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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."

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."

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."

ONLY ONE IN five hotel professionals believe the current tech stack is sufficient for achieving efficiencies, cost savings and adequate guest care, according to a recent survey by the Hospitality Women's Innovation Council. Approximately 91 percent of survey respondents indicated that better collaboration among technology companies on integrations is needed, while 86 percent felt improved integration processes would encourage greater investment in technology. HWIC, a group of hotel brand executives, managers, and innovators, conducted the survey between May 25 and June 15, HWIC said in a statement. More than 300 owners, managers, and technologists participated in the survey. The study was supported by Visual Matrix, a PMS software developer in Richardson, Texas. "Industry professionals have confirmed that more than any other factor, collaboration is the key to driving better business results for hoteliers-collaboration among technology providers and between the providers and the hoteliers they serve," said Georgine Muntz, HWIC co-chair and CEO of Visual Matrix. "When we created the council close to a year ago, we began with the assumption that women leaders in hospitality can help improve the ways industry professionals collaborate for common ends and encourage better standardized integrations. Now that assumption has been fully validated. We look forward to sharing the council's recommendations on better integration, collaboration and advancing innovation, in the weeks ahead."

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."

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.

VISUAL MATRIX, A hospitality technology provider, reported a 440 percent growth in the use of its mobile housekeeping operating platform, MOP, since it acquired the platform in 2021. MOP is now used in more than 1,000 hotels, representing more than 33 brands, including Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International and IHG Hotels & Resorts, Visual Matrix said in a statement. "MOP was designed to help hoteliers overcome the many operating challenges they face today, in addition to the crunch of reduced labor," said Georgine Muntz, Visual Matrix CEO. "Hoteliers deserve access to tools that work as hard as they do. That's why we have spent so much time listening to hoteliers, understanding their pain points and finding ways to reduce friction when delivering service." MOP facilitates routine processes with mobile housekeeping and maintenance controls, the statement said. The program connects hotel team members using checklists, prompts and alerts. MOP's mobile format allows workers to share information and stay updated on room availability and maintenance requests without calls or trips to the front desk.

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.

NOBLE INVESTMENT GROUP has acquired two hotels in National Landing, a mixed-use development in Arlington, Virginia, near Washington, D.C. The acquisitions come days after the Atlanta-based company, led by Mit Shah as CEO bought two hotels in Savannah, Georgia. The hotels are the 162-room Hampton Inn & Suites National Landing and the 248-room Hilton Garden Inn National Landing. The neighborhoods of Crystal City, Pentagon City and Potomac Yard comprise the National Landing development, which includes of offices, residential, dining, retail, parks, bike paths, and walking trails. "National Landing is home to more than seventeen million square feet of office, a highly skilled workforce of more than 50,000 people, and an affluent residential population. Virginia's largest walkable downtown, National Landing, further benefits from billions of dollars in private and public investments," Noble said in a press release. "Most notably are the $2.5 billion Amazon HQ2 under development, which will create 25,000 new jobs in National Landing, and Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus, which is expected to drive a new era of technology for the greater Washington D.C. area."

IHG HOTELS & RESORTS recently launched the "Low Carbon Pioneers" program to unite energy-efficient hotels that do not use on-site fossil fuel combustion and supported by renewable energy. This first-of-its-kind community will help IHG test, learn and share sustainability findings, aiming to inspire other properties and promote carbon reduction practices across IHG's portfolio. The company seeks government support for renewable energy access, owner incentives and reduced technology costs to speed the industry's transition to a greener future, IHG said in a statement. "We are excited to launch our Low Carbon Pioneers program as another innovative way in which we're meeting evolving guest expectations, helping our hotel owners future-proof their businesses and reducing carbon across our [portfolio]," said Elie Maalouf, IHG Hotels & Resorts' CEO.

WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS recently launched Wyndham Connect, a new guest engagement platform by Canary Technologies, in North America. The platform, first announced at the company's 2023 global conference, is available at no additional cost to owners, with nearly 2,000 North American hotels already using it, Wyndham said in a statement. "We always put our franchisees first, and investing in innovative technology like AI sets them apart from the competition," said Scott Strickland, Wyndham's chief commercial officer. "With access to powerful solutions like Wyndham Connect, our franchisees can manage their businesses more efficiently and curate guest experiences to help make stays more meaningful than ever. The result? Happier guests, higher chances for repeat business and money in franchisees' pockets."

