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URBAN PARK HOTEL Collection, an independent budget-conscious hotel group, has partnered with technology firm LodgeTender to integrate its latest hotel technology platform. The new technology offers hotel owners an extra revenue stream, while eliminating the need to pay for a hotel PMS, booking engine, and channel manager, Urban Park Hotel said in a statement. "The partnership with LodgeTender offers our hotel portfolio an opportunity to earn rather than pay for a technology package," said Jay Patel, managing partner of Urban Park Hotel Collection. "We're delighted to introduce products and services that not only save our owners money, but also generate additional revenue for our member hotels." "Hotel owners now have the chance to upgrade their technology while staying ahead with productive features for added revenue and seamless guest service connections," added Kent Comfort, president of LodgeTender.

WHEN IT COMES to growing hotel revenue, size does not matter. Economy hotels and micro-inventory properties are experiencing one of the biggest booms in recent years, thanks partly to a massive resurgence in small group travel, changing economic trends, and the staying power of global "return to travel". CBRE noted economy and midscale hotels recovered to 2019 performance levels by 2021, and properties with fewer rooms may benefit from lower operating costs when compared to their big-box brethren-though they also tend to have fewer resources with which to hire revenue professionals. Revenue managers are driving the charge for better operating returns. Many are taking the lessons they learned from their success at larger hotels and applying these truths to the industry's smaller properties. These revenue managers leverage new technology and strategies, options that small hotels with smaller, cross-functional staff haven't fully embraced. However, competition among economy hotels and properties tends to be fierce, requiring new action, especially with recent economic pressures and a downward 2023 RevPAR forecast of 0.2 percent in recent data shared by Tourism Economics . Modern revenue management practices and technology can provide these hotels with many benefits and significant competitive advantages. Small hotels need to avoid the erratic rate shifts of the past and capitalize on new trends as they emerge. By embracing strong revenue management systems and discipline in these properties, operators can realize greater control over a typically inconsistent space. Room Enough for Revenue The most common misconception about revenue management's place in hospitality is that it is the domain of large or full-service hotels. This is simply not the case today. No two hotels are the same, in practice, with key differences always existing between the layout of a property, its location, third-party partnerships, and so on. Every hotel has different revenue pot

EV HOTELS, A new technology-centric hotel brand founded by Ken Patel, is entering the "metaverse" by way of a partnership with "metavestor" club BAPESWORLD. Patel said his will be the first hotel company to play in the still fluidly defined metaverse, essentially a combination of online gaming, virtual reality, cyber meeting spaces and ecommerce. When completed, EV Hotels will include a "crypto trade floor" in partnership with EV Hotel has partnered with cryptocurrency and NFT exchange Chicago Digital Exchange where the crypto trading community can meet in person to share information and expertise. Individual traders and companies will be able to buy membership trading rights through CDX that will include discounted exchange fees and other exchange amenities at the EV Hotel trading floors. Under the new agreement, BAPES will be featured in the "non-fungible tokens" lobby where it will have NFTs for sale for in-person and in the metaverse. "Ventures like this are new to the hospitality and digital world, and that is why I am excited to announce the partnership between EV Hotel and BAPE," Patel said. "This sort of partnership usually does not come to market, and to have metaverse in the same sentence with hospitality is unheard of. The world's first hotel brand to hit the metaverse. What we are doing is to create an experience that brings hospitality back and gives it life again. Innovation is a team sport, and this venture merges the capabilities of our respective teams."

THOMAS MAGNUSON, CEO and co-founder of Magnuson Hotels, stood before the House of Lords in the British Parliament last week and spoke on what hotels in the United Kingdom need to continue their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of what he said applies to U.S. hotels as well, he said. The key to success in the U.K., Magnuson said in his address, is preserving independent hotels. "Not all hotels are the Savoy," Magnuson said. "Most hotels in the U.K. are small, family owned, and endangered." In the presentation to the Travel Technology Initiative, hosted by the Baroness Ros Altmann, Magnuson said there has been a rapid decline in the number of U.K. hotels owned by independent private businesses. In 2010, independent hoteliers represented 78 percent of the U.K. hotel industry, Magnuson said. He reported that publicly traded branded hotels combined with globalism powers have reduced the native share to 50 percent in 2022. Magnuson also said that at today's change rate, the U.K. independent hotelier share will fall to 22 percent by 2026.

