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The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh eyes investments of more than $3.9 billion (Rs 32,000 crore) in the hospitality and tourism sector, according to a report published in Business Standard. The investment could create an additional 80,000 accommodation units through hotels and resorts, addressing the room availability deficit. Religious tourism surged post the consecration of the Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya on Jan. 22. Uttar Pradesh anticipates an annual tourist footfall of 850 million by 2028, emphasizing the expansion of hospitality units in tourism hubs like Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Agra, Business Standard daily reported. "To cater to this increasing demand, the state is looking to create a robust supply of accommodation units with the development of hotels, resorts, and homestays," a government official was quoted as saying in the report.

DOZENS OF STRIKING hotel workers arrived in Washington on Sept. 23 to meet with Congress members, urging action against hotel resort fees. More than 4,000 workers are striking at Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott hotels in Honolulu, San Diego and San Francisco, vowing to continue until new contracts are secured. Many of the workers traveled from these strike-affected cities, according to UNITE HERE, the union representing hotel, casino and airport workers across the U.S. and Canada. The union is lobbying against legislation backed by hotel corporations that would limit states' ability to regulate resort fees. Hotel workers argue that resort fees, along with COVID-era service and staffing cuts, undermine the hospitality that guests expect. The workers' visit included a briefing for congressional staff, hosted by Sen. Bernie Sanders. "We're here because guests and workers share a common goal - we want hotels to reverse COVID-era cuts, protect guests from resort fees, and refocus on providing the best possible hospitality," said Gwen Mills, UNITE HERE's president.

STRIKING HOTEL WORKERS in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Providence, Rhode Island, recently ratified union contracts that include wage increases and healthcare. These contracts at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich and Omni Providence Hotel are the first in ongoing national disputes between the hotel workers' union UNITE HERE and Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Omni. The union celebrated the contract settlements but cautioned that ongoing strikes across the U.S. are expected to escalate before labor disputes are resolved. "These first contracts encourage hotel workers in other cities as strikes continue," said Gwen Mills, UNITE HERE's international president. "Hotel workers in Honolulu, San Diego, and San Francisco will strike as long as it takes to secure what they need, and more strikes are possible. We're in this for the long haul, and we urge travelers to prepare for potential widespread disruptions."

HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS reported a 1.4 percent increase in systemwide comparable RevPAR, on a currency-neutral basis, for the third quarter compared to the same period in 2023. Net income for the period was $344 million. The company also opened 531 hotels totaling 36,600 rooms, adding 33,600 net rooms to its system, which Hilton stated marks a record net unit growth of 7.8 percent year-over-year. "We were pleased to deliver continued strong bottom-line results that exceeded our guidance, despite slower top-line growth driven by modestly slower macro trends, weather impacts, and unfavorable calendar shifts," said Christopher Nassetta, Hilton's president and CEO. "We continued to demonstrate the strength of our model, opening more rooms than any other quarter in our history, surpassing 8,000 hotels and achieving net unit growth of 7.8 percent."

Stonehill CRE, the real estate arm of Stonehill, has finalized a $52 million senior loan agreement with Starpoint Properties to fund the construction of Lotus Point Apartments, a 245-unit multifamily development in Mesa, Arizona, within the Phoenix Metropolitan Statistical Area. The construction of this four-story building is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2025, Stonehill said in a statement. "This investment mirrors our sought-after strategy - a quality property with an experienced sponsor in a growing market," said Taylor Pike, senior vice president at Stonehill CRE. "Phoenix stands as a strong job growth market due to diverse employment opportunities. Single-family home development has not kept pace, and with rising mortgage rates, well-located multifamily projects will remain in high demand." This 6-acre site, adjacent to a retail center and within walking distance of the metro light rail, will provide studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, along with amenities such as a fitness center, clubhouse, co-working area, pool, and parking options, Stonehill said.

MORE THAN SEVEN in 10 Americans would be deterred from booking a hotel room in Los Angeles if hotels there are forced to house homeless people next to paying guests, according to a recent poll by American Hotel & Lodging Association. The survey was released as the city of Los Angel considers a proposed ordinance that would require hotels to house homeless individuals alongside paying guests, a change opposed by AHLA and AAHOA. Los Angeles residents will vote in March 2024 on the ballot initiative proposed by Unite Here, a labor union representing L.A.-area hotel workers. The AHLA study highlighted the significant impact such a policy would have on tourism and hotel occupancy in the city. However, if Unite Here's ballot initiative passes, Los Angeles would be the first city in American history to require hotels to house homeless people alongside paying guests.

