Group items tagged

THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY needs to re-focus its efforts to meet future staffing requirements if it is to increase interest by job seekers, according to consulting firm HVS. At the moment, the hospitality industry is a jobseeker's market and likely to stay that way for the next year or two. Hence, industry leaders should adapt to survive, said Court Williams, CEO of HVS Executive Search in New York in an article titled 'How to Resolve the Current State of Emergency in Hospitality Employment'. Williams stated that "successful recovery from the pandemic will depend on revising every aspect of sourcing, attracting, compensating, incentivizing, and retaining workers." "The hospitality industry has seen a decrease in staff as many people have found alternate career paths as a result of the impacts of COVID-19. Historical talent shortages are being exacerbated by staff quitting in droves as the world returns to work," Williams said in the article. "Now, the onus is on companies to show employees why they should apply for jobs or stay in their current positions."

MIT SHAH, FOUNDER and CEO of Noble Investment Group is the Penn State School of Hospitality Management in the College of Health and Human Development and the Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society's 2023 Hospitality Executive of the Year. Shah will be recognized at a gala reception at The Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center in State College, Pennsylvania, on April 4. Noble is a travel and hospitality real estate investment group that has invested nearly $6 billion in communities throughout the country through its institutional real estate funds since being Founded in 1993. The other accomplishments for which Shah is being honored include his family's endowment of the Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series at Georgia State's Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality in honor of his father, Dr. Bharat Shah. Speakers featured in the program include former Hospitality Executives of the Year Chris Nassetta, CEO of Hilton, and Arne Sorenson, former president and CEO of Marriott International who died last year following a battle with cancer. "It is an honor to be recognized by the Penn State School of Hospitality Management and the Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society," Shah said. "As one of our country's oldest and most respected hospitality programs, the school, its faculty, administration, and staff continue to help ensure that our future hospitality leaders are well prepared to live lives that matter."

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association formed a new partnership with the AHLA Foundation, and the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education to grow the future workforce of the hotel and hospitality industry. As part of the collaboration, which came into effect on June 13, ICHRIE will distribute AHLA Foundation materials and facilitate access to its membership and communication channels. Besides, they will explore future opportunities to engage hospitality management faculty and students, an AHLA statement said. AHLA will also recruit a larger workforce and promote hospitality career opportunities. "We are thrilled to partner with ICHRIE and its outstanding deans, directors, program leaders and members of the major hospitality universities and schools, and work together on our shared mission to strengthen the hotel industry's talent pipeline," said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. "As the global leader in hospitality and tourism education and research, ICHRIE will help maximize our reach to students and educators across the nation. Together, AHLA, the AHLA Foundation, and ICHRIE will ensure that all Americans preparing to the enter the workforce are aware of the multitude of great hospitality career opportunities available to them." AHLA's chief operating officer will serve on ICHRIE's new Industry Council to help facilitate relationships, and both AHLA and the AHLA Foundation will participate in ICHRIE's 75th Anniversary Conference this August in Washington, D.C.

THE CHARITY WING of American Hotel & Lodging Association, the AHLA Foundation, announced merger with the Castell Project to strengthen and accelerate the industry's commitment to elevate women in hospitality. Castell Project is a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of women to the highest levels within the hospitality industry. As part of the merger, both the entities will focus on facilitating leadership development for current and prospective women in the industry, according to AHLA. They also will strengthen the college talent pipeline through mentorships and exposure to career paths and engagement with the future workforce. The two merged organizations hope to help more women become speakers and leaders through AHLA's ForWard: Advancing Women in Hospitality and other industry events and expanding a speakers' bureau of hospitality leaders who are women, besides conducting ongoing research related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including women in hospitality leadership and diversity benchmarking.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL and Lodging Association is collaborating with information services and event company Questex to produce "The Hospitality Show." It will have sessions from expert speakers, an exhibit hall, personalized business matchmaking as well as a host of other networking opportunities, according to AHLA. AHLA will hold the show from June 27 to 29, 2023, at The Venetian hotel and casino in Las Vegas. All industry stakeholders are expected to attend the three-day event. "As the single entity representing the entire hotel industry, we at AHLA recognize the need to annually bring together our most important voices and respected leaders," said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO. "The Hospitality Show will be a completely new hospitality event experience - a one-stop-shop for the hospitality industry to meet, learn and do business with stakeholders from other businesses that are key to our operations. We intend to make THE SHOW the most important hotel event of the year and are excited to partner with Questex to make this happen."

