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THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association and its technology committee, Hospitality Technology Next Generation, recently released an updated Staff Alert Device Buyer's Guide to help hoteliers choose personal safety devices for staff and guest safety. The guide is the latest in a line of hotel industry employee and guest safety efforts, AHLA said in a statement. "Hospitality starts with maintaining a safe environment for guests and employees. Through various AHLA and AHLA Foundation safety initiatives, America's hotels are focused on doing just that," said Kevin Carey, AHLA's interim president and CEO. "Our updated employee safety device guide and comparison matrix will help hoteliers across the nation select the best devices to ensure the safety of nearly two million hotel employees." The guide, first launched in 2019 and compiled by HTNG's Staff Alert Technology Workgroup, covers devices with features like location tracking, communication options and AI-driven emergency response systems.

HUNDREDS OF HOSPITALITY professionals gathered at City Hall to oppose Intro 991, the "Safe Hotels Act," highlighting its detrimental effects on NYC hotels, subcontractors, and small businesses. This follows last month's protest, which drew more than 1,500 attendees. Intro 991, despite being framed as a safety measure, imposes costly mandates that threaten the survival of the city's hotels, risking over 265,000 jobs and billions in tax revenue, according to industry associations. Representatives from the American Hotel & Lodging Association and AAHOA were among the protesters. "Intro 991 targets a single industry and will inflict sweeping harm on the hotel sector, the economy, and hotel guests," said Kevin Carey, AHLA's interim president and CEO. "The bill will have devastating, unintended consequences for New York City's tourism and hospitality industries, forcing many hotels and small businesses to close. We urge the city council to reconsider and find real solutions that protect both safety and livelihoods." Since the legislation was introduced in July, AAHOA members have reached out to the council, urging them to reconsider the act. AAHOA Northeast regional director Preyas Patel, past chairwoman Jagruti Panwala, former young professional director Purvi Panwala and AAHOA member Mitesh Ahir addressed the council after the event.

Studio 6 Katy, Texas, a new-build extended-stay hotel, is now open in the Houston suburb. It is owned by Sharin Patel and Ripan Modi. The 63-suite hotel was built under the new design parent company G6 Hospitality introduced last year. Nearby attractions include Rhodes Stadium and Legacy Stadium, Nelson Water Gardens and Nursery and Typhoon Texas Waterpark. The hotel also is pet friendly, and G6's recently implemented "Clean@6" cleaning and safety protocols are in effect at the new property. "Katy is a vibrant town and popular destination for business and tourism, and we are excited to partner with G6 Hospitality to bring more affordable lodging options to the area," said Modi, who also is the hotel's general manager. "We chose to open a Studio 6 because of the brand's longstanding commitment to leaving the light on for guests, which has been of even greater need for those required to continue travel during these times. Whether guests are looking to stay for an extended period or just a night or two, our goal is to make traveling affordable and accessible for all."

INDIA-BASED ORAVEL STAYS, parent company of travel technology firm Oyo, completed the previously announced $525 million acquisition of G6 Hospitality from Blackstone Real Estate. The company is also restructuring G6's leadership, replacing President and CEO Julie Arrowsmith and other top executives effective Tuesday. In September, Oravel Stays agreed to acquire G6 Hospitality from Blackstone Real Estate for $525 million in an all-cash deal. On Tuesday, Oyo named Sonal Sinha as CEO, with Tina Burnett continuing as chief development officer, the company said in a statement. G6's chief financial officer, chief brand officer, general counsel, chief information officer and chief human resources officer also are being replaced. "We will continue to invest in skills that are unique and critical to the G6 business, such as supply, account management, corporate sales, brand standards, offline marketing, and safety and security," said Gautam Swaroop, OYO International's CEO. "Over the years, OYO has successfully leveraged capabilities developed in India in technology, revenue management, e-commerce, procurement, legal, finance, and HR and will extend these to the G6 business as well."

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 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."

AS COVID-19 FEARS subside, travelers are significantly less concerned about safety during travel, driving a significant rebound in travel activity, according to a survey by travel risk and crisis response provider Global Rescue. Most are vaccinated, or have recently recovered from COVID-19. The 2021 fall Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey revealed that nearly 86 percent of travelers have taken domestic trips, and 42 percent have traveled internationally, since the start of the pandemic last year. The survey was conducted among more than 1,500 of the firm's current and former members between Oct. 26 to 30, 2021. "Between April and October, there's been a 74 percent jump in people taking domestic trips and an enormous 207 percent increase in individuals traveling internationally," said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. According to the survey, fear of COVID-19-related quarantine or infection while traveling declined by 37 percent compared to January 2021.

