The global hotel construction pipeline reached an all-time high in the second quarter of 2025, according to new data from Lodging Econometrics, highlighting the industry’s rapid rebound and future growth.

Lodging Econometrics reported that there were 15,871 projects, totaling roughly 2.4 million rooms, in the global pipeline as of Q2. That figure marked a 3% increase in projects and a 2% increase in rooms year-over-year.

Of those, 6,257 projects were actively under construction, while 3,870 projects are set to break ground within the next 12 months. Another 5,744 projects remain in early planning stages, signaling strong momentum across regions and chain scales.

The United States led the world with 6,280 projects in its pipeline, representing about 40% of global activity. China followed with 3,733 projects, or 24%, and India, Saudi Arabia, and Canada rounded out the top five markets.

On a city level, Dallas claimed the top spot with 199 projects underway, the highest of any city worldwide. It was followed by Atlanta (165), Chengdu, China (143), Nashville (128), and Austin (125).

Chain scale growth also underscored shifting industry priorities. The upper midscale and upscale segments represented more than half (52%) of global projects, including a record 3,852 upscale projects and 4,463 upper midscale projects. In the U.S., upper midscale dominated with 2,282 projects in the works.

Luxury and high-end development also surged. Lodging Econometrics reported record project counts in the upper upscale segment (1,807) and the luxury pipeline (1,267), reflecting annual growth of 5% and 11%, respectively.

During recent earnings calls, Hyatt Hotels and Marriott International executives pointed to the luxury market as a growth driver, noting that affluent travelers continue to prioritize premium and bespoke travel experiences.

Openings have already been robust in 2025. Some 970 hotels, representing 138,168 rooms, debuted worldwide in the first half of the year. Lodging Econometrics projects an additional 1,884 openings by year-end, with 735 set to open in the U.S. alone, a 1.5% increase compared to 2024.

Industry analysts say the record-breaking pipeline illustrates both the resilience of the hospitality sector and the long-term confidence developers and investors have in global travel demand. With major cities such as Dallas, Atlanta, and Chengdu leading the way, the hotel construction boom is set to reshape urban skylines and expand lodging options across markets worldwide.

Originally reported by Jenna Graber in Hotel Dive.