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BWH HOTEL GROUP will offer cashless tipping to guests via eTip and Visa. The function will allow guests to express gratitude to hotel associates through pre-selected or custom tipping in the U.S. and Canada. The eTip process will be available at properties of the group, including Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotel Group hotels, the statement added. BWH said the new facility will empower guests to financially give to those who rely on tips as latest reports revealed that only 16 percent of U.S. customers carry cash. "We are committed to providing the best possible experience for our guests and bringing value to BWH hoteliers and their associates," said Michael Morton, BWH vice president for brand management. "We're excited to offer eTip digital tipping solution as a convenient way our valued guests can show appreciation to our dedicated hotel associates. We are equally excited to offer our associates a choice to receive their tips in real-time directly into their bank accounts. Innovation and caring are at the heart of our brand and we're proud to partner with eTip to innovate the tipping experience for guests and hoteliers alike."

In an era where sustainability and convenience are paramount considerations for travelers, hotels are embracing innovative solutions to stay ahead in the competitive hospitality industry. One such forward-thinking amenity that is transforming the guest experience and boosting revenue is the integration of electric vehicle charging stations. Beyond environmental consciousness, these charging stations offer a plethora of benefits that can significantly impact a hotel's bottom line. 1. ATTRACTING A GROWING MARKET SEGMENT The shift towards electric vehicles is undeniable, with more consumers opting for eco-friendly transportation. In the years to come more EVs will be hitting the roads. By installing EV charging stations, hotels tap into a burgeoning market segment, attracting EV travelers that plan their trips around EV chargers. This strategic move puts the hotel at the top of the list and positions the hotel as a progressive and forward-looking establishment. 2. ENHANCING THE GUEST EXPERIENCE Providing EV charging stations enhances the overall guest experience. Travelers with electric vehicles often face the challenge of finding suitable charging points during their journeys. By offering on-site charging, hotels alleviate this concern, fostering a sense of convenience and loyalty among guests. The seamless integration of charging stations into the guest experience contributes to positive reviews and encourages repeat bookings.

FF&E PROVIDER HÄFELE and Like Magic, a guest experience platform, are producing a new multifunctional hotel room concept. The "Work and Sleep" concept allows hotel operators to transform rooms into offices, meeting spaces and other functional areas using digitally enabled furniture, fitting solutions and specialized software. Work and Sleep integrates a booking engine, guest platform, employee interface and monitoring tools into one central hub, streamlining hotel management, the companies said in a joint statement. It will combine Like Magic's guest and employee experience platform with Häfele's hardware systems, the statement said. The collaboration aims to introduce new revenue models by activating otherwise vacant rooms while reducing outfitting costs. "Our goal is to lead the way in hotel industry innovation with our forward-thinking concepts," said Gregor Riekena, Häfele's CEO. "We are currently testing these new ideas at the ibis Styles Hotel in Nagold, Germany, which serves as a valuable proving ground for our initiatives. This innovation not only allows us to gather essential insights and refine our concepts, but also demonstrates our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what modern hotels can offer. By continuously evolving and enhancing our solutions, we aim to set new standards for guest experience and operational efficiency."

HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS is working with Be My Eyes, a mobile app that connects blind and low vision users with sighted volunteers and companies through live video and AI, to provide more accessible experiences for guests with visual impairments. They are piloting an AI-powered assistance and dedicated support for reservations and customer care across the U.S. and Canada. Assistance is available across various Hilton brands, including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, DoubleTree, and Hampton by Hilton, providing personalized support for leisure and business travelers who are blind or have low vision, the companies said in a joint statement. "As a leading hospitality company, Hilton is committed to creating an experience that is welcoming for every guest, at every hotel, every time," said Mike Gathright, Hilton's senior vice president of customer excellence and innovation. "We believe that every guest-regardless of ability or any other factor-deserves a reliable and friendly travel experience. We are proud to partner with Be My Eyes to make that a reality for thousands of users."