THE WOMEN IN Hospitality Leadership Alliance, a group of 32 organizations advancing women in hospitality, recently launched an interactive speaker directory with more than 700 senior-level women experts. The directory allows conference organizers to filter speakers by career background, title, company type, location, and other criteria, creating a shortlist for various topics and stages, WHLA said in a statement. "Representation matters, and visibility is a key component of career advancement," said Rachel Vandenberg, chair of the alliance podium committee and founder of Accelerate Women Leaders in Travel (an alliance member). "Despite many women having significant expertise in the hospitality industry, there are still fewer women on stage." Also, the Penn State School of Hospitality Management's 2023 Women in Hospitality research report, funded by the AHLA Foundation, found that women held only 24 percent of podium spots at hotel investment conferences and 37 percent of main stage speaking spots, despite comprising 58 percent of the hospitality workforce.

TARAN PATEL, MANAGING principal of A-1 Hospitality Group and AAHOA Northwest regional director, has received the 2023 Lodging Operator of the Year award by the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association for his outstanding contributions to both the hospitality industry and communities. "Oregon's hospitality industry is filled with remarkable, passionate people who go above and beyond on a daily basis because they love what they do," said Jason Brandt, ORLA president and CEO. "These recipients represent not only some of our industry's most dedicated leaders and advocates, but also the exemplary service that sets the high standard for the entire industry to achieve." Following the completion of his MBA in 2015, Taran began working in operations and development, contributing to the company culture established by his parents. Under his leadership, A-1 Hospitality Group's hotels not only offered crucial assistance to their communities during the pandemic but also stayed operational, safeguarding job stability for their team members and enabling them to provide for their families during challenging times.

AAHOA'S NEWEST PROJECT aimed at promoting women in hospitality is the "ElevateHER Women's Initiative to Highlight and Support Women Hoteliers and Leaders in the Industry." The initiative, launched Tuesday, will offer networking and educational opportunities for women hoteliers and hospitality industry professionals. As part of ElevateHER, AAHOA is hosting the Women Hoteliers ElevateHER Conference on Oct. 26 to 27 in Cincinnati. The conference will focus on bringing together AAHOA's community of women hoteliers for education, inspiration, and empowerment. "AAHOA has been proud to celebrate the important work women are doing at every level of hospitality, and this initiative further underscores our commitment to the women of AAHOA and elevating their contributions to the industry," said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA's first full-time female president and CEO appointed in May. "While there's still much work to be done, AAHOA recognizes the significant strides women have made to be seen at industry events, heard in the boardroom, and valued in the workplace. ElevateHER celebrates these accomplishments and will further drive our association's work around elevating and supporting women in the industry."

DAVID KONG, THE recently retired CEO of Best Western Hotel Group, has launched DEI Advisors, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women and other minority groups to achieve their career aspirations. Specifically, it plans to close the diversity gap that still exists on the upper, leadership levels of the hospitality industry. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, DEI Advisors will conduct a series of interviews with industry leaders with the intent of sharing inspiration and guidance to help individuals navigate their careers. The interviews will teach how to overcome conscious and unconscious bias, seek advancement, face structural barriers successfully, establish networks, advocates and mentors and better integrate their work life and personal life. "I formed DEI Advisors as a non-profit organization to collect and share insights and learnings from industry leaders," said Kong, who is DEI Advisors principal and founder. "While many companies are doing wonderful work in the areas of DEI, individuals must also be responsible, and feel empowered, for their own personal growth and career aspirations. Essentially, we're aiming to prepare future leaders in the industry for the driver seat of their own journey, where they get to truly help create and advocate for their own destiny."

