Group 1: Choice Privileges Program Overview - Choice Privileges is a rewards program that allows members to earn and redeem points for stays at over 7,000 hotels in 46 countries and territories, with additional earning opportunities through partners [7] - The program has been refreshed to provide greater value to its 70 million members, offering more ways to use points, including a sweepstakes for members [1][5] - Members can earn additional entries in the sweepstakes by staying qualifying nights during the promotion period, which runs until October 7, 2025 [1] Group 2: Travel Opportunities and Points Usage - Members can use their points for various travel experiences, including stays near national parks, cultural tours, and beach vacations in the Caribbean and Latin America [3][4] - Specific travel routes and the corresponding points required include a national park route starting at 375,000 points, a cultural tour starting at 425,000 points, and a beach vacation starting at 570,000 points [3][4] - A grand prize winner in the sweepstakes will receive 1 million Choice Privileges points, enabling luxury stays and experiences, along with additional prizes for other winners [5] Group 3: Company Background - Choice Hotels International, Inc. is one of the largest lodging franchisors globally, with over 7,500 hotels and nearly 650,000 rooms across 46 countries and territories [8] - The company operates a diverse portfolio of 22 brands, catering to various traveler needs and driving value for franchise owners and shareholders [8] - The Choice Privileges program and co-brand credit card options facilitate earning reward nights and personalized perks for members [8]

Group 1 - Blue Chip Portfolios is an investment publication company that focuses on providing insights on single stocks, ETFs, and CEFs [1] - The company publishes the Blue Chip Portfolio's Newsletter on Beehiiv [1] Group 2 - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and indicates a beneficial long position in HLT shares [1]

Group 1 - Choice Privileges has been recognized as the No. 1 Hotel Rewards Program by U.S. News & World Report, following a similar ranking by WalletHub, indicating its increasing popularity among travelers [1][2] - The program's evolution focuses on simplicity and clear value for members, making it easier to earn and redeem rewards, which has positively influenced customer response [2][3] - U.S. News highlighted that Choice Privileges allows members to quickly earn free nights and has expanded its offerings through the acquisition of Radisson and partnerships with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, catering to both budget and luxury segments [3] Group 2 - Choice Hotels International, Inc. operates over 7,500 hotels with nearly 650,000 rooms across 46 countries, offering a diverse portfolio of 22 brands to meet various traveler needs [4] - The Choice Privileges rewards program enables members to earn and redeem points at over 7,000 hotels and through partnerships with various distribution platforms, enhancing the value proposition for members [5]

Economic Outlook - U.S. consumer sentiment reached a five-month high in July, with the Consumer Sentiment Index increasing to 61.8 from 60.7 in June, indicating growing optimism about the economy [3] - Rising consumer sentiment is expected to positively influence household spending, particularly benefiting the consumer discretionary sector [1][3] Inflation Expectations - A significant factor contributing to improved consumer sentiment is the decline in inflation expectations, with consumers now anticipating a 4.4% price increase over the next year, down from 5% in June, marking the lowest short-term inflation outlook since February [4] - Long-term inflation expectations also decreased to 3.6%, the lowest in five months [4] Consumer Caution - Despite the positive sentiment, consumers remain cautious regarding business conditions, labor markets, and personal income prospects compared to the previous year [5] - The recent increase in sentiment suggests that consumers believe the risk of worst-case scenarios has diminished [5] Investment Opportunities in ETFs - Investors can capitalize on the positive consumer sentiment trend through consumer discretionary ETFs, including: - **Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY)**: Holds 51 securities with significant allocations in hotels, restaurants, leisure, and retail, boasting an AUM of $22.3 billion and an expense ratio of 0.08% [2][5] - **Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR)**: Comprises 296 stocks, primarily in broadline retail and automobiles, with an asset base of $6 billion and low fees of 9 bps [2][6] - **Invesco Dorsey Wright Consumer Cyclicals Momentum ETF (PEZ)**: Focuses on 37 stocks showing momentum, with an asset base of $30.6 million and annual fees of 60 bps [2][7] - **VanEck Vectors Retail ETF (RTH)**: Tracks the performance of 26 large retail firms, with an asset base of $244.1 million and annual fees of 35 bps [2][8]

Core Viewpoint - Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. is expected to report second-quarter 2025 results on July 23, with projected earnings per share (EPS) of $2.03, reflecting a 6.3% increase from the previous year [1][8]. Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The consensus estimate for second-quarter revenues is approximately $3.06 billion, indicating a 3.6% rise from the same quarter last year [2]. - The expected growth in management and franchise hotel revenues is 6.5% year over year, reaching $905.6 million, while franchise and licensing fees are projected to increase by 8.1% to $745 million [5]. Factors Influencing Performance - Hilton's second-quarter performance is anticipated to benefit from strong group travel, international development, and growth in non-RevPAR fees [3]. - High-margin management and franchise fees are expected to significantly contribute to revenue, supported by hotel openings and brand conversions [4]. - Growth in Hilton Honors membership and stable performance from small and mid-sized business travel are also likely to enhance results [6]. Challenges and Projections - Despite positive factors, macroeconomic challenges such as cost inflation, foreign currency impacts, and uncertainty in corporate travel may pressure Hilton's bottom line [7]. - The company projects adjusted diluted EPS for the second quarter to be between $1.97 and $2.02 [7]. Earnings Prediction - The model predicts an earnings beat for Hilton, with an Earnings ESP of +2.70% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [8][9].

LONDON, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questex’s Resort & Residential Hospitality Forum (R&R Forum), the only event in EMEA dedicated to investment in the resort, leisure, and residential hospitality sectors, is now open for registration. The forum returns to Athens, Greece, on 11–13 November 2025, marking its 10th anniversary with a special edition that brings together over 500 industry leaders, developers, investors, and hospitality professionals for three days of strategic content, high-value networki ...

Core Insights - The logistics sector has seen significant engagement from investors, particularly in the ASEAN and US markets, highlighting its growth potential [1] - The popularity of insurance companies in the Philippines since 2014 indicates a shift in investment strategies among local investors [1] - The diversification of investment portfolios across various industries and market capitalizations is becoming a common practice among investors [1] Investment Trends - There is a notable trend of investing in blue-chip companies initially, which has evolved into a broader investment strategy across different sectors [1] - The entry into the US market has been facilitated by platforms like Seeking Alpha, which provide valuable analyses for comparison with local markets [1] - The focus on specific sectors such as banking, telecommunications, retail, hotels, and logistics reflects targeted investment strategies [1]

Hotel owners across the U.S. are reeling from a decline in foreign visitors and domestic tourists—then there’s New York City https://t.co/Rp3EgiRvyk ...

Ace Group, which manages the trendy Ace Hotel brand, is nearing a deal to sell itself to Tokyo-based Seibu Prince Hotels, sources say https://t.co/Q45D6QzYOI ...

BOZEMAN, MONTANA, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TownePlace Suites by Marriott® announces the grand opening of TownePlace Suites Bozeman West, a newly constructed, 107-suite extended-stay hotel located just outside the vibrant heart of Bozeman and a short drive from Yellowstone National Park. Purpose-built to meet the needs of long-term travelers, the hotel blends the comforts of home with Montana-inspired design and intuitive service, redefining the stay experience in Big Sky Country. “We’re proud to br ...