Group items tagged

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association is set to host the inaugural General Manager Summit at "The Hospitality Show" on June 28 at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. The first-of-its kind event will be held annually and bring together hotel GMs from across the country to hear from expert speakers, share best practices and network. The event will also celebrate the industry's best GMs via an awards ceremony, AHLA said in a statement. "General Managers are the backbone of any hotel, and that's precisely why AHLA offers this important group of professionals a host of top-notch professional development, networking and event opportunities," said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. "AHLA's General Manager Summit at The Hospitality Show is the can't-miss event of the year for GMs, and we're excited to see you there this June." AHLA said the event is free for all GMs attending The Hospitality Show, which takes place June 27-29 at The Venetian Las Vegas, but GM summit attendees must register for the event here.

UNITY WAS THE theme at Sonesta International Hotels' inaugural conference in Las Vegas. Sonesta essentially completed its integration with Red Lion Hotels Corp. with the announcement of a unified loyalty program, Sonesta Travel Pass, and combined website. Approximately 1,300 attendees, including franchisees, general managers of Sonesta's corporate owned properties and employees, came to the conference and trade show at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Along with keynote speakers and entertainment, the conference provided updates on the company's status. "My team and I have been looking forward to this moment for months to finally be with you, to talk with you, to listen to you and your guests and to show off a little to you," said John Murray, executive vice president for The RMR Group that owns Sonesta. "Because we really do have a lot to show off. We also have a lot to celebrate. Today we're here to celebrate the transformation of Sonesta and Red Lion's histories into our future as one Sonesta."

TEXAS-BASED G6 HOSPITALITY launched 'Light Her Way' program to empower women seeking hotel ownership opportunities with tools and resources, a statement said. The company announced the program during AAHOA's inaugural HerOwnership Conference & Retreat in October. The Carrollton, Texas-based G6 owns Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands in the U.S. and Canada. "We have always promoted the belief that everyone has the right to travel, but it is just as important that everyone have the right to ownership," said Tina Burnett, chief development officer, G6 Hospitality. "The launch of 'Light Her Way' will empower women on the path to ownership and is an example of how we live up to our values."

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Americas have formed a partnership that will more closely align the two associations to benefit their respective members and advance the hospitality industry, AHLA said in a statement. Also, AHLA and its technology committee, HTNG, announced the inaugural AHLA Technology Acceleration Award, a new program to recognize companies that are advancing innovation in hospitality technology. According to the statement, the partnership will create linkages to the industry's sales, marketing, and revenue optimization professionals for AHLA, while expanding HSMAI's organizational reach by aligning it with America's largest hotel association. Under the new agreement, effective April 25, AHLA will provide HSMAI with opportunities to participate in AHLA's On the Road events, and HSMAI will promote the events to its members and local chapters. AHLA and HSMAI will also promote each other's events, campaigns, and education and certification programs, and have reciprocal participation in distribution-focused committees. As per the agreement, AHLA and HSMAI will further explore opportunities to align the work of both organizations' foundations to address industry-wide initiatives on workforce and promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. AHLA and HSMAI leadership will meet regularly to discuss and coordinate key strategic industry issues and shared objectives, the agreement noted. AHLA said the AHLA-HSMAI partnership expands upon a relationship the two organizations started early last year, when HSMAI became a content partner for AHLA's On The Road state hotel conference series, offering innovative and exclusive revenue generation insights at On The Road events.

HOTEL EMPLOYEES NOW have their own day, Sept. 1, thanks to the American Hotel & Lodging Association. AHLA had the date included in the National Day Calendar as part of its effort to increase recruitment of new hospitality workers. National Hotel Employee Day will be celebrated annually to thank hotel employees for their hard work and dedication and recognize the role they play in the nation's travel, tourism and hotel industries, according to AHLA. AHLA's launching of the day is in response to the struggle U.S. hotels are facing to quickly fill more than 120,000 open hotel jobs by offering current and prospective employees higher wages, with better benefits, and more flexibility. "On this inaugural National Hotel Employee Day, we thank America's nearly two million hotel employees. Every day in communities across the nation, hotel employees' service and dedication help facilitate some of Americans' most important life events - from wedding receptions to family reunions and vacations," said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO. "Now is the time to consider one of the more than 200 enriching careers in the hotel industry."

HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION has signed franchise agreements with 3H Group and Presidio Hotel Development to open Hyatt Studios in two states. Led by founder Hiren Desai, 3H Group will introduce the studios in Mobile, Alabama, while Guneet Bajwa heads the effort for Presidio Hotel Development in Marysville, California, and both are expected to open by late 2024 to 2025. Following its April launch, Hyatt has garnered letters of interest for more than 100 Hyatt Studios, marking its inaugural upper-midscale extended-stay brand in the Americas, the company said in a statement. "Hyatt's expansion into these new markets through Hyatt Studios hotels underscores our dedication to developers, guests, and World of Hyatt members," said Dan Hansen, global head of Hyatt Studios. "We've learned that when Hyatt guests stay with a competing brand, they appear to do so for one of two reasons: the absence of a Hyatt hotel within five miles or the choice to stay at a lower chain scale. By offering Hyatt options in these fresh markets, we foster brand loyalty without internal competition and present developers with untapped opportunities."

NETHERLANDS-BASED CITIZENM HAS inaugurated its first hotel at Meta's Menlo Park campus in California, marking its second U.S. opening this year after the launch of citizenM Miami Center. CitizenM currently operates 14 hotels in the U.S. and has plans for additional openings in 2024, including locations in Austin, Boston, and another in South Beach, Miami. The global hospitality company was founded by Rattan Chadha in 2015. The five-story hotel, spanning 79,400 square feet, features 240 modular rooms, citizenM said. The brand's modular design has not only reduced construction waste by up to 60 percent but has also shortened the development timeline by three to four months compared to traditional construction methods. The hotel at Meta's Frank Gehry-designed headquarters campus has been designed by citizenM's architectural partner, Baskervill. "We're excited to open in Menlo Park, a burgeoning tech hub," said Robin Chadha, chief brand officer at citizenM. " CitizenM, designed to seamlessly connect remote and in-person work with private nooks and versatile workspaces in our Living Rooms, along with societyM meeting rooms. This dynamic property will provide a unique experience for Meta employees and mobile citizens in the area."

U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE Vivek Ramaswamy and AAHOA chairman Bharat Patel have delved into hospitality industry issues at the inaugural AAHOA 2024 Presidential Candidate Forum. The virtual forum allowed AAHOA members and viewers to hear directly from Ramaswamy about his policy priorities, his vision for the future of America and the role of Asian Americans in the hospitality industry, AAHOA said in a statement. "Ramaswamy's choice to directly engage with AAHOA Members highlights our industry's vital contribution to the nation's economy," said Bharat Patel, AAHOA chairman. "It was an honor to meet with him on behalf of AAHOA members. It's promising to witness a presidential candidate acknowledging the substantial influence that AAHOA members exert both as everyday citizens and as dynamic entrepreneurs and small business proprietors driving the hospitality industry of this great nation.'"

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."

GEOFF BALLOTTI, PRESIDENT and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, is the second recipient of the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award. The award is presented by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the American Hotel & Lodging Foundation and the BHN Group. Ballotti will receive the award Jan. 22 AHLA Foundation's premier fundraising gala, Night of a Thousand Stars, and again during the 22nd Annual Americas Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles on Jan. 24, according to AHLA. The award is named after Arne Sorenson, the former president and CEO of Marriott International who passed away in 2021, and in December of that year David Kong, the recently retired president and CEO of Best Western Hotel Group, was the inaugural recipient. "Geoff - much like Arne - is a true embodiment of all the good that hospitality represents. His empathy, his accessibility and his commitment to doing the right thing is what makes him one of our industry's greatest leaders," said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO. "The story of his success, from dishwasher to CEO of the world's largest hotel franchisor, is inspirational - as is his dedication to ensuring the success of future hotel leaders. I am lucky to call Geoff a colleague and friend, and it fills me with pride to honor him with this award."