THE HOSPITALITY SHOW 2024 will feature sustainability programming, including the co-location of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance's Autumn Summit. The Show, produced by Questex and the American Hotel & Lodging Association, will take place in San Antonio, Texas, from Oct. 28-30. It will discuss net positive hospitality, share best practices, explore innovation opportunities and forge new collaborations. "We're honoured to be holding our Autumn Summit at The Hospitality Show in collaboration with the AHLA and Questex," said Glenn Mandziuk, WSHA's CEO. "It is significant to be holding our summit in the United States - a first for the alliance since its recent rebrand with a global reach - as we look to continue growing our US-based membership. We look forward to mapping out our ambitions and actions for 2025 with our members, partners and senior leaders, charting the future of the industry."

Jeff Bzdawka is now president of Hapi, a provider of hospitality data and connectivity solutions. Bzdawka brings dual experience as a hotelier and hospitality tech leader, most recently serving as CEO of Knowland, where he drove growth during the post-COVID recovery and led its acquisition by Cendyn, Hapi said in a statement. "I am excited and honored to have such a strong, proven hospitality leader and personal friend join our team," said Luis Segredo, Hapi's CEO. "Our teams and customers will benefit from his industry acumen and his drive to care for those he serves." Bzdawka previously served as senior vice president of Global Hotel Technology at Hyatt, overseeing the property tech roadmap for its more than 1,000 hotels worldwide. He also has held leadership roles at TravelClick and Pegasus Solutions and currently sits on the boards of BirchStreet Systems and Evention LLC.

THE AHLA FOUNDATION awarded nearly $1 million, approximately $944,000, in scholarships to 369 students enrolled in hospitality programs at 88 colleges and universities nationwide. The foundation has disbursed more than $16 million in scholarships to date, supporting thousands of future industry leaders. It offers two types of scholarships: self-nominated, allowing students from any school to compete for one of eight scholarships, and school-nominated, requiring attendance at one of the foundation's 67 affiliated schools. "Scholarships are an integral part of the foundation's commitment to elevating, educating, and empowering individuals as they pursue careers in the hotel industry," said Anna Blue, AHLA Foundation's president. "These scholarships make it possible for the next generation of leaders to find their place in hospitality." The AHLA Foundation also awarded more than $30,000 to more than 20 students in a pilot freshman scholarship program. Three community colleges-Frederick Community College, Northampton Community College and Valencia College-participated to boost interest and enrollment in their hospitality programs.

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.

Jessica Janis, director and practice leader for hospitality at Corning Optical Communications LLC, is appointed the new honorary trustee of the AHLA Foundation. Janis will now serve as a member on its board of trustees, AHLA Foundation said in a statement. "Jess and Corning have long been passionate advocates and supporters of the AHLA Foundation and our work," said Anna Blue, president of AHLA Foundation. "We are thrilled to welcome her to our dedicated group of Trustees, steadfastly committed not only to the growth of our industry but also to the success of its people." "It's an honor to contribute to an organization shaping the future of hospitality, empowering the industry's next wave of leaders," said Janis. "At Corning, it's my privilege to help drive transformation in the hospitality sector through cutting-edge connectivity. With the AHLA Foundation, I anticipate collaborating with fellow Trustees to enhance educational opportunities, support research, and promote diversity-ensuring a vibrant and inclusive hospitality industry."

Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt Hotels Corp. president and CEO, has been named the 2025 Cornell Hospitality Icon of the Year. The award, established by the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration, will be presented at the Cornell Icon and Innovator Awards in New York City on June 3. Appointed to his current role in December 2006, Hoplamazian has led Hyatt's IPO, overseen its growth, and helped define its purpose over 18 years: to care for people so they can be their best, Cornell said in a statement. "We are excited and honored to recognize Mark as this year's Cornell Icon," said Kate Walsh, dean of the Nolan Hotel School. "Mark is a tremendous leader who, with his deep care for every colleague, guest, and stakeholder, embodies the essence of hospitality. He leads Hyatt - and our industry - with heart, mind, and soul, and is an inspiration and model for our Cornell students. We could not think of a more fitting leader to honor as our Industry Icon."