Today's hoteliers face new challenges. IBIS World reports that there are now over 100,000 hotels and motels across the United States-meaning that the competition is greater than ever before. Further, the cost of delivering a unique and exciting guest experience continues to rise in tandem with the cost of hotel operations. So, hoteliers are tasked with finding sources of revenue beyond bookings. That's where new technology comes in. AAHOA owners can harness the power of technology to address modern challenges, so you'll be better positioned for success-no matter what the future holds. Start unlocking new revenue streams today According to a report by Oracle and Skift, nearly half of executives expect non-room revenue to account for an increasing share of their hotel's revenue by 2025. In-room TVs are a great way to drive non-room revenue-today and tomorrow. With new technology, you can use screen space to promote any paid amenities such as room service, spa services, on-site casinos, and more.You can also sell paid on-screen advertisements to local establishments like restaurants, amusement parks, or museums. There are even opportunities to promote larger affiliate partners and collect extra income when you refer guests.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association has launched Responsible Stay, an industry initiative to make meetings, events and guest experiences in U.S. hotels more environmentally and socially responsible. AHLA contends that the initiative is meant to unite major hotel companies, including at least two Asian American-owned companies, around sustainability priorities. Responsible Stay is focused on four areas: Energy efficiency: Optimizing energy efficiency through operational improvements and adoption of clean energy technologies Waste reduction: Investing in waste reduction programs and new, innovative alternatives to reduce, reuse and recycle waste across properties Water conservation: Ensuring the reduction of water usage by implementing water-efficient practices in core areas like laundry, food and beverage, and landscaping Responsible sourcing practices: Sourcing responsibly and prioritizing sustainability in supply chains to prevent harmful environmental and social impacts Under the initiative, AHLA and its members will strengthen environmental programs, education and resources to provide a "responsible stay" for guests, protect the future of the planet and support communities across the country, the statement added.

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT management firm Noble Investment Group partnered with Host Hotels & Resorts to tap and expand travel, leisure and hospitality opportunities, a statement said. As part of the initiative, Host will invest $150 million as a limited partner in an existing Noble investment vehicle and provide Noble with first-look at select-service and extended-stay hotel opportunities sourced through Host's channels. Host also will become a minority investment partner in Noble's fee-based asset management business, according to Noble's press release. "As we continue to expand our institutional investment management platform, this strategic partnership further augments Noble's ability to develop, source, and execute innovative growth strategies in travel, leisure, and hospitality," said Mit Shah, Noble's CEO. According to the statement, the partnership will combine Noble's operational expertise and development acumen with Host's scale, market insights, data analytics, and breadth of resources. They aim to source differentiated investment strategies including property technology solutions, development, and alternative lodging.

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.

Sudhakar Veluru is now the executive vice president and chief information technology officer at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. Prior to this role, he served as the chief technology officer at MGM Resorts International, spearheading digital transformation initiatives that enhanced access to e-commerce, customer loyalty programs, and casino games across mobile and online platforms, Four Seasons said in a statement. Before joining MGM, Veluru held various senior leadership positions at The Walt Disney Co. He will report to Alejandro Reynal, Four Seasons' president and CEO. "We are excited to welcome Sudhakar at this important time in Four Seasons information technology transformation," said Reynal. "Sudhakar's extensive experience in technology and IT innovation will be instrumental in shaping our digital-first future, further enhancing the guest, resident and employee experience across our growing global portfolio of luxury properties."

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.

U.S. TRAVELERS FACE ongoing frustrations despite strong 2024 travel volumes, including delays, planning, costs, and airport experiences, according to an Amadeus study. Each traveler encounters unique challenges, the survey found, and while technology can address many frustrations, it doesn't solve them all. "Technology is important, but so is the human touch," states the survey "Friction Removed." Technology vs. human touch Technology plays a role in improving the traveler experience, the survey says. Travelers find mobile planning apps the most helpful at 89 percent, followed by automatic rebooking, digital bag tracking, integrated airline and hotel booking, and fully digital IDs and travel documents, all at 86 percent.

PEOPLE ARE SHOWING a desire to get back to travel, but within certain limits, according to a