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THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association and Hospitality Technology Next Generation recently launched new safety resources to help hoteliers prevent, address and respond to battery-related fire incidents. Many of these are unknowingly caused by guests using lithium-based devices such as e-bikes, laptops and mobile phones. Lithium battery incidents-particularly from micromobility devices-have become a rising concern for hotels nationwide, AHLA said in a statement. "The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority, which is why we continuously update protocols and guidance to address emerging risks," said Rosanna Maietta, AHLA's president and CEO. "Lithium battery fire incidents are on the rise and can pose significant risks without proper education and procedures. Our new tools will help hoteliers take practical steps to protect guests and employees, while staying ahead of this growing issue."

Home2 Suites by Hilton Cookeville in Cookeville, Tennessee, is now open. It is owned by NHK Hotels LLC and operated by Image Hotel Management, both led by Neil Patel as CEO. "On Aug. 14, 1986, Neil Patel, CEO and founder of Image Hotel Management, opened his first hotel, Executive Inn, in Cookeville," said Karen Patel, managing partner of Image Hotel Management. "Thirty-seven years later, we are delighted to open our Home2 Suites here and continue our partnership with Hilton Hotels." The 102-room hotel is near Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls, and Fall Creek Falls state parks, Image said in a statement. Hotel amenities include full kitchens, an indoor saline pool and a fitness center. The property includes a "backyard" with outdoor seating, a seasonal fire pit, pet pit stop, putting green, and yard games. The Cumberland Room offers 1,500 square feet of conference space with a spacious pre-function area and catering kitchen.

The Best Western Gallup West is now open in Gallup, New Mexico. It is owned by Murad Mohsin. The 60-room hotel is near Veteran Memorial Pillars, Red Rock State Park, the Gallup Flea Market Fire Rock Navajo Casino and the Navajo Nation Museum. It is two hours from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, spa and free parking. "We are very excited to join Best Western and to have access to the brand's best-in-class support and resources that will strengthen our property and guest service," said Murad Mohsin, owner of the Best Western Gallup West. "Our hotel offers something for everyone and is near some of Gallup's most interesting sights. We look forward to providing the comfort travelers are looking for in our quaint town situated off Route 66."

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND is back and almost as strong as pre-pandemic levels, with 39.2 million people forecast to travel 50 miles or more from home during the holiday period, according to AAA Travel. Despite record high gas prices, a majority of travelers, 34.9 million, are expected to drive, but air travel also is seeing resurgence. The total forecasted number of travelers is 8.3 percent higher than 2021's 36.2 million and comes closer to 2017 levels. Last year, U.S. hotels saw occupancy hit nearly 62 percent over that Memorial Day weekend, according to STR. "Memorial Day is always a good predictor of what's to come for summer travel," said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. "Based on our projections, summer travel isn't just heating up, it will be on fire. People are overdue for a vacation and they are looking to catch up on some much-needed R&R in the coming months."

The Park Inn by Radisson Florence is open in Florence, South Carolina. It is owned and operated by Ankit Patel and is one of the first new-build Park Inns in the U.S. The 60-room hotel is six miles from Florence Regional Airport and near the city's downtown. Nearby attractions include the Florence Center, Francis Marion University Beaver Creek Golf Club, Timrod Park, the Florence County Museum and Darlington Raceway. Amenities include an indoor pool, a patio with fire pit and a fitness center. Radisson Hotel Groups' new Safety Protocol program has been implemented at the hotel featuring increased sanitation to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Courtyard by Marriott Portland East opens Oct. 21 in Portland, Oregon. It is owned by Lodging Management Northwest LLC led by Jatin Patel as principal. The 91-room hotel is managed by InnVentures LLC of Tukwila, Washington. It is near Mt. Hood Skibowl, Timberline Lodge, McMenamins Edgefield, Multnomah Falls and Pioneer Place. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, fire pit and 702 square feet of meeting space. Courtyard's new room design includes a luggage drop for storing bags and the "Tech Drop" ledge provides a place for guests to plug personal devices. The rooms also feature hybrid zones for working, sleeping and getting ready.

The SpringHill Suites Austin West/Lakeway in Lakeway, Texas, is scheduled to open Aug. 28. It is owned by Lakeway Joint Venture, managed by Sunil Patel, and managed by Esperanto Developments of El Paso, Texas, led by Madhi Nair, president and CEO. The 88-suite hotel is on the campus of the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center.Nearby attractions include Lake Travis, the Hill Country Galleria, The Oasis on Lake Travis and Pace Bend State Park. Hotel amenities include a meeting room, an outdoor patio with a fire pit, an indoor swimming pool and a fitness center.

LOS ANGELES AREA hotelier Sunil "Sunny" Tolani cut short a visit to Vatican City in order to come home and support his neighbors affected by the recent wildfires that have swept the city. He even had to miss his scheduled meeting with Pope Francis. "His cardinals and chief of staff understood and will convey our message and greetings," said Tolani, who is founder and CEO of charity operation The Prince Organization. "That is the right thing to do and the pope will be proud of it." Many other members of the hotel industry are working together to support wildfire recovery in Los Angeles County, where fires destroyed thousands of structures and claimed 24 lives. Hotels are offering discounted or complimentary stays to displaced residents and emergency responders.