Phil Norman is executive vice-president of people resources and development for third-party hospitality management company Twenty Four Seven Hotels. Previously, he was chief human resources officer with Canyon Ranch where he operated human resources functions for 1,840 U.S. employees across hotels and cruise ships. Norman will provide oversight for talent management, including leadership development, organizational capability and change management in this newly created role, the company said. He also held similar positions as human resources director at the Homestead, America's oldest resort property dating to 1766, and the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, where he oversaw 1,250 team members, while ensuring safety and building an inclusive environment. "With 35 years of hospitality human resources experience, Phil is the ideal candidate to take over our people resources and development team as well as provide immediate support to our on-property teams," said David Wani, CEO for Twenty Four Seven Hotels. "His performance at both the hotel and corporate levels has been amazing, creating workplaces where every associate is gratified by their work and where they feel they belong. Phil's reputation of aligning systems and processes and his focus on workplace culture create the potential for exceptional stakeholder returns and in turn support the growth of the company."

The Home2 Suites by Hilton-Richmond is open in Richmond, Indiana. It is owned by The Witness Group led by Sachin Patel, Sagar Patel and Aakash Patel as principals and executive leadership team. It is managed by Hotel Equities of Atlanta. The 100-room extended-stay hotel is near Richmond Mall, the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, and Indiana University East. Dayton International Airport. Amenities include an indoor saline pool and electric vehicle charging stations. It is pet friendly. "The hotel staff has prioritized the health and safety of patrons by implementing HE's industry leading HEalth First standards of cleanliness and safety protocol as part of the early operations training," said David Rosenberg HE's vice president of operations. "These protocols, which are above and beyond brand standards, along with the team's delivery of superior customer service will give guests complete confidence during their stay and will position the hotel as a leader in the Richmond market."

The Chatwal New York, a luxury hotel in Manhattan owned by the Dream Hotel Group, has reopened after temporarily closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening comes in the wake of Broadway's return to production and the reopening of the U.S. border to vaccinated international travelers. Dream Hotel Group is led by chairman and founder Sant Singh Chatwal and Jay Stein as CEO. The 76-room hotel includes 29 suites, 14 of which have private, landscaped terraces. It also has specialty suites, such as the theater inspired Chatwal Suite with its 500-square-foot terrace. Also, the terrace of the Garden Suite includes fountains, sculptures and heat lamps and the Library Suite includes a curated book collection. "The Chatwal, New York's reopening marks the return of luxury boutique hospitality in the heart of Midtown Manhattan," said Ashish Verma, senior vice president for Dream Hotel Group's luxury division and general manager of The Chatwal New York. "Our team is committed to our guests' safety and satisfaction with superior services in a renewed world."

PROPOSED FEDERAL REGULATIONS defining a "joint-employer standard" would have a "chilling effect" on the hospitality industry and franchises in general, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association. The National Labor Relations Board's latest version of the standard could define two companies as joint employers if they both control certain elements of employees' terms and conditions. The period for comments on the proposed regulations ended Nov. 21 and the would rescind and replace the joint-employer rule that took effect on April 27, 2020. That previous rule established that "a business must possess and exercise substantial direct and immediate control over one or more essential terms and conditions of employment of another employer's employees" to be considered a joint employer. However, a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in July reversed that rule. Now, under the new rule, "two or more employers would be considered joint employers if they 'share or codetermine those matters governing employees' essential terms and conditions of employment,' such as wages, benefits and other compensation, work and scheduling, hiring and discharge, discipline, workplace health and safety, supervision, assignment, and work rules," according to NLRB.

NEARLY 80 PERCENT of travelers said that the latest COVID-19 variant, BA5, is unlikely to make them cancel or postpone international travel this year, according to a survey from travel risk assessment firm Global Rescue. At the same time, Global Rescue said relaxed COVID-19 recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could encourage travelers' confidence. The floodgates are opening The Summer 2022 Global Rescue Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey found that 68 percent of respondents have already traveled internationally since the pandemic. Another 16 percent expects to travel abroad by the end of the year and 9 percent plan to do so in the first quarter of 2023. "Whether it's revenge travel or responsible travel following vaccination, or a combination of both, 7-out-of-10 travelers are much less concerned about travel compared to the beginning of the pandemic," said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. "They feel safe enough to plan trips and vacations because they're vaccinated, borders are open, and they have confidence they'll be able to get home if the worst happens." The U.S. ending its requirement for a negative COVID test to enter the country in June also went far in increasing confidence and encouraging visits from international travelers, Richards said. Nearly half of travelers, 49 percent, said that they are more likely to travel internationally in the next 12 months as COVID related restrictions are relaxed.

