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ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING points are becoming a standard amenity at hotels, akin to the rise of Wi-Fi in the early 2000s. Benefits for the hotel owners and franchisers can include additional revenue, carbon credits as well as attracting guests from the growing number of electric vehicle drivers. A 2022 Green Lodging survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association revealed a surge in the deployment of EV chargers within the hospitality sector, with 26.6 percent of all U.S. hotels equipped with charging stations. The EV charging facilities are more commonly found at luxury hotels (nearly 90 percent offer them), while only about one in five limited-service hotels provides charging, representing significant growth opportunities. Hotel brands such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, BWH Hotel Group, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Choice Hotels International, Hyatt Hotel Corp. and G6 Hospitality have prioritized deploying EV charging based on customer preferences. Their franchisees have begun incorporating EV charging infrastructures into their properties. "We've heard from our owners that offering EV charging solutions is increasingly influential for guests when choosing hotels," said Brian McGuiness, IHG's senior vice president of global guest experience. "This is backed by our observation of guests using EVC filters on the IHG One Rewards mobile app and website. Our integrated EV-charger search filter within the IHG One Rewards mobile app allows travelers to easily find properties with EV charging capabilities, empowering them to plan their journeys conveniently and confidently."

THE LEADERS OF national hotel organizations, including the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers, and the Latino Hotel Association, came together to commemorate the second annual National Hotel Employee Day on Sept. 1. AHLA and the National Day Calendar established National Hotel Employee Day in 2022 to honor the nearly two million employees in the hotel industry, celebrated each year on Sept. 1. AHLA president and CEO Chip Rogers highlighted the essential role of employees in hotels and emphasized the establishment of NHE Day as a way to express gratitude to America's nearly two million hotel professionals, recognizing their dedication and service.

A NEW GROUP, led by two Indo American hoteliers, has formed to oppose the New York City Council's proposed "Safe Hotels Act," otherwise known as Intro 991. The new group, the NYC Minority Hotel Association, joins other associations including AAHOA, the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the Hotel Association of New York City in saying the proposed ordinance would damage the city's hotel business. The bill, originally proposed by Councilwoman Julie Menin on July 18 and revised on Aug. 2, would require hotels to obtain a license in order to operate in the city. "The application term would be two years, and there would be an license fee of $200. Hotels would be required to maintain continuous front desk coverage and large hotels would be required to have continuous coverage by at least one security guard," the city says on its website. "All hotels would be required to maintain the cleanliness of each guest room. The licensee would be required to directly employ their core employees, subject to enumerated exceptions. Hotels that violate the license conditions would be subject to civil penalties."

ON MONDAY THE Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals association politely declined an offer by the American Hotel and Lodging Association to merge the two organizations. Instead, HFTP's board of directors offered to enter into a memorandum of understanding with AHLA similar to agreements it has with other associations, such as AAHOA. HFTP said in a statement that, as a global organization "with members from the entire hospitality spectrum" it would not benefit those members to merge with a localized association such as AHLA. Instead, it suggested the MOU in keeping with HFTP's agreements with AAHOA, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association, Hotel Asset Managers Association - Middle East, Hotel Controllers and Accountants Association of Hong Kong, National Club Association and the Association of Private Club Directors. "As a former director of AHLA, I know they do good work for the industry and their recent takeovers of HTNG and HAMA will definitely help these smaller associations," said Frank Wolfe, HFTP's CEO. "But HFTP is a global association with global brands: HITEC, PineappleSearch.com, the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry and global certifications/certificates, not to mention our members from non-hotel segments. Our mission is education not advocacy."

HOTEL EMPLOYEES NOW have their own day, Sept. 1, thanks to the American Hotel & Lodging Association. AHLA had the date included in the National Day Calendar as part of its effort to increase recruitment of new hospitality workers. National Hotel Employee Day will be celebrated annually to thank hotel employees for their hard work and dedication and recognize the role they play in the nation's travel, tourism and hotel industries, according to AHLA. AHLA's launching of the day is in response to the struggle U.S. hotels are facing to quickly fill more than 120,000 open hotel jobs by offering current and prospective employees higher wages, with better benefits, and more flexibility. "On this inaugural National Hotel Employee Day, we thank America's nearly two million hotel employees. Every day in communities across the nation, hotel employees' service and dedication help facilitate some of Americans' most important life events - from wedding receptions to family reunions and vacations," said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO. "Now is the time to consider one of the more than 200 enriching careers in the hotel industry."