HYATT HOTEL CORP. formed an advisory board to enhance well-being offerings, initially focusing on meetings and events. The Wellbeing Collective Advisory Board will oversee guest experiences, including well-being menus, culinary programs and sleep wellness initiatives at select hotels. Hyatt will also expand the Wellbeing Collective, a growing collection of properties offering well-being experiences for groups and meeting attendees, the company said in a statement. "Whether traveling for business or leisure, now more than ever, our guests are seeking meaningful experiences that foster connection, build community, and enhance their mental, emotional, and physical well-being," said TJ Abrams, Hyatt's vice president for global well-being. "The new advisory board unites leading voices across industries to help us innovate around how people gather and elevate the travel journey through intentional well-being offerings, ensuring our guests and customers leave feeling rejuvenated and fulfilled."

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL recently launched its 2025 global marketing campaign, "Check Into More," focused on maximizing stays by enhancing guest experiences and brand loyalty across its 22 brands. The campaign features actor and writer Keegan-Michael Key for the second consecutive year as the "Vacation Maximization-er," guiding travelers to make the most of their stays with Choice Hotels. The campaign, based on research showing 95 percent of U.S. travelers seek unique experiences, features six 30- or 15-second ad spots airing on TV and digital channels through 2025, Choice said in a statement. "Over the last few years, we've seen a significant cultural shift in people booking travel based on what they want to experience, not just where they want to go," said Noha Abdalla, Choice Hotels' chief marketing officer. "With over 7,500 properties at different price points ranging from full-service upscale hotels with on-site restaurants and bars, to ubiquitous select-service hotels, all connected through a benefit-rich rewards program, we're empowering our guests to unlock more opportunities for connection and exploration."

WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS recently launched Wyndham Connect, a new guest engagement platform by Canary Technologies, in North America. The platform, first announced at the company's 2023 global conference, is available at no additional cost to owners, with nearly 2,000 North American hotels already using it, Wyndham said in a statement. "We always put our franchisees first, and investing in innovative technology like AI sets them apart from the competition," said Scott Strickland, Wyndham's chief commercial officer. "With access to powerful solutions like Wyndham Connect, our franchisees can manage their businesses more efficiently and curate guest experiences to help make stays more meaningful than ever. The result? Happier guests, higher chances for repeat business and money in franchisees' pockets."

Today's hoteliers face new challenges. IBIS World reports that there are now over 100,000 hotels and motels across the United States-meaning that the competition is greater than ever before. Further, the cost of delivering a unique and exciting guest experience continues to rise in tandem with the cost of hotel operations. So, hoteliers are tasked with finding sources of revenue beyond bookings. That's where new technology comes in. AAHOA owners can harness the power of technology to address modern challenges, so you'll be better positioned for success-no matter what the future holds. Start unlocking new revenue streams today According to a report by Oracle and Skift, nearly half of executives expect non-room revenue to account for an increasing share of their hotel's revenue by 2025. In-room TVs are a great way to drive non-room revenue-today and tomorrow. With new technology, you can use screen space to promote any paid amenities such as room service, spa services, on-site casinos, and more.You can also sell paid on-screen advertisements to local establishments like restaurants, amusement parks, or museums. There are even opportunities to promote larger affiliate partners and collect extra income when you refer guests.

3H GROUP INC., led by Hiren Desai as president and CEO, broke ground on Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga, Hyatt Hotels Corp.'s inaugural launch of the brand in Tennessee. The upscale 123-room hotel, developed under a franchise agreement, is set to open in early 2026. The company is developing a Hyatt Studios hotel in Mobile, Alabama, slated to open in early 2025. "Our decision to continue our collaboration with Hyatt stems from their unwavering commitment to understanding the needs of both owners and guests," said Desai, also the owner of the Chattanooga property. "Caption by Hyatt is an innovative brand, and that approach, coupled with its flexible design and focus on guest experience makes it an attractive addition to our portfolio. We're excited to bring the vibrant energy of the first Caption by Hyatt hotel to our hometown of Chattanooga and look forward to enriching the local hospitality landscape."

