Jeff Donnelly, CEO of DiamondRock Hospitality Co. (Nasdaq: DRH), sat down for a video interview at Nareit’s REITweek: 2026 Investor Conference in New York, June 1-4.
Donnelly noted that business has been good so far in 2026. “I think we've come into this year with a lot more conviction in the U.S. economy, and I think that's translating into the demand that we're seeing in our portfolio.”
This year also marks the first time in five or six years when leisure, business, and group travel are all delivering positive growth at the same time, he said.
In terms of special events, Donnelly said the FIFA World Cup will benefit the portfolio. “I think there's some expectation that it'll be more robust, but what we're seeing in our portfolio, I think it will be a small addition, which is always nice to have.”
Looking ahead, Donnelly pointed to a combination of favorable tailwinds, including older people taking more trips as they age and a younger generation seeking experiences over things. “And then the absence of supply just feels like we're getting set up again for what we saw last cycle, sort of this multi-year recovery in lodging,” he said.