SHEILA JOHNSON, FOUNDER and CEO of Salamander Collection, will receive the 2024 Peggy Berg Castell Award at The Lodging Conference 2024 in Phoenix on Oct. 8. The award, presented by the AHLA Foundation's ForWard initiative, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing women in hospitality. Johnson, who has developed properties in the U.S. and Jamaica, is active in professional sports, the arts and humanitarian causes. Johnson's Salamander Collection is the largest Black-owned luxury hotel company in the U.S. and ranks among the largest minority- and women-owned businesses in Washington, AHLA Foundation said in a statement. "It is hard to imagine an industry leader who embodies the principles of the Peggy Berg Castell Award more than Sheila Johnson," said Anna Blue, AHLA Foundation's president. "She has been an inspiration in so many areas throughout her career and continues to set standards for excellence in the hotel industry." The foundation said an independent group of industry leaders and stakeholders selected Johnson as the fifth recipient of the annual award. Recipients are principled leaders who champion inclusion in the hotel industry, creating new paths for women to advance. Julienne Smith, chief development officer for the Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts, received the 2023 Peggy Berg Castell Award.

Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi, also known as 'Biki,' a stalwart of Indian hospitality and chairman emeritus of the Oberoi Group, passed away on Nov. 14 at the age of 94. Oberoi served as the executive chairman of EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, and as the chairman of Oberoi Hotels Private Limited, the major shareholder of EIH Limited. "It is with profound grief and sorrow that we wish to inform you of the peaceful passing of our beloved leader, P.R.S. Oberoi, chairman emeritus earlier today," The Oberoi Group said in a statement. "His passing is a significant loss for The Oberoi Group and the hospitality industry in India and overseas." Oberoi is acknowledged as a key figure in the Indian hotel industry, contributing to the globalization of Oberoi hotels by establishing a presence in major cities. He received notable accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, awarded in January 2008 for exceptional service to the country.

HYATT INDIA RECENTLY launched the Vocational Education and Training Swiss Professional Diploma program across its properties, including Hyatt Regency Delhi, Andaz Delhi, Grand Hyatt Gurgaon and Hyatt Regency Lucknow. The company worked with the Confederation of Indian Industry and EHL Hospitality Business School to offer an 18-month program for students who have completed their higher secondary education with at least 50 percent marks in English. The program, divided into foundational, intermediate and advanced levels, will equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the hospitality industry, according to a joint press statement. "At a time when India is emerging as a global leader in the hospitality industry, there is significant growth potential for the youth of India who choose the VET by EHL program offered by the Confederation of Indian Industry," said Sunjae Sharma, Hyatt Hotels' managing director, India and Southwest Asia. "We are proud to be the first international hotel chain in India to collaborate with CII and EHL for this initiative and to contribute to training a new generation of hoteliers. I am confident that the learning and training imparted at Hyatt will enable these young minds to stand out in this competitive sector and achieve their dreams."

IN MARCH, THE U.S. celebrated the achievements and history of women as part of Women's History Month. In recognition of the month, some hotel companies introduced or continued programs aimed at increasing women's role in the industry. In line with the Women's History Month theme this year "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories," Choice Hotels International kicked off its "HERtels at Choice Development Seminar" with nearly 40 franchise owners, general managers, and hotel associates in attendance. At the same time, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' "Women Own the Room" initiative has signed over 30 hotels across the U.S. and Canada in the first year of its launch. Also, California hotelier and philanthropist Sunil "Sunny" Tolani issued a special message for the month. HERtels by Choice Choice Hotels took the recently held Hunter Hotel Conference in Atlanta as a launch pad for its inaugural HERtels seminar. The event was held next door to the Marriott Marquis Atlanta, Hunter's venue, and is an enhancement of Choice's HERtels program that was launched in 2021. "While industry-wide parity is improving, with more female investors, directors, and leaders in hospitality than ever before, women entrepreneurs still face significant economic and societal barriers when it comes to hotel ownership and development. As an industry, we owe it to the next generation of hoteliers to change this statistic," said John Lancaster, vice president for emerging markets, franchise development and owner relationships, Choice Hotels International. "This initiative and the invaluable resources it provides is a natural extension of our industry-leading emerging markets program and our enduring commitment to helping growth-minded entrepreneurs further their unique ownership journey."

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.