SHL Seniors Explore Hotel Feasibility

Seniors in the School of Hospitality Leadership’s Hospitality Financial Management course (HMGT 4650) taught by Dr. Robert O’Halloran, presented their project findings to clients from Belhaven, NC and Beaufort County. Students were charged with completing a preliminary feasibility study for a hotel that could be placed on the Belhaven, NC waterfront.

Six groups worked independently to develop a concept, assess sites, and then conduct analyses examining competitive set, economic indicators and growth of demand analysis, a penetration analysis, a rate analysis and an estimate of annual operating results.

Representatives from the Belhaven City Council, the Belhaven Mayor, Belhaven business owners, and the Economic Development Director for Beaufort County attended the presentations. Recommendations for hotel development ranged from 20 to 60 rooms and varied between branded and independent hotels. Additionally, groups recommended food and beverage outlets, rentals and other revenue streams. Copies of several of the projects were requested by Belhaven representatives and the city has hopes that this study will act as the catalyst for potential investors and developers to act.

SHL Seniors included: Reed Adler, Justin Aldrich, Cassidy Branch, Penelope Broughton, Heather Brown, Carly Festa, Haley Gardner, Mary Harris, Caroline Hoskins, Mitchell Krisfalusi, Hannah L’Esperance, Mckenna Miller, David Monk, Imalai Negron Martinez, Ashely Norris, Brodi Olds, Kaitlyn Pacitto, Leah Plunkett, Carleigh Rethman, Lauren Rozell, Regan Sauls, Jessica Short, Meredith Teasdale, Kaylee Thomas, and Madison Thompson.