MORE THAN A thousand hotel owners, workers and small business owners from the newly formed "Protect NYC Tourism Coalition" rallied on the steps of New York's City Hall on Sept. 12 to protest the city council's "Safe Hotels" bill. The coalition also sent a letter urging the council to reject the bill, also known as "Int. 991", arguing that the bill threatens the sustainability of New York City's hotel and tourism industries and jeopardizes the livelihoods of thousands of workers. The coalition includes members from AAHOA, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Hotel Association of New York City, the Real Estate Board of New York, the Coalition for Hotel Subcontractors, the NYC Minority Hotel Association, the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators, and Developers, along with other groups and stakeholders supporting New York City's tourism industry. First introduced by Councilwoman Julie Menin over the summer, Int. 991 is presented by supporters as a "simple licensing bill." Opponents argue it would impose operational mandates that could drive many hotels out of business, jeopardizing 42,000 hotel jobs and nearly 260,000 jobs supported by the industry, along with billions in revenue for New York City.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE U.S. hospitality industry recently rejected the New York City Council's revisions to the proposed hotel licensing bill, which include a new licensing structure, direct employment of housekeeping and maintenance staff, and a ban on subcontracting key operations. The American Hotel & Lodging Association and the Hotel Association of New York City objected to the amendments, warning of potential closures and layoffs in the city's hotel sector. The bill, known as the Hotel Safety Act, originally proposed by Councilwoman Julie Menin on July 18 and revised on Aug. 2, seeks to introduce staffing and operational mandates that AHLA considers unnecessary. "The city council's discussions regarding the Hotel Safety Act continue to exclude those who will be most affected by the legislation-hotel owners, management companies, sub-contractors and tens of thousands of hotel workers," said Kevin Carey, AHLA's interim president and CEO. "It is imperative that all stakeholders have a real seat at the table. If this is a matter of public safety and crime, as has been claimed by Councilwoman Menin and the bill's proponents, let's review the facts and statistics to see what picture they paint."

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association has announced the dates, cities, and registration information for its "On the Road" State Hotel Conferences for 17 states in 2023. The conferences will provide hoteliers, suppliers, and service providers opportunities to connect with their peers as well as hospitality and policy leaders to learn about the latest news and information affecting the hotel and lodging industry, AHLA said in a statement. Anyone who works in the hotel industry can attend these half-day, free events, it added. "AHLA's 'On The Road' State Hotel Conferences are designed to help local hoteliers connect with their peers, gain insights on national and local market business performance trends and learn from top hospitality leaders, service providers and policy experts," said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO. "The events are also a vital tool to help AHLA build coalitions, grow our grassroots network and rally hoteliers around the industry's goals and initiatives. We are excited to bring AHLA's successful On The Road State Hotel Conference series to a record number of cities in 2023." AHLA will host these conferences in partnership with its state or city lodging association partners. Since starting with four events in 2021, AHLA's On The Road State Hotel Conferences have brought together thousands of hoteliers in cities across the nation. Last year, 11 events were held.

THE NEW YORK City Council postponed a hearing, originally scheduled for July 30, on the "Safe Hotels Act" bill in response to protests from industry associations and hotel owners. The American Hotel & Lodging Association and AAHOA argued that the bill would disrupt their members' businesses and significantly harm the city's nearly 700 hotels and approximately 265,000 employees. The associations welcomed the delay, allowing more time for feedback before the legislative process continues. "Over the last 10 days, NYC's hotel industry and the tourism economy have rallied to speak with one voice and resoundingly make clear that the Hotel Licensing bill introduced in the City Council has the potential to devastate New York City's hotel industry," said Kevin Carey, AHLA's interim president and CEO. "We are grateful for the support of our members, hotel industry coalition partners, and our allies in the restaurant and real estate community for helping to avert an economic disaster in New York City that no one wants."

THE AMERICAN HOTEL and Lodging Association relaunched its "Hospitality is Working" campaign to highlight hotels' commitment to workforce, guests and communities, according to a statement. The campaign aims to reengage travelers and showcase the economic and community benefits hotels provide in neighborhoods across the U.S. As more Americans begin to travel, the initiative will highlight the broad range of benefits hotels provide the communities they serve and point out the industry's strong commitment to investing in its workforce, providing quality career opportunities and protecting employees and guests, AHLA said. "In every American city, hotels support employees and their families and serve our communities," said Chip Rogers, AHLA's president and CEO. "Hotels are investing in our workforce to create good jobs that power local economies. We're keeping guests and employees safe. Six in 10 hotels are small businesses, and they're creating opportunities for other small companies to grow and thrive. Hotels also help fund vital government services through local, state and federal taxes. Hotels are a net benefit to the communities we serve, and as we seek to reignite travel, we look forward to growing together."

