 19-25, Chicago's hotel revenue per available room jumped 23.3% as the market hosted the NAACP National Convention and WNBA All-Star Weekend. Pictured are the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower in Chicago's Magnificent Mile neighborhood. (Brett Bulthuis/CoStar)
https://www.costar.com/article/1801516316/us-group-demand-returns-as-hotel-growth-extends-beyond-the-world-cup
U.S. hotel performance strengthened again in the week of July 19-25 as the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup helped lift national results while the return of displaced group demand broadened growth across several major markets.
Revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased 6.3% year over year, supported by a 4.9% increase in average daily rate (ADR) and a 1-percentage-point lift in occupancy. At 72.5%, U.S. hotel occupancy reached its highest weekly level of the last two years, while RevPAR, ADR and occupancy each increased for the 15th consecutive week. The World Cup final on Sunday, July 19 in New York produced the week’s most visible hotel performance surge, but the broader takeaway was that hotel demand improved well beyond the tournament’s last active host market.
National RevPAR growth was strong throughout the week but peaked on Sunday with a 13.2% increase mainly due to the World Cup. Excluding New York City, overall Sunday RevPAR growth fell from 13.2% to 4.9%. While Sunday produced the most dramatic increase, New York’s performance was not limited to match night. RevPAR and ADR increased by double digits each weekday through Thursday, suggesting that World Cup-related demand supported hotel performance beyond match night. This helped New York City lead all markets last week with a 35% increase in RevPAR, a 28.2% increase in ADR and a 4.7 percentage-point improvement in occupancy.
World Cup-related demand became increasingly concentrated in luxury hotels during the tournament's final stages as the tournament progressed toward its most anticipated matches. That trend was reflected in U.S. hotel performance by chain scale, with luxury hotels the only class to record double-digit RevPAR growth in each of the past three weeks. However, performance gains were not limited to the upper end of the market, as every class recorded RevPAR growth for the seventh consecutive week.
While New York generated the week's largest hotel performance gains, World Cup markets without a match also posted strong performance. The 10 World Cup markets that did not host a match last week combined for an 8.1% RevPAR increase, supported by both ADR growth and a 2-percentage-point lift in occupancy. Luxury and upper-upscale group demand in those markets increased 21% after declining 10.7% during the tournament, suggesting that some business travel and conference activity shifted around the World Cup calendar rather than disappearing entirely.
Group demand overall was up 7.4% last week, which played a major role in the combined RevPAR increase of 8.4% across the Top 25 markets. Outside New York City, Chicago saw the largest RevPAR growth in any of these markets and the largest group demand increase of any market. Chicago hosted the 117th NAACP National Convention and the WNBA All-Star weekend which resulted in a 23.3% jump in RevPAR last week. The increase marked Chicago's tenth consecutive week of RevPAR growth, with gains exceeding 15% in six of those weeks. Alongside Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco all saw RevPAR growth above 15% last week, each supported by both ADR and occupancy increases.
Las Vegas was the clear negative outlier among the top 25 U.S. hotel markets, with RevPAR declining 20.4% as occupancy fell 12.4 percentage points. Las Vegas sold 142,000 fewer rooms than during the same week last year, creating the largest major-market drag on national demand. The decline came against a difficult comparison period that included a Beyoncé and Backstreet Boys concerts in the market during the same week in 2025. Despite those declines, national RevPAR was still up 5.8% excluding both Las Vegas and New York, indicating that growth extended well beyond the week's two largest outliers.
Performance outside the top 25 markets was also positive, with RevPAR increasing 4.9%, ADR rising 3% and occupancy improving 1.3 percentage points. Although results varied considerably by market, the segment's overall gains further demonstrate that last week's growth extended well beyond New York and the largest urban markets.
Global
Global hotel RevPAR rebounded to 2.2% on a comparable and constant USD basis excluding the U.S. As with the previous weeks, strong to solid growth was seen around the world with only the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries seeing a steep decline (-21.3%) due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. Leaders this week included Canada and India, where RevPAR increased by double digits. Hotel performance growth was also strong in the Caribbean, Italy and the U.K., where RevPAR was in the high single digits.
While the GCC saw a steep decrease, they were not alone in the RevPAR deficit column. Mexico continued to see RevPAR retreat as it has for the entire year. This week’s decrease was like what was seen in the prior fortnight. Australia was down for a third consecutive week, as was Germany, and China posted its seventh straight weekly fall.
Excluding the GCC, Australia, China, Germany and Mexico, global RevPAR was up 6.2%, the most of the past seven weeks.
Cole Martin is an Analytics and Insights Specialist at STR, and Isaac Collazo is senior director of analytics at STR.
