When does a trend become recognisable as such? When enough people have seen some significance in a progression of numbers or statements or events? When enough time has passed? When someone declares a trend to be so? With an economic recession, for example, it’s quite straightforward — two consecutive quarters of negative GDP numbers, and you’ve got yourself a recession. You may not want one, but you’ve got one. We’ve had one and, with people talking more openly now about the possibility of a double-dip situation as economic growth falters, we may get another one.

Hotel developers, owners and operators are still trying to recover from the economic trough in hotel performance while also focusing on an appropriate strategy in terms of brand, product, deal structure and location to be well positioned for the recovery.

Safety in numbers is a natural instinct that pervades every aspect of life, from herds of herbivores seeking protection against roving predators on the Serengeti to clumps of male teenagers cowering together seeking protection against roving bands of girls at the school dance. There is a comfort and assurance that goes hand in hand with following the group, assuaging concerns that you might be headed in the wrong direction or face danger alone. In the investment world, when huddled in a group there is much less risk of failure. There is also the distinct possibility that you will not succeed.