Investing in the Future: How Tomu Fits into 2025’s Hospitality Investment Boom

As we approach the end of 2024, the global hospitality sector is buzzing with optimism. According to CBRE’s Global Hotel Investor Intentions Survey, over half of the 300 investors surveyed plan to increase their hotel investments this year. This renewed interest stems from anticipated higher returns, market price adjustments, and opportunities to acquire value-add and opportunistic assets. At Tomu, we see these trends as a reflection of a deeper shift toward reimagining lodging concepts, and we’re uniquely positioned to help shape this evolving landscape.

2025’s Key Investment Trends

Hospitality investors are gravitating toward:
• Resorts and Experiential Lodging: In the U.S., resorts are the most attractive property type, especially in leisure-focused markets like Miami, Austin, and Charleston.
• Gateway Markets: Urban hubs such as New York City and Washington, D.C., continue to dominate interest for their resilience and demand.
• Upper-Upscale Properties: Investors are targeting chain scales that cater to high-demand demographics while offering unique guest experiences.

These trends point to a growing preference for properties that combine location, luxury, and experience—a sweet spot for modular lodging systems like Tomu’s.

Experiential Hospitality Beyond Remote Locations

When we think of experiential hospitality, the mind often wanders to serene, remote glamping sites or exclusive, off-the-grid escapes. But at Tomu, we believe experiential hospitality doesn’t need to be synonymous with isolation. There’s a significant and untapped opportunity in “out-of-city” hospitality—lodging concepts located near major urban centers but positioned far enough away to provide a peaceful retreat.

The Case for Out-of-City Concepts

• Accessibility and Convenience: Properties within a short drive from large metropolitan areas allow guests to experience a sense of escape without sacrificing access to urban amenities. For example, a retreat just 45 minutes outside of a city like Seattle or Denver can offer a wilderness vibe while keeping essential conveniences within reach.
• Integration with Communities: Unlike remote glamping sites that may feel disconnected, out-of-city lodging can engage with local communities. Guests can explore regional restaurants, farmers’ markets, and cultural activities, creating a deeper connection to the area.
• Appealing to a Wider Demographic: By being accessible to those who may not have the time, means, or inclination to venture deep into remote areas, these properties cater to a broader audience. Families, young professionals, and urbanites seeking a weekend escape are all prime targets.

How Tomu Addresses This Need

Our modular lodging solutions are perfectly suited for this emerging category:
• Flexible Configurations: Whether it’s standalone villas for families or clustered units for group retreats, Tomu’s designs adapt seamlessly to both urban-adjacent and natural settings.
• Efficient Construction: With our offsite manufacturing process, properties can be completed faster and more affordably, enabling operators to bring these concepts to market quickly.
• Sustainability: Our sustainable building practices ensure that out-of-city developments blend harmoniously with their surroundings, while offering the environmental benefits that today’s travelers value.

A Tomu unit being prepared for shipment

Climate Change and the Shift to Modular Construction

The impacts of climate change are reshaping the construction and hospitality industries. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and stricter regulations around carbon emissions are making traditional construction methods increasingly impractical and costly. Modular construction offers a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable alternative.

Why Modular is the Answer

• Resilience Against Climate Risks: Stick-built structures are vulnerable to delays and cost overruns due to unsafe weather conditions during construction. Modular units, built offsite in controlled environments, eliminate this unpredictability.
• Workforce Challenges: Labor shortages, exacerbated by tighter immigration policies, have made finding skilled workers for on-site construction difficult. Modular construction reduces reliance on these labor markets by consolidating much of the work in centralized facilities.
• Cost Efficiency in Uncertain Conditions: Climate-related risks increase insurance premiums and operational costs for traditional construction. Modular’s faster timelines and offsite production can mitigate these financial pressures.

Units under production at the Tomu manufacturing facility in Hagerstown, MD

Sustainability and Compliance

• Lower Carbon Footprint: Modular methods reduce material waste and energy consumption compared to stick-built construction. This aligns with increasing regulatory demands for lower emissions.
• Adaptability to Severe Conditions: Tomu’s modular systems are designed to withstand higher snow and wind loads, making them ideal for environments experiencing harsher weather.

Why Tomu is Relevant Now

As hotel investors seek more creative, value-add projects, Tomu is committed to becoming a trusted partner for hospitality innovators. We align with key 2025 investment trends by offering:
• Speed and Scalability: Our modular building systems accelerate project timelines, enabling investors to capitalize on market demand faster.
• Tailored for the Future of Travel: From eco-resorts to community-integrated retreats, Tomu’s customizable villas and guest rooms cater to the experiential hospitality trends of accessibility and engagement.
• Sustainability as a Standard: By focusing on offsite construction, Tomu reduces waste, energy use, and carbon emissions—meeting the rising expectations of investors and travelers for greener hospitality options.

Our Vision for Growth

As hotel investors embrace innovation, Tomu is poised to lead in shaping the future of lodging:
1. Expanding Modular Lodging Offerings: Addressing supply gaps in high-demand markets with unique, scalable concepts.
2. Collaborating with Visionary Investors: Helping operators design experiential properties that align with market trends.
3. Redefining Out-of-City Hospitality: Pioneering developments that balance the tranquility of a getaway with the vitality of nearby communities.
4. Adapting to Climate Realities: Offering sustainable, resilient solutions that align with long-term environmental and financial goals.

Building a Sustainable Future

The challenges of climate change, shifting labor dynamics, and evolving traveler preferences underscore the need for innovation in hospitality. Tomu’s modular solutions meet these challenges head-on, providing a pathway for investors and operators to build sustainable, scalable, and profitable properties.

Whether it’s a boutique lodge in wine country or an eco-friendly retreat near a bustling city, Tomu is ready to partner with investors to Build Beyond Boundaries. Together, we can redefine hospitality for a resilient, inclusive, and exciting future.