MAGNUSON HOTELS HAS added a new hotel to its Magnuson Independent Collection portfolio, the Studios & Suites 4 Less Charlotte, in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is the sixth hotel added to the Independent Collection by owner Ray Patel of Charlotte. The 126-room hotel is near Charlotte Douglas International Airport, The Billy Graham Library, the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Levine Museum of the New South, according to Magnuson. The new hotel looks to draw a 52-week nonseasonal business base from the regional banking, finance, software, and biotech sectors. Charlotte is also home to the Research Triangle Park, a globally prominent research center with over 170 companies and federal agencies in the U.S. "When Ray Patel called us in 2005, he wanted to build his own brand called Studios & Suites 4 Less, and that is exactly what Ray did," said Thomas Magnuson, CEO of Magnuson Hotels. As Patel's team manages the Studios & Suites 4 Less brand and operations, Magnuson Hotels provides the technology, distribution, and marketing for the brand. "We appreciate our partnership with Magnuson Hotels, which is now entering its 17th year of consecutive increases," said Patel of Charlotte. "It is a pleasure and privilege to continually add new properties in our home market of Charlotte, North Carolina," he added.

AS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE continues to permeate society on every level, there is a place for it in the hotel industry, AAHOA said. AI technology can improve operational efficiency and cut costs, the association said, but it must be developed and used ethically. AAHOA referenced two recent research studies, one conducted by the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston, and another by Morgan Stanley, to endorse the integration of artificial intelligence into hotels for enhanced guests' experience. The University of Houston's study explored AI's transformative impact on the industry and its acceptance among hotel guests. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley's research report released on August 18, titled "AI for Hotels: Will the Hotel of the Future Fit in the Palm of Your Hand?" documented the benefits of hoteliers, online travel agencies and hotel brands adopting AI technology early.

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."

WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS and lifestyle hospitality developer sbe launched a new soft brand during the American Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles last week. Temporarily dubbed "Project HQ Hotels & Residences," the new brand aims to attract younger travelers looking for an experience. Project HQ is meant to represent sbe's "smart lifestyle" hotel category that is designed to draw in Millennial and Gen Z guests by providing memorable experiences at more affordable rates, according to Wyndham. The name is based on the idea that Project HQ hotels, which will be affiliated with Wyndham's Registry Collection Hotels, will serve the guests' headquarters in the heart of cities where they are located. Project HQ hotels will include pre-approved FF&E packages, supply chain, technology integrations, OS&E packages and programming to monetize otherwise underutilized spaces of the property. Led by Sam Nazarian as chairperson, sbe provides F&B packages that include Casa Dani from Chef Dani García; MXO, a Mexican Steakhouse by Chef Wes Avila; and Katsuya by Chef Katsuya Uechi.

APPROXIMATELY THREE OUT of four travelers agree that Americans are prioritizing travel more in 2024 and prefer a digital, self-service experience for their hotel stays, according to a recent survey by Mews, a hospitality cloud provider. Nearly 80 percent of U.S. travelers favor hotels with fully automated front desks or self-service kiosks, and more than 40 percent prefer checking in via a hotel's website, app, or digital kiosk. "Trends in hospitality are ever-changing but we're seeing indicators that people are prioritizing travel again," said Richard Valtr, Mews's founder. "While we're seeing some softness in mid-market and select service hotels, the luxury sector seems resilient. Guests visiting luxury properties are spending more on bucket list trips and staying for longer." The poll of 2,000 people, evenly split between travelers and hotel workers, revealed that hotel workers anticipate an increase in guest use of technology during travel. A quarter of them expect guests to check in more frequently via hotel websites, apps, or digital kiosks compared to previous years.