A BALLOT MEASURE in Los Angeles that would have required hotels in the city to house the homeless along with paying guests has been officially withdrawn from consideration. However, the Los Angeles City Council also passed an ordinance to replace the ballot measure that some local hoteliers also protest its passage. The ballot measure, sponsored by Unite Here Local 11 hospitality workers union, would have required hotels to house homeless voucher holders with regular guests, spurring protests by AAHOA, the American Hotel & Lodging Association and others. Last week, Unite Here agreed to withdraw that ballot measure, which was going to go before voters in March. Also last week, the council approved the Responsible Hotel Ordinance to replace the ballot measure and that would allow hotels to voluntarily make vacant rooms available for interim housing for the homeless. It also would require developers of new hotel properties to obtain a conditional use permit through a public review of the proposed development's impact on the existing housing supply and to replace any housing that would be demolished or otherwise lost in the neighborhood.

With the internet enabling dating a fully-fledged culture, online dating has become widely popular. Almost every young fellow understands how to meet girls online. They would be aware of a few techniques, online etiquette, and the best ways to pick up women. On the other hand, women would not mind such flirtatious conversation and an occasional pick up as well. The rising popularity of online dating The foremost reason for the popularity of online dating is it saves time. Earlier dating used to be a lengthy process where the man has to win the woman's heart, bring her flowers, buy presents, pull up to her place, book a place for a meetup, contact her for the next date, and think through the situation of your date. However, online dating has skipped several steps from the beginning. People have started to value words more than their actions. Online dating has united people from different parts of the globe. It does not need a comprehensive knowledge of the place to meet women online. You could reach anywhere across the world with a click of a mouse on Meetagirls, talk to a specific group, or develop a relationship with a woman whom you could never see otherwise. Online dating has brought a variety to the world. It has been amazing how easy you would unite people of different skin tones, races, complexions, religions, races, outlooks, and more. You would choose from a wide list of options or simply look for another available option.

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL has become the second hotel company to withdraw its support for AAHOA over the association's 12 Points of Fair Franchising. Specific reasons for the split remain unclear, but AAHOA said it was due to the association's "united front behind fair franchising principles." Like Marriott International in January, Choice has informed AAHOA it will not participate in the upcoming AAHOA Convention & Trade Show, according to a LinkedIn.com post from Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA's president and CEO, as well as a member alert from Nishant "Neal" Patel, AAHOA chairman. "As a result of AAHOA's united front behind fair franchising principles, and for doing exactly what this organization was created to do, I'm writing to inform you that Choice Hotels International has chosen to pause its partnership with AAHOA, including to not attend the industry's upcoming largest convention and trade show," said both alerts. "AAHOA has enjoyed a successful, long-term relationship with Choice, and we're disappointed to hear that because of AAHOA's support for increased fairness and transparency, and for wanting to engage in dialogue on tough issues, Choice no longer wants to be involved."

A NEW ENVIRONMENTAL, social and governance report released by Choice Hotels International highlights steps that would allow the company to reduce utility costs, save time for franchisees, and increase Choice's ESG commitments. Those steps include new energy- and water-saving technology, diversity goals for hotel ownership and more. The report entitled "Building a Better Tomorrow, Today" lays out the company's plan to being a good corporate citizen, according to a release. "Choice Hotels shares a uniting belief that tomorrow will be even better than today, and we are committed to building that better tomorrow," said Patrick Pacious, Choice's CEO, in the report. "As one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world, we are building on more than 80 years of success in developing a portfolio of diversified brands and creating a lasting, sustainable legacy for the future - one hotel, one family, one community at a time." Key findings The report further details measures being undertaken by Choice to integrate ESG standards and principles into its long-term decision-making and operations, including: Reporting Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions for the first time and aligning ESG disclosures with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Appointing an executive with knowledge of the business as vice president, sustainability and creating two new ESG governance forums to strengthen Choice's ESG strategy and execution. Joining the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, a global network that champions responsible hospitality, and becoming one of its largest members. Relaunching HERtels by Choice, driving a 53 percent year-over-year increase in the company's hotel franchise deals with woman owners. Committing $25 million in incentives for contracts with underrepresented minority and woman owners by 2025. Setting a goal to increase the representation of women in senior leadership roles to 50

ORAVEL STAYS LTD., OYO's parent firm, and SoftBank Group recently launched their premium hospitality brand, SUNDAY, in the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, OYO's serviced hotels business saw 250 percent growth in its first year, adding 700 hotels since September 2023, surpassing its target of 200. The international expansion is part of OYO's ongoing efforts to strengthen its premium property portfolio globally, the company said in a statement. "Our data shows growing demand for premium, experience-driven accommodations," said Puneet Yadav, Oravel's UK business head. "This strategic move allows us to tap into the luxury segment while maintaining our commitment to delivering value across all price points."