"BE ONE BODY" and roar like a pride of lions, Pujya Brahmviraharidas Swami, one of India's leading saints, told attendees of the 2023 AAHOA Conference and Trade Show in Los Angeles last week in his keynote speech. However, his call for unity came at a time when several large hotel companies boycotted AAHOACON23 over AAHOA's support for franchising reform. The association's new chairman, Bharat Patel, will have to lead the effort to follow Pujya Brahmviraharidas Swami's guidance and unite the membership in light of the split with Marriott Hotels International, Choice Hotels International and others. The leadership required will take courage, said Pujya Brahmviraharidas Swami, who spearheads the global outreach of BAPS in the U.S. to spread harmony and collaboration and who the Indian government and heads of state have called upon for guidance. "This is not just a story of celebrating the past or creating the future, but also of recalibrating the present. This is not a story of a motel and a mouse," Brahmaviharidas said. "This is a story of an empire of hospitality and a pride of lions. Roar in the right direction, in the right way, and the world will listen." Also during AAHOACON23, which set a record level of booth sales for the trade show, members elected new board members. The association also announced a new charity organization dedicated to helping victims of natural disasters, and software company Virdee took the top prize in the inaugural AAHOA Tech Pitch Competition. Change of command New Chairman Bharat Patel officially moved into the top spot on the board on the last day of the conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center. He replaced Nishant "Neal" Patel and will be followed next year by Miraj Patel, who is now vice chairman. "Like the theme from AAHOACON23, I look forward to honoring the past and creating a bolder future by working with AAHOA's nearly 20,000 members to ensure we reestablish strong partnerships with our state associations

HILTON RECENTLY INTRODUCED a new North American prototype and refreshed global brand identity for its Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites brands. The prototype is scheduled for its inaugural hotel opening in early 2025, Hilton said in a statement. "With a legacy of leadership and performance spanning four decades, Hampton by Hilton continues to stand as a beacon of humanity, connecting people from around the globe and delivering a reliable and friendly stay in each one of our hotels," said Shruti Gandhi Buckley, Hampton by Hilton's senior vice president and brand leader. "As we unveil our new North American prototype and refreshed visual identity, we embark on an exciting new chapter for Hampton. This is a celebration of our core values and signifies a renewed commitment to our owners, guests and team members." The prototype is designed to adapt to various market conditions and site restrictions while improving the guest experience, the statement said. Informed by guest and owner insights, as well as design trends, these updates aim to enhance guest functionality and comfort while optimizing costs for owners in terms of building, operating, and renovating.

3H GROUP INC., led by Hiren Desai as president and CEO, broke ground on Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga, Hyatt Hotels Corp.'s inaugural launch of the brand in Tennessee. The upscale 123-room hotel, developed under a franchise agreement, is set to open in early 2026. The company is developing a Hyatt Studios hotel in Mobile, Alabama, slated to open in early 2025. "Our decision to continue our collaboration with Hyatt stems from their unwavering commitment to understanding the needs of both owners and guests," said Desai, also the owner of the Chattanooga property. "Caption by Hyatt is an innovative brand, and that approach, coupled with its flexible design and focus on guest experience makes it an attractive addition to our portfolio. We're excited to bring the vibrant energy of the first Caption by Hyatt hotel to our hometown of Chattanooga and look forward to enriching the local hospitality landscape."