Hyatt sees second quarter buoyed by high-end guests
CEO Mark Hoplamazian expects a busy rest of the year for rooms growth
Hyatt Hotels Corp. opened the Miraval The Red Sea on Shura Island, Saudi Arabia, in June. It's the brand's debut resort outside of the U.S. (Hyatt Hotels Corp.)
https://www.costar.com/article/1474219122/hyatt-sees-second-quarter-buoyed-by-high-end-guests?
Hyatt Hotels Corp.'s second-quarter performance overall exceeded expectations, but the company faces a mixed bag when it comes to the performance of its hotels in different parts of the world.
Hyatt's revenue per available room declined notably in the Middle East and subtly in Mexico — with year-over-year declines of 36% and 1.2%, respectively. Executives credited the conflict in the Middle East and security issues in Mexico for driving down hotel performance.
Meanwhile, Hyatt's hotels in the Dominican Republic achieved 8% RevPAR growth in the second quarter year over year and the company's portfolio in China has seen growth, too.
“Interestingly, in China, China luxury properties were up 11% this past quarter… China is on fire. We are up almost 10% in the first half in RevPAR in China,” said Hyatt CEO, President and Chairman Mark Hoplamazian.
High-end hotels have been sources of momentum for Hyatt, he added.
"Leisure and luxury has been the engine that has just continued to propel us to really, really significant fee growth market share," Hoplamazian said. "Our luxury and lifestyle hotels are up three points of market share this past quarter. So I would say we're clicking on all cylinders when it comes to the higher-end guest."
But it's not just Hyatt's high-end business segments that are seeing growth, Hoplamazian said.
"RevPAR was up in all customer segments," he said. "Business and group travel was solid, with business-transient RevPAR increasing approximately 2% during the quarter, and group RevPAR increasing more than 7% compared to last year."
Hyatt's hotel pipeline is 10% bigger now compared to last year with 154,000 rooms contracted. For 2026, Hyatt expects a net rooms growth of 6% for the full year, which is on the lower end of Hyatt's outlook from last quarter. Hoplamazian said he's being conservative with expectations, since most of the year's openings are slated for the fourth quarter and some could slip into 2027.
"Our development pipeline remains very healthy, and we expect net rooms growth to accelerate significantly over the second half of the year, with a large number of our expected openings scheduled for the fourth quarter," he said. "We continue to see meaningful opportunities from both conversions and new-build openings."
Joan Bottarini, Hyatt's chief financial officer, pointed to fee growth in the second quarter.
"Gross fees increased 8% to $324 million driven by strong performance across our managed portfolio, fees from newly opened hotels, the new management agreements from the Playa portfolio and growth in license fees," she said.
Hyatt's fee growth has been consistent with organic fee growth at over 10% over the last five years, Hoplamazian said. He added this is higher than Hyatt's peers.
"I would just continue to remind people to please pay attention to fee growth," he said. "That's where you can take money to the bank."
By the numbers
Hyatt's comparable system-wide hotels RevPAR increased 5.9% compared to the second quarter of 2025, according to the company's earnings release. For its all-inclusive resorts, comparable system-wide net package RevPAR decreased 1.2% compared to the same time period last year.
Hyatt's net income was $110 million and adjusted net income was $108 million.
For pipeline growth, Hyatt reportedly secured franchise contracts for the addition of 154,000 hotel rooms in the quarter, an increase of 10% compared to the second quarter of 2025.
As of press time, Hyatt's stock was trading at $175.22 a share, up 9.3% year to date. The NYSE composite was up 9.6% for the same period.
10 Best State Fairs in the U.S., From Deep-Fried Classics to Big-Name Headliners
Kevin Brown/State Fair of Texas
https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/experiences/news/photos/the-best-state-fairs-across-america
Celebrate America's 250th with the ultimate American experience: a state fair.
Few festivities feel as American as a state fair. Mixing agriculture, entertainment, food, and competition, state fairs today still evoke an unmistakable community showcase that is everything, everywhere, all at once.
Deep-fried innovations usually grab headlines (breaking news: Texas State Fair has a fried charcuterie board), while veteran headliners like Busta Rhymes (headlining the Indiana State Fair this summer) share billing with bake-off competitions. Blending nostalgia and spectacle, these are the 10 best state fairs in the U.S., where tradition meets excess in the most distinctly American way.
PHOTO: OHIO STATE FAIR
1 OF 10
Ohio State Fair
WHERE: Columbus, Ohio
When: July 29 – August 9, 2026
Expect sensory overload in the best way at the Ohio State Fair. This classic Midwestern summer fair is maximalist in every way, with a vast assortment of food (most often deep-fried), rides, livestock competitions, and entertainment. The centerpiece of the fair is its midway, packed with rides both thrilling and kid-friendly, along with a Ferris wheel for the best views of it all. The fair draws crowds for its many food innovations, with must-try snacks including the Thanksgiving Sundae (turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes stuffed into a handheld cup and finished with a big dollop of cranberry sauce), deep-fried bacon-wrapped Oreos, and deep-fried giant gummy bears. Top music acts this year include Nelly, Styx with Don Felder, Weird Al Yankovic, and an evening with the Gin Blossoms, Blues Traveler, and the Spin Doctors.