THOUSANDS OF WORKERS at Marriott International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Hyatt Hotels Corp. hotels in San Francisco returned to work after ratifying new contracts, according to UNITE HERE. The workers settled for affordable healthcare, significant raises and workload protections. About 1,500 Marriott employees returned on Saturday, while 1,000 Grand Hyatt workers unanimously ratified a tentative agreement, UNITE HERE said in a statement. Hilton workers ended their 93-day strike on Dec. 24, voting 99.4 percent for the new contract. San Francisco Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie engaged with hotel owners and striking employees after his election, helping to secure union approval for the Marriott contracts.

Approximately 10,000 U.S. hotel workers began a multi-day strike on Sunday in eight cities, including Boston, Honolulu, San Francisco, San Diego and Seattle, after contract talks with Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide and Hyatt Hotels Corp. stalled. The workers, members of the UNITE HERE labor union, are demanding higher wages, fair staffing and the reversal of COVID-era cuts. The union said insufficient wages force many to work multiple jobs to cover living costs. "I have to work a second job because my hotel job isn't enough to support my kids as a single mom," said Mary Taboniar, a housekeeper at Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu for six years. "I'm living on the edge, unsure if I'll be able to pay our rent, groceries, or provide my family with health care. It's so stressful. One job should be enough."

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Aly-khan S. Merali is now president and managing partner of Stonebridge Cos. in Denver. Founder Navin C. Dimond will remain CEO and will assume chairman duties for the company. Previously, Merali was president and chief financial officer of Turnberry Associates since 2013, according to Stonebridge. Prior to that, he was executive vice president and head of acquisitions for a U.S.-based investment firm with properties in North America, Europe and the Caribbean. Merali also held leadership and ownership positions in real estate companies in the United Kingdom, Canada and East Africa with assets in hospitality, industrial, manufacturing, office and senior living. "I have known Aly-khan for many years and have the utmost respect for him and his ability to lead Stonebridge Companies as we move forward and continue to grow and prosper," said Dimond. "His background and extensive experience in the hospitality industry is impressive and makes him a perfect fit for this role."

Noble Investment Group has made three new appointments to its senior management lineup. They are Ben Brunt as chief investment officer, Jim Conley as chief compliance officer, and George Dabney as chief financial officer, and all three are principals, too. Noble, based in Atlanta and led by Mit Shah as CEO, is beginning its 28th year of operation. Brunt, who joined Noble in 2005, succeeds Rodney Williams, who retired as CIO in December. Williams will continue to serve on the firm's investment committee as a senior advisor. "Ben is a driven, results-oriented leader who has been instrumental in guiding our value-creating investment efforts," Shah said. Conley joined Noble in 2006 as chief financial officer. In his new role, he will oversee the administration of the firm's regulatory and compliance function. He also manage the company's environmental, social, and governance initiatives along with the firm's duties as a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment.

AS THE FIRST investment for its recently announced $100 million real estate fund, NewcrestImage has purchased the Magnolia Hotel in downtown Dallas. The company, which is based in Dallas, purchased the historic building from Denver-based Stout Street Hospitality. Opened in 1922 as the headquarters offices for Magnolia Petroleum, the 325-room, 29-floor Magnolia Hotel was the city's first skyscraper and the first high-rise in the United States to have air conditioning. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and opened as a luxury boutique hotel in 1999. The hotel is across from the 37-floor world headquarters of AT&T and the $100 million AT&T Discovery District, a shopping, dining and entertainment development. The Discovery District features a 30-foot diameter interactive "walk-in" sculpture and a 104-foot high media wall for watching sports, movies and music events. The hotel features a library, a restaurant, two lounges and 11 meeting rooms, that range from 230 to 3,500 square feet. "Rooted in history and ready to be reinvented for the future - that describes this hotel, and also our entire hospitality industry right now," said Mehul Patel, chairman and CEO of NewcrestImage. "The Magnolia Hotel is an especially relevant and significant opportunity for us because it continues two important corporate commitments - re-energizing downtown Dallas and revitalizing historic buildings."