Aryeh Klein's questions to Chatham Lodging Trust (CLDT) leadership • Q1 2025
Question
Aryeh Klein inquired about the primary drivers of the weaker RevPAR trends in April, asking to distinguish between government-related softness and broader business or leisure travel trends. He also asked about the potential for further cost reductions in a softer demand environment and the possible impact of tariffs on the Portland development project's costs.
Answer
Executive Dennis Craven clarified that the significant RevPAR decline in mid-April was primarily driven by a broad slowdown in business travel around the successive Easter and Passover holidays, a post-pandemic trend, rather than being solely a government travel issue. He noted that May was already trending positive. On expenses, Craven stated that the recent headcount reduction was a quick adjustment to demand and that no deep, 'COVID-related' cuts are planned, adopting a 'wait-and-see' approach. Regarding the Portland project, he acknowledged that while some tariff impacts were factored in, cost uncertainty remains. Executive Jeffrey Fisher added this uncertainty would likely suppress new hotel construction nationally.