Editor's Note: Some linked articles may be behind subscription paywalls.
1. Scotch, bourbon producers advocate against tariffs
Producers of both Scotch whisky and bourbon whiskey are calling for an end to a 10% tariff imposed by the United States on the U.K., affecting costs of Scotch, the New York Times reports.
According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Scotch makers export 90% of their product each year, and their biggest market is the U.S. If the tariffs were to continue, the U.S. would lose 3,300 jobs and the hospitality industry would lose $300 million.
Chris Swonger, the head of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, said the American whiskey business benefits from Scotch production, and both sides stand to lose if the tariffs aren't revoked.
“Our industry has thrived because we are so closely intertwined together,” Swonger said. The tariffs on British spirits “would be detrimental to the U.S. economy and be detrimental to U.S. consumers."
2. Sunstone investor calls on company to sell
An investor of hospitality real estate investment trust Sunstone Hotel Investors sent a letter to the company's board of directors calling on Sunstone to either sell the entire company or procure a plan of sale and liquidation of its assets, TipRanks reports.
Tarsadia Capital, a 3.4% economic interest holder of Sunstone, is calling on the action to "preserve and maximize value for shareholders," according to the report.
“Sunstone’s current trajectory as a subscale lodging REIT is simply not tenable. The board needs immediate refreshment and must commence a robust strategic alternatives process to unlock value for shareholders," said Michael Ching, managing director at Tarsadia Capital, in the letter. "If the board desires to continue with the status quo, we are prepared to make the case for change directly to our fellow shareholders."
3. Hotel revenue managers seek shift in expectations from owners
Hotel performance has become more uncertain than in the past few years due to factors outside of the purview of revenue managers. Owners are still expecting improved results from previous years, though, which is leading to a disconnect between the two, revenue management experts said during a roundtable session hosted by CoStar News Hotels.
Over the past two years, the hotel industry has been trying to figure out what the "new normal" looks like, said Andrea Martin, director of revenue management at Davidson Hospitality Group. Whatever normal looks like in 2025, it's fundamentally different than what it was in 2019.
"That's the conversation I always have with owners: OK, are we good or bad compared to what? Because in 2019, occupancy was through the roof. ... I don't want to go back to the [average daily rate] we had in 2019 because the costs now are much higher than they were in 2019. We cannot go back completely," she said.
4. Several LuxUrban hotels unexpectedly shut down
Hotel guests and employees at three LuxUrban properties in New York City have been searching for answers after each hotel shut down without warning this past week, CBS News reports.
Some guests were still able to book stays at the properties, only to arrive and find a scant amount of workers and service. Employees at the hotels said they suddenly stopped receiving their paychecks, so they eventually just stopped showing up.
"It's a horrible situation to be in. Honestly, I have bills. I have stuff that's piling up," Sasha Robinson, an employee at Tuscany by LuxUrban, said. "I just want to know how are they allowed to do this to people, hardworking people."
5. China's economy underwhelms in August
China's factory output was at its weakest growth pace in a year in August, a disappointing result that could lead to policymakers offering more fiscal support to hit its annual growth target of 5%, Reuters reports. Retail sales were also at the slowest growth pace since November 2024 at 3.4% in August.
"The strong start to the year still keeps this year's growth targets within reach, but similar to where we were at this time last year, further stimulus support could be needed to ensure a strong finish to the year," said Lynn Song, chief economist, Greater China at ING.