TOCK, A RESERVATIONS and events platform for the hospitality industry, recently partnered with Curator Hotel & Resort Collection to enhance food and beverage operations and provide additional amenities to guests. The partnership will enable Curator member hotels and resorts to streamline operations, drive revenue and improve guests' experiences on a single system. "Tock provides a holistic solution that empowers our customers and we're thrilled to bring that to Curator's elite network of independent hotels and resorts," said Patrick Venn, Tock's head of hotels and enterprise. "This partnership aligns with our mission to empower hotels of all sizes with forward-thinking technology focused on revenue management. Together, we aim to help these properties not only in navigating today's competitive landscape, but also setting new standards in delivering extraordinary guest experiences." Tock's platform offers capabilities tailored for hotel operators, Tock said in a statement.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING stations are a growing fixture at hotels around the U.S. Now, EV charging hardware and software producer EVPassport has released a new cloud-based system that connects its users to the hotel's guest services platform. The EVPassport Hotel Cloud, a variation of the company's cloud platform designed specifically for the hospitality industry, offers several options beside a simple charge. Guests can use the platform to locate the hotel on all EV charging location maps and apps. It allows owners to set charging prices, manage access and get details on energy usage, earnings history and carbon offset. EVPassport Hotel Cloud's "scan and charge" QR code technology allows users to pay without needing fobs, apps or cards. Hotels get an extra revenue stream from the stations, which can be wrapped in the hotel's name, logo and colors.

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

GUJARAT JHM HOTELS, owned by the Rama family along with U.S.-based Auro Hotels, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Gujarat to develop the JW Marriott Surat Resort & Spa in Surat in the state of Gujarat, India. It is GJHM's third Marriott hotel in the city after the Surat Marriott Hotel and the Courtyard by Marriott Surat. The upcoming property will feature more than 300 guestrooms and villas, according to a joint statement by GJHM and Auro Hotels, according to a release on the Press Trust of India website. "This transformative project, backed by more than $120 million (Rs 1,000 crore) investment, aims to create jobs for 800 individuals, offer crucial infrastructure for the city's growth, and establish Surat as the commercial capital of Gujarat," said D.J. Rama, director of GJHM and president and CEO of Auro Hotels. "Aspiring to be a 'Smart City,' this strategic investment underscores Gujarat JHM's commitment to fostering inclusive development. Surat is poised to emerge as a beacon of urban advancement, seamlessly combining financial strength with technological innovation."

HOTEL WEBSITES LED all booking sources in revenue per booking in 2024, generating an average of $519, 60 percent higher than other channels, according to SiteMinder. Furthermore, the largest volume of hotel reservations from a single technology platform rose 8.5 percent year-over-year, with a value-per-booking 60 percent higher than OTAs at $320. SiteMinder's Hotel Booking Trends report, based on more than 125 million reservations, found the figure was 35 percent higher than global distribution systems at $380 and 15 percent higher than wholesalers, DMCs and tour operators combined at $446. Direct booking value rose year-over-year, with hotel websites holding or improving their position among top revenue sources in all major travel destinations for the first time. In the U.S., hotel websites remained the third-highest revenue-generating channel.

GRACESOFT, URBAN PARK Hotel Collection and LodgeTender have integrated their portfolios to create an independent hotel service and membership network. The alliance provides hotel management technology, revenue optimization, consulting and a non-franchise membership brand, helping independent hoteliers compete in the market, the companies said in a joint statement. "Our mission is to equip independent hoteliers with the resources and technology they need to compete with major brands while retaining their unique identities," said Gideon Stanley, GraceSoft's CEO. "This collaboration brings together over 2,000 hotels, helping them improve efficiency, guest satisfaction, and profitability." The partnership offers a suite of solutions including property management systems, booking engines, revenue analytics and distressed property recovery consulting, giving hoteliers access to tools typically reserved for large franchise chains, the statement said.

