Wyndham Hotels & Resorts(US:WH) ZACKSยท2025-05-15 17:15Core Viewpoint - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. has signed an exclusive development agreement with Le Park Concord Company to expand its Super 8 brand in Saudi Arabia, planning to open 100 hotels over the next 10 years, reflecting a long-term focus on accessible and sustainable hospitality growth in the region [1][4]. Group 1: Expansion Plans - The agreement aims to address the growing need for affordable lodging in Saudi Arabia, which recorded 30 million international visitors in 2024, a 9.5% increase from the previous year, with expectations to reach 150 million annually by the end of the decade [2][3]. - The first Super 8 hotel is expected to open in 2026, with locations planned in Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and Al Khobar, focusing on modular construction methods and eco-conscious features [4]. Group 2: Company Growth Metrics - In the first quarter of 2025, Wyndham opened over 15,000 rooms globally, marking a 13% year-over-year growth, with a total of 907,200 rooms as of March 31, 2025, up 4% from the previous year [6]. - The global development pipeline consisted of nearly 2,140 hotels and approximately 254,000 rooms, showcasing a record high level and a 5% year-over-year increase, with about 58% of the pipeline being international [7]. Group 3: Market Performance - Shares of Wyndham Hotels have lost 20.8% in the past three months, compared to a 15.3% decline in the Zacks Hotels and Motels industry, indicating underperformance despite ongoing expansion initiatives likely to foster future growth [9].