Another year is starting and this one promises to be unlike the others in the midst of tax reforms and financial regulatory changes. One thing is for sure, we're in for a bumpy ride. With that in mind, I decided to ask a select group of hospitality executives from ownership, management, asset management, financial and branding companies to share their opinions on where we are headed as an industry. The executives had some differing views, but the answers provided some clear trends. The first question was if they thought it was going to be a better year for development. It was a fifty/fifty split. Some key reasons included rising interest rates increasing labor and constructions costs, as well as the lending market remaining tight. Others felt the new year was already yielding new deals and the investor community seemed bullish. I'm optimistic as well and believe this year will be better too. 

The second question asked if the new tax regulations would help or hurt development. Overwhelmingly, people felt it would support development. The third question asked for their opinion on financing for conversions. The majority felt there would be no impact over last year closely followed by the opinion that financing will be easier.

 The last question asked for an opinion on financing for new construction. The answer again overwhelmingly showed my panel did not think there would be any impact different from last year. There were some though that thought it would be harder. So my thoughts on financing are that we should remain about the same as last year, and conversion financing will be easier to obtain than new construction. 

I appreciate the input from my friends and colleagues and look forward to seeing how 2018 shapes up!