Hotel executives and analysts who took the stage on the first day of the North America Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference in Washington this week reported healthy growth in industry fundamentals. Room supply is also reported to be increasing, particularly in the upscale and upper-midscale segments. "The overall sentiment is positive and performance is on the rise. Debt is coming back and the basket of lenders is widening," said Jalil Mekouar, chief operating officer, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels for the Americas.