U.S. HOTELS WILL generate $46.71 billion in state and local tax revenue, more than ever before, according to a survey from the American Hotel & Lodging Association and Oxford Economics. Occupancy is expected to continue its recovery, the report said, but challenges remain. Average U.S. hotel occupancy is projected to reach 63.8 percent in 2023, just under 2019's level of 65.9 percent, according to AHLA. However, the labor shortage is expected to continue this year as hotels seek to fill jobs lost in the pandemic. As of December, national average hotel wages were at historic highs of more than $23 an hour and hotel benefits and flexibility are better than ever. Nearly 100,000 hotel jobs are currently open across the nation, according to job search site Indeed. "Hotels are making significant strides toward recovery, supporting millions of good-paying jobs and generating billions in state and local tax revenue in communities across the nation," said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO. "To continue growing, we need to hire more people. Fortunately, there's never been a better time to be a hotel employee, with wages, benefits, flexibility and upward mobility better than ever before."

AS MANY AS 60 percent of Americans are likely to stay in hotels this year, more than last year, according to two surveys commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. The survey findings apply to business and leisure travelers, with most saying they are travelling as much as or more than they did pre-pandemic. Hotels are the top lodging choice among travelers for business and leisure in the next three months, the new national Hotel Booking Index survey research commissioned by AHLA and conducted by Morning Consult has revealed. According to the surveys, conducted on Dec. 16 to 19 and Dec. 28 to Jan. 2, 52 percent of adults would choose to stay in hotels in the next three months, while 76 percent of potential business travelers would be most likely to stay in a hotel during the same period. Besides, business travelers indicate that nearly 70 percent of their employers have either returned to the pre-pandemic normal or increased amounts of business travel. The survey said that 51 percent of business travelers said that share of employees expected or encouraged to travel for work is now the same as before the pandemic, while another 20 percent said it's more than before. About 53 percent of business travelers said that the average length of business trips is now the same as before the pandemic, while another 20 percent said it's more than before.

CHIP ROGERS, PRESIDENT and CEO of American Hotel & Lodging Association, is joining the cast of a magazine-style television series "Hotels ByDesign." The program's host Mike Chapman will showcase up to 35 hotels across the U.S. throughout its four half-hour episodes. Rogers will be part of a panel of architectural, innovation and industry experts who will discuss key design aspects of various hotels, AHLA said in a statement. "Hotels are at the cutting edge of informed design, as brands and hotel companies are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of guests," Rogers said. "I'm excited to work with Hotels ByDesign to showcase the beauty and ingenuity of our industry." "It is with great pleasure that we turn our design lens towards hotels and vacation experiences," said Chapman, who also serves as the series' executive producer. "ByDesign continues the design conversation in front of a mainstream American and international audience, celebrating, commentating, and educating on excellent design. We are excited to be collaborating with the AHLA as we embark on new adventures - broadening our audience and telling exceptional design stories together."

The American Hotel & Lodging Association, AAHOA, the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers, and the Latino Hotel Association are marking National Hotel Employee Day on and leading up to Sept. 1, along with hoteliers nationwide. The day recognizes the nearly two million employees in the U.S. hotel industry. AHLA and the National Day Calendar established the day in 2022. "The people employed by America's hotels are the heart and soul of this industry, and their talent and drive create memorable visits for millions of guests every year," said Kevin Carey, AHLA's interim president and CEO. "This National Hotel Employee Day, we thank them for their service and encourage others to explore a career in our vibrant and growing industry."

APPROXIMATELY 72 PERCENT of Americans are set to either maintain or increase their hotel stays in 2024 compared to 2023, according to a recent survey by American Hotel & Lodging Association. Over the next four months, around 53 percent plan overnight leisure travel, and 32 percent anticipate overnight business travel. Moreover, hotels continue to be the preferred lodging choice, with 71 percent of likely business travelers and 50 percent of likely leisure travelers favoring them. Despite a positive outlook for hoteliers, the survey, commissioned by AHLA and conducted by Morning Consult, found that inflation is preventing hotels and other travel-related businesses from reaching their full potential. Americans favor hotel stays Approximately 51 percent of respondents plan overnight travel for a family trip in the next four months, with 39 percent expressing a likelihood to stay in a hotel, the survey said. For a romantic getaway, around 38 percent are likely to travel overnight, of which 60 percent anticipate staying in a hotel.