MainStay Suites Chesapeake in Chesapeake, Virginia, is now open. The three-story, 77-room property, owned by Ray Patel, is the first new-construction hotel to feature Choice Hotels' proprietary "Lobby in a Box" and "Kitchen in a Box" packages for extended-stay customers. It features a multi-functional lobby with a marketplace for meals, travel items and flexible seating, while enabling easy installation of in-room kitchens, Choice said in a statement. "Choice Hotels' packages have helped us add efficiency and value to this newly built property and elevate the extended-stay experience for our guests," said Patel. "From the on-the-go marketplace to the multi-use lobby to in-room kitchens, these innovations create a functional experience tailored to travelers in the Chesapeake market."

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association has launched Responsible Stay, an industry initiative to make meetings, events and guest experiences in U.S. hotels more environmentally and socially responsible. AHLA contends that the initiative is meant to unite major hotel companies, including at least two Asian American-owned companies, around sustainability priorities. Responsible Stay is focused on four areas: Energy efficiency: Optimizing energy efficiency through operational improvements and adoption of clean energy technologies Waste reduction: Investing in waste reduction programs and new, innovative alternatives to reduce, reuse and recycle waste across properties Water conservation: Ensuring the reduction of water usage by implementing water-efficient practices in core areas like laundry, food and beverage, and landscaping Responsible sourcing practices: Sourcing responsibly and prioritizing sustainability in supply chains to prevent harmful environmental and social impacts Under the initiative, AHLA and its members will strengthen environmental programs, education and resources to provide a "responsible stay" for guests, protect the future of the planet and support communities across the country, the statement added.

Sudhakar Veluru is now the executive vice president and chief information technology officer at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. Prior to this role, he served as the chief technology officer at MGM Resorts International, spearheading digital transformation initiatives that enhanced access to e-commerce, customer loyalty programs, and casino games across mobile and online platforms, Four Seasons said in a statement. Before joining MGM, Veluru held various senior leadership positions at The Walt Disney Co. He will report to Alejandro Reynal, Four Seasons' president and CEO. "We are excited to welcome Sudhakar at this important time in Four Seasons information technology transformation," said Reynal. "Sudhakar's extensive experience in technology and IT innovation will be instrumental in shaping our digital-first future, further enhancing the guest, resident and employee experience across our growing global portfolio of luxury properties."

Rebecca Trumbo and William Gullion recently joined Greenville-based Auro Hotels as procurement director and vice president of design and construction, respectively. Trumbo previously held procurement roles at Best Western Hotels & Resorts, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Hotels. Gullion's past positions include president of architecture, design and construction at Virage Creative and vice president of global shared technical services at Hilton Worldwide, Auro said in a statement. "We are excited to welcome Rebecca and William to the Auro Hotels family," said DJ Rama, Auro Hotels' president and CEO. "Their extensive experience and proven track records in the hospitality industry will be invaluable as we continue to drive growth and innovation. We look forward to the significant contributions they will make to our team and the positive impact they will have on our operations and guest experiences."

The September 2023 issue of Asian Hospitality magazine offers in-depth coverage of the latest trends and developments in the hospitality industry. This edition highlights crucial topics such as the surge in hotel development, innovative technologies transforming the guest experience, and key insights from industry leaders. Readers can explore detailed articles on sustainability, financial performance, and the evolving landscape of extended-stay hotels. Additionally, the issue delves into diversity initiatives and workforce challenges, providing a comprehensive view of the hospitality sector's future. Stay informed with expert analysis and forward-thinking strategies shaping the industry in 2023 and beyond.

THE BHW HOTELS board of directors elected Steve Wahrlich as board chairman for 2025. In addition, the board elected Viral "Victor" Patel as vice- chairman and Rajesh "Raj" Patel as secretary-treasurer. Wahrlich, a former vice-chairman, brings decades of hospitality experience and over 40 years as a BWH Hotels owner to his role as chairman, BWH said in a statement. "I am pleased to announce Steve Wahrlich as our new Board Chairperson," said Larry Cuculic, BWH Hotels' president and CEO. "Steve has been a valued and trusted hotelier for many years. His deep understanding of BWH Hotels, combined with his extensive industry experience, makes him the ideal leader to help direct our board and broader organization. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing our strategic vision, strengthening our market position, and creating lasting value for our hoteliers and guests."

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."