PHOTO: INDIANA STATE FAIR
2 OF 10
Indiana State Fair
WHERE: Indianapolis, Indiana
When: July 31 – August 16, 2026
Indiana’s farm life in the distinct “farm-to-fair” atmosphere of the Indiana State Fair. The marquee attraction of this state fair is the celebration of the Midwest’s working farms. Livestock judging and competitions are the main events, and the winners (both professionals and students) are treated like local celebrities. Don’t miss the excitement in the air at the Sale of Champions livestock auction, as emotionally charged bids on the Grand Champion animals get rousing ovations and often draw tears of pride. You know you’re at the Indiana State Fair when oversized pork tenderloin sandwiches (a state favorite) share the spotlight with rows of stands serving roasted sweet corn on the cob, one of Indiana’s signature summer crops. The fair is also known for its affordable or free entertainment with big-name concerts and local acts performing throughout each day. This year’s headliners include Busta Rhymes, The Beach Boys, and Gene Simmons.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF WISCONSIN STATE FAIR
3 OF 10
Wisconsin State Fair
WHERE: West Allis, Wisconsin
When: August 6 – 16, 2026
Branded as America’s Dairyland, Wisconsin’s dairy heritage is a great source of pride for the state, and you’ll see it just about everywhere, from license plates to its beloved state fair. You’ve arrived at the cheese capital of the U.S., and the Wisconsin State Fair does not disappoint in reminding you with every step through the fairgrounds. Here, dairy, in all its forms, is the headline attraction. From squeaky fried cheese curds to grilled cheese sandwiches to more bold creations like cream cheese–stuffed bratwursts and molten beer cheese lava cakes, the state’s dairy identity is the backbone of the fair foods here. Arrive early for the fair’s most iconic bite: the Original Cream Puffs. A steady line forms for this 100-year-old whipped-cream-filled pastry that remains a must-have for generations of fairgoers.
PHOTO: IOWA STATE FAIR/MATTHEW PUTNEY
4 OF 10
Iowa State Fair
WHERE: Des Moines, Iowa
When: August 13 – 23, 2026
A slice of Midwestern Americana, the Iowa State Fair is the quintessential summer destination for a showcase of American agriculture. The sprawling fair campus is a joy-filled gathering of the many cross-sections of Iowa. It is often one of the most visible stops on the U.S. political circuit for presidential hopefuls. Step into one of the many venues and watch the action as livestock competitions and auctions, along with many youth competitions, draw lively crowds. With too many fried foods to mention, pace yourself and seek out recent award-winning bites, most notably the bacon-chicken-ranch egg roll and the deep-fried bacon-brisket mac-n-cheese grilled cheese. For sweet treats, “The Butter Cow Tornado” is the fan-favorite layered sundae with butterscotch ice cream and chunks of butter cake. There’s also the “Scotcheroo Shake,” which turns heads with its blend of peanut butter and butterscotch ice cream, topped with the region’s beloved scotcheroo dessert bar.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KENTUCKY STATE FAIR
5 OF 10
Kentucky State Fair
WHERE: Louisville, Kentucky
When: August 20 – 30, 2026
Part world-class horse show, part agriculture exhibition, the Kentucky State Fair attracts roughly half a million visitors each year to its indoor/outdoor affair at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Kentucky is the “Horse Capital of the World,” and there’s a great sense of Kentucky pride on display as top horses and riders from across the country arrive at the fair to compete for world championship titles. Southern and Appalachian flavors heavily influence the local fair fare, with barbecue stands serving traditional barbecued mutton, hickory-smoked pork, and just about everything bourbon-infused. Wander the halls of the air-conditioned center, and you’ll experience the best of Kentucky. Highlights of the many activities at the fair include arts-and-crafts competitions, cooking displays, quilt showcases, and exhibits on the future of agriculture.