ATLANTA-BASED EV Hotels, a new technology-centric hotel brand founded by Ken Patel, has partnered with Spanish firm CLERHP to construct a luxury resort in the new Larimar City & Resort project in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic. The 400-room hotel will be built on an area of nearly eight acres, the company said in a statement. Larimar City & Resort will be on the Promenade on the Farrallón de Verón, which has a view of Punta Cana, said Leonardo Padron Hermes, CEO of Blacklions International Group, a company associated with CLERHP in the development of real estate projects in the Dominican Republic. The area includes restaurants, clubs, shops and an 18-hole golf course. "After many years of working behind the scenes to develop a hotel brand that both innovates and revolutionized the industry, it is truly rewarding to now see EV make an impact across the globe. And believe me, we are just getting started," Patel said. "Larimar City & Resort will be one of the best tourist attractions around the globe and our team at EV is excited to be part of this Smart-City. Growth doesn't come with a single action. It is the consequence of persistence, courage, and hard work. What we are accomplishing here is to create an experience that brings hospitality back and gives it life again. Innovation is a team sport."

STAYNTOUCH, A CLOUD-BASED hotel property management software developer, recently launched UpsellPRO, an attribute-based selling platform that allows hotels to unbundle room reservations and market individual room features to guests during the booking process. The launch followed a report stating that half of respondents with a booking window over one month would pay more for ABS, Stayntouch said in a statement. "Attribute-based selling is giving travelers a degree of control over their hotel stay that they never thought possible, and hoteliers can deliver this experience without overwhelming themselves with unmanageable processes," said Nicole Dehler, Stayntouch's vice president of product. "The best part about today's ABS deployments is they can be delivered directly through the hotel PMS, automating inventory and room management without relying on a convoluted network of connected systems." Dehler said any hotel can leverage upselling to enhance service delivery and boost revenue growth organically, in a way that guests love.

HOTEL EQUITIES HAS partnered with Grazzy and Visa Direct to launch a digital tipping platform for their associates and guests. This initiative aims to provide a secure and cashless way for guests to tip hotel staff, HE said in a statement. According to a recent study, 83 percent of hotel guests want to tip staff digitally but face limitations. HE and Grazzy's program enables guests to tip housekeeping, front desk and other staff from their mobile devices, the company said. By scanning a hotel branded QR code in their room or on hotel signage, guests can access Grazzy, choose the staff member and enter the desired tip amount. No cash or extra apps are required, the statement added.

TECHNOLOGY HOTEL BRAND EV Evolution and construction solutions firm ServiceTry recently created a joint venture, EV Hotel Corp. The $400 million deal will fund the development of EV Evolution Venue hotels in international markets. Their new hospitality concept, The Eloise Project, is set to debut its first property by late 2025. ServiceTry will acquire a 40 percent equity stake in EV Hotel Corp., gaining access to all of EV's global revenue streams, the companies said in a joint statement. "We're not just building hotels; we're crafting worlds," said Ken Patel, EV Hotel Corp's., chairman and CEO. "The Eloise Project is about immersing guests in luxury and wonder. We're creating spaces where every moment is memorable, and every stay is extraordinary." The partnership will expand EV Hotel's global presence with ServiceTry as its largest shareholder, the statement said. The concept offers Dubai-style amenities and guest-centric experiences.

REPLETE WITH CAR racing motifs reflecting its theme "Accelerate," BWH Hotels held its annual convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Nearly 3,000 BWH Hotels members, operators and partners from around the world attended the event that featured a welcome reception in the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum. BWH Hotels President and CEO Larry Cuculic followed the racing theme in his opening address to the crowd. "Winning every day, leveling up every day's wins, create that year's championship," Cuculic said. "That's how it happens in racing. Wins create championships, and then championships create legacies, lasting legacies for you, your teams and your family." During the convention, Cuculic and other executives addressed the company's growth domestically and internationally, its performance in the extended-stay and luxury sectors as well as new technologies. Attendees also heard about BWH Hotels' marketing efforts and reports from board members including Raj Patel, also CEO of Apsilon Hotels in Atlanta.