1. Introduction to Commercial Refrigeration: Commercial refrigeration systems have evolved into sophisticated technologies that serve a multitude of industries. From preserving perishable foods to storing temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, these systems play a vital role in modern business operations. The versatility of commercial refrigeration extends beyond conventional cooling needs, catering to diverse applications with precision and efficiency. As businesses strive for sustainability and efficiency, the demand for innovative refrigeration solutions continues to rise. In this article, we explore the multifaceted nature of commercial refrigeration and its far-reaching impact across industries. Asian Hospitality 2. Diverse Applications: The applications of commercial refrigeration span across various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, retail, and agriculture. In the food industry, refrigeration is essential for maintaining the freshness and safety of perishable goods throughout the supply chain. Beyond food storage, commercial refrigeration is instrumental in preserving the efficacy of pharmaceuticals and vaccines, ensuring compliance with stringent storage requirements. Moreover, industries such as manufacturing, and laboratories rely on precise temperature control for storing sensitive materials and conducting experiments. The versatility of commercial refrigeration enables businesses to adapt to evolving needs and regulations while maintaining optimal conditions for their products.

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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.

MAJOR U.S. HOTELS firms Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Hyatt Hotels Corp. announced that they are ceasing operations in Russia due to its ongoing invasion in Ukraine. Also, AAHOA issued a statement condemning the war. The hotel companies also emphasized their efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their employees and guests in both Ukraine and neighboring countries who face these 'unconscionable challenges'. "We have made the decision, effective immediately, to close our corporate office in Moscow, and pause the opening of upcoming hotels and all future hotel development and investment in Russia," Marriott said in a statement. "We have been closely monitoring the deteriorating situation in Ukraine, Russia and neighboring countries, and remain in regular contact with our teams on the ground, as we work to comply with sanctions and applicable laws. Our hotels in Russia are owned by third parties and we continue to evaluate the ability for these hotels to remain open."

NEARLY HALF OF travelers, or 49 percent, have already taken an international trip, according to a survey by travel risk and crisis response provider Global Rescue. That indicates an 88 percent jump in travel abroad since summer of 2021. The Winter 2022 Global Rescue Travel Safety and Sentiment survey has also revealed that domestically, 85 percent of respondents have already traveled, signaling an 18 percent increase during the period. The survey of more than 1,400 respondents between Jan. 25 to 29 found that nine out of 10 travelers are "much less or less" concerned about travel since the pandemic, showing a 22 percent increase in travel confidence. "All signals are pointing to the beginning of the end of international travel restrictions due to the pandemic. Countries like New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and others are opening their borders as severe COVID-19 illnesses and hospitalizations decline, vaccinations increase and testing is more convenient. Domestic travel continues to increase but the big news is that travel abroad is surging," said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. "When people feel safe, they travel and we are seeing tremendous, positive change in the traveler confidence about their well-being."

THE WAR IN Ukraine and lingering concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic are making some travelers nervous, according to a survey from risk and crisis response provider Global Rescue. Still, Global Rescue found that fewer people are experiencing hesitancy about travel. About 71 percent of respondents to Global Rescue's Spring 2022 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey said they are somewhat concerned, concerned or much more concerned about international travel since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The remaining 29 percent said they are not concerned at all. The respondents' destinations also caused some anxiety as well as returning to travel after two years of pandemic-related travel restrictions. At the same time, 89 percent of respondents said the war in Ukraine has not changed their travel plans and 70 percent are not experiencing any re-entry to travel anxiety. An even larger majority, 84 percent, of survey takers report they are less or much less concerned about travel today compared to the beginning of the pandemic.

ALL FORMS OF travel are experiencing a post-pandemic resurgence, including cruises, according to a survey from risk and crisis response provider Global Rescue. Some have concerns about their destination, but most are ready to hit the seven seas. According to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, 30 percent of respondents were experiencing some hesitancy about where to go, or when to get back to travel after two years of pandemic-related travel restrictions. Meanwhile, 70 percent of respondents are not experiencing any re-entry to travel anxiety in general or on cruise ships, according to the survey. "Nineteen percent of survey takers say they feel safer or much safer about taking a cruise compared to last year," said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Red Roof Inn Del Rio in Del Rio, Texas, is now open after a $2 million renovation. The 100-room property is owned by Del Hospitality, led by Timirkumar Patel. The hotel is near downtown Del Rio, Laughlin Air Force Base, Val Verde Regional Medical Center, Amistad National Recreation Area, Plaza Del Sol Mall, Whitehead Memorial Museum, Val Verde Winery, Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site, San Felipe Natural Spring Park and San Felipe Springs Golf Course. Del Rio International Airport also is nearby. The pet-friendly hotel has a year-round outdoor pool and participates in RediRewards and Red Roof's RediClean program for guest and staff safety.