PHOTO: MINNESOTA STATE FAIR
6 OF 10
Minnesota State Fair
WHERE: Saint Paul, Minnesota
When: August 27 – September 7, 2026
There is plenty more than meets the eye at the Minnesota State Fair, a deeply rooted cultural reunion of the state that has been a family tradition for generations. Devoted Minnesotans never miss this meaningful community gathering, which draws upwards of 2 million people annually. Known to locals as “The Great Minnesota Get-Together,” this favorite of state fair enthusiasts shines a spotlight on the state’s local culture. There is less focus on rides and carnival attractions here, as the 12 days at the fair are packed with home-grown fun. The CHS Miracle of Birth Center draws crowds to witness farm animals being born in real time, including calves, lambs, piglets, chicks, ducklings, and goats. Over in the Dairy Building, Princess Kay Butter Sculptures may be the most famous agricultural tradition at the fair. The demonstration finds Minnesota dairy ambassadors inside a refrigerated booth as a sculptor carves their likeness into a 90-pound block of butter–a marvel, regardless of your lactose tolerance!
PHOTO: THE IMAGE PARTY/SHUTTERSTOCK
7 OF 10
Washington State Fair
WHERE: Puyallup, Washington
When: September 4 – 27, 2026
Country charm meets exhilarating thrills on the fairgrounds of the Washington State Fair, set at the base of Mount Rainier. Known as “The Puyallup” by locals, this fair delights with a nostalgia for a bygone era. Stroll the fairway and try your hand at one of the many vintage carnival games, or strap in to the historic wooden roller coaster, thrilling riders since 1935. No visit to the fair is complete without a stop at Fisher Scones, serving fresh, hot scones since 1915. For something a little heartier, the giant Earthquake Burgers are a can’t-miss indulgence, featuring a half-pound smashed patty that extends over the edge of the bun and is topped with melted cheese and grilled onions. For the best of the fair, don’t miss one of the rousing nights at The Puyallup Rodeo. This popular event has been a top draw since 1933. It has evolved into a four-night spectacle with eight competitions, including bareback riding, steer wrestling, and the wild, unpredictable sport of bull riding. The fair also attracts headlining musical acts, with this year’s lineup including Twisted Sister, Chicago, HARDY, Jon Batiste, and more.
PHOTO: EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION
8 OF 10
Eastern States Exposition
WHERE: West Springfield, Massachusetts
When: September 18 – October 4, 2026
Not as much a state fair as a conglomeration of six New England states, the Eastern States Exposition, known as “The Big E,” serves as the official fair for Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The unique layout allows visitors to “travel” New England in a matter of steps, with each state represented by a building along the midway. One of the many charms of The Big E is how it avoids typical deep-fried fair food gimmicks and celebrates regional cuisine. Sample the best of many local purveyors with just some of the many highlights, including Maine’s fresh lobster rolls and blueberries, to Vermont’s maple syrup and cheddar cheese. No visit is complete without a Big E Cream Puff, the oversized pastry that has become a signature treat of the fair. Beyond the food, the fair remains dedicated to its roots as an agricultural exposition, featuring livestock competitions, farm exhibits, and dairy showcases.
PHOTO: KEVIN BROWN/STATE FAIR OF TEXAS
9 OF 10
State Fair of Texas
WHERE: Dallas, Texas
When: September 25 – October 18, 2026
The State Fair of Texas doesn’t just celebrate Texas culture; it supersizes it for 24 days every fall. This is the nation’s largest state fair by attendance, welcoming more than 2 million visitors annually to Fair Park in Dallas. The first sign that you’re in for a larger-than-life experience is encountering Big Tex, the 55-foot-tall cowboy who has welcomed fairgoers since 1952 and serves as the unmistakable symbol of the fair. You’re on legendary grounds here, as this is the birthplace of some of America’s most outrageous and over-the-top fair foods. One of the fair’s most enduring claims to fame is the corn dog, invented here in 1942 and still sold by the original Fletcher family operation. The innovations in deep-fried snacks at the fair never cease, with highlights from years past including a “Fried Charcuterie Board,” “Fried Thanksgiving Dinner,” and “Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick.” No visit is complete without a ride on the Texas State Ferris wheel, a fairground icon and one of North America’s tallest Ferris wheels.
PHOTO: JUSTIN KASE CONDER/N.C. STATE FAIR
10 OF 10
North Carolina State Fair
WHERE: Raleigh, North Carolina
When: October 15 – 25, 2026
Prefer your fair experience upside down? The North Carolina State Fair is a Southeast state fair destination most loved for its many gravity-defying thrills. The towering SkyGazer presides over the fairgrounds as one of the country’s largest traveling Ferris wheels, with the best views of the site and the Raleigh skyline. More intense rides like the harrowing turns of the Crazy Mouse coaster and the rotating 360-degree inversions of the Colossus pendulum swing create one of the boldest and most exciting lineups of any state fair in the country. More than just thrills, the fair’s Village of Yesteryear pays tribute to North Carolina heritage with more than 75 artisans and craftspeople, including blacksmiths, woodworkers, and weavers, demonstrating traditional skills. The North Carolina State Fair’s mid-October dates are ideal for cooler, more moderate temperatures and autumn-inspired fun.
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