GEOFF BALLOTTI, PRESIDENT and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, is the second recipient of the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award. The award is presented by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the American Hotel & Lodging Foundation and the BHN Group. Ballotti will receive the award Jan. 22 AHLA Foundation's premier fundraising gala, Night of a Thousand Stars, and again during the 22nd Annual Americas Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles on Jan. 24, according to AHLA. The award is named after Arne Sorenson, the former president and CEO of Marriott International who passed away in 2021, and in December of that year David Kong, the recently retired president and CEO of Best Western Hotel Group, was the inaugural recipient. "Geoff - much like Arne - is a true embodiment of all the good that hospitality represents. His empathy, his accessibility and his commitment to doing the right thing is what makes him one of our industry's greatest leaders," said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO. "The story of his success, from dishwasher to CEO of the world's largest hotel franchisor, is inspirational - as is his dedication to ensuring the success of future hotel leaders. I am lucky to call Geoff a colleague and friend, and it fills me with pride to honor him with this award."

NEW YORK CITY Council members recently introduced a bill requiring hotels to obtain additional licenses to operate in the city. However, the American Hotel & Lodging Association called the bill "destructive," warning it would permanently alter hotel operations and threaten thousands of jobs in the city. The bill's sponsors claim it addresses several issues, including prohibiting hotels from using subcontractors for core functions, adopting minimum hygiene standards and committing to policies to prevent prostitution and human trafficking. AHLA urged the council to slow down on the proposed licenses, noting they would decimate the hospitality economy. "This abrupt and destructive bill would permanently alter how hotels operate and threaten the jobs of thousands of New Yorkers," said Kevin Carey, AHLA's interim president and CEO. "If it becomes law, thousands of hotel jobs could be lost, hotels will shutter, and New York City's economy - especially small business retailers, restaurants, and other hotel service providers - will suffer substantially."

NEW YORK CITY Mayor Eric Adams signed the Safe Hotels Act on Nov. 4, requiring hotels across the five boroughs to obtain operating licenses. The act, sponsored by City Council Member Julie Menin, faced opposition from industry groups like AAHOA and the American Hotel and Lodging Association and was revised twice before passing. The new law, also called Intro. 0991, establishes stricter standards on safety, staffing, cleaning and licensing to enforce protections for workers and guests, according to the mayor's office. "Our top priority from day one has been to keep people safe, and that includes protecting workers and tourists at our city's hotels," Adams said. "That's why we are expanding protections for the working-class New Yorkers who run our hotels and the guests who use them. The Safe Hotels Act ensures our hotels are safe, healthy, and clean, enabling our tourism industry to thrive and create jobs. This is a win for working people, the tourism and hotel industry, and all New Yorkers."

THE U.S. HOTEL industry is set to benefit from the General Services Administration's recent decision to raise per diem rates for fiscal year 2025. This is the first increase in the meals and incidental expenses allowance in three years, a change welcomed by AAHOA and the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Each year, GSA sets per diem rates to reimburse federal employees' lodging and meals expenses for official travel within the continental U.S., typically based on the ADR for lodging and meals over a trailing 12-month period, minus five percent. Starting Oct. 1, the standard daily lodging allowance for most of the continental U.S. will increase by $3 to $110, while the meals and incidental expenses allowance will rise by $9 to $68. "With government travel being a significant contributor to hotel revenue, it's crucial that federal per diem rates align with the economic pressures hotels face today, including persistent inflation and widespread labor shortages," said Miraj Patel, AAHOA's chairman.

WITH THE HOSPITALITY industry facing numerous issues even as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, two major associations have formed a new partnership to address that need. AAHOA and the American Hotel & Lodging Association have created the American Hospitality Alliance advocate for hotels on state and national levels. AAHOA and AHLA announced the formation of AHA during the summer meeting of the International Society of Hotel Associations in Boston on Tuesday. The purpose of the alliance is to pool resources and streamline efforts, the associations said, and it also will work with state hotel associations. "The majority of hotels are small businesses. That is why the owners and operators are particularly well-suited to inform lawmakers about policies and regulations that will accelerate the industry's resurgence. This coalition could not have come at a more important time as the hotel industry prepares to welcome back guests," said Ken Greene, AAHOA's interim president and CEO. Greene was appointed to the interim position in early June following the resignation of Cecil Staton, former AAHOA president and CEO. Rachel Humphrey, the association's executive vice president and COO, also will be resigning on Aug. 7, the day after AAHOA's 2021 Convention and Trade show in Dallas finishes.