HOSPITALITY FINANCIAL AND Technology Professionals, the global representative for hospitality technology and producers of HITEC, recently initiated a project to develop a digital responsibility code for the hospitality industry. HFTP is forming a task force of experts and academics to develop the code. HFTP commissioned the University of Houston to write a white paper on digital responsibility, featured in the inaugural issue of HFTP's Tech+Fin Hospitality Magazine at HITEC 2024, HFTP said in a statement. The paper and industry discussions highlighted the need for guidelines on digital responsibility. Task force members include: ProfitSence Favicon Ads by ProfitSence Co-chair Scot Campbell, principal, Integrated Resort Advisors, HFTP Global past president and inductee to the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame Co-chair Agnes DeFranco, Conrad N. Hilton Distinguished Chair at University of Houston and HFTP Global past president Mike Blake, vice president, IT, Kemper Sports Steven Bronken, head of global hospitality, Ruckus Networks Sanovnik Destang, executive director, Bay Gardens Resorts Florian Gallini, CEO, INTEREL Thomas Hempel, vice president, sales and partnerships, VENZA Barry Thomas, vice president, technology, Orient Express and Fairmont Hotels Sherry Marek, founder, Aiken Street Consulting and inductee to the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame Shannon McCallum, vice president, hotel operations, Resorts World Las Vegas, Neal Patel, managing partner, Blue Chip Hotels, AAHOA past chairman Andrew Rubinacci, chief advisory officer, FLYR for Hospitality Thomas Atzenhofer, deputy CEO, HFTP "There are many good practices for digital responsibility throughout the industry, but these have never been aggregated, vetted and published as a compilation of the best practices in a uniform guide," said Atzenhofer. "HFTP's task force of global industry technology and business experts, has agreed to tackle the task and make the ind

The American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation's third annual "No Room for Trafficking Summit" will take place on July 30, coinciding with the United Nations' World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The upcoming summit will evaluate the first-year impact of NRFT Survivor Fund grants on nearly 650 human trafficking survivors, AHLA Foundation said in a statement. "In 2022, we launched the NRFT Survivor Fund - a first for the hotel industry - to expand the hotel and lodging industry's efforts to support trafficking survivors," said Anna Blue, AHLA Foundation's president. "Since launching the Survivor Fund, we have grown our total raised to $7.5 million towards our goal of $10 million, and we look forward to awarding $1 million in grants to community-based organizations that support human trafficking survivors at our third annual summit." Last year's NRFT Summit announced the inaugural grantees of the NRFT Survivor Fund, including Safe House Project, BEST, Restore NYC, and the University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors, the statement said. AHLA Foundation also shared data showing the impact of the $500,000 distributed to the four Survivor Grantees.

Recently, Larry Cuculic, president and CEO of BWH Hotel Group, sat down with Asian Hospitality to share his insights into the status of the Best Western Hotel brand and the industry as a whole. A video of the entire interview, the first in Asian Hospitality's "Leadership Series," is now available on the magazine's website. Subjects included the labor crisis, attracting new franchisees and the state of the economy. Below are excerpts from the interview along with additional information on the subjects discussed, including franchise relations, the labor crisis and changes the company has seen since his appointment to the top role. Franchise relations One of the biggest issues Cuculic discusses in the interview is maintaining positive relations with Best Western franchisees. He emphasized the need for openness and transparency. "We disclose all of our contract terms throughout the negotiation. I tell our people, I believe in karma," Cuculic said in the Leadership Series interview. "Karma doesn't forget a name or an address. If you treat someone who's thinking about coming into your brand reasonably fairly, and then when they sign a contract, you drive revenue to them, that's a win-win relationship. That's what we want. If you don't have that win-win relationship, they're going to leave and your reputation is that you don't support your hoteliers or believe in that relationship, which then hinders development." Cuculic said his training at West Point Military Academy and law school at Notre Dame University instilled in him an innate sense of fairness. Also, due to its structure, the company has to involve its members in every decision. "I'm the president, CEO of Best Western, I cannot design a governance change," Cuculic said. "The members vote on all those changes. Our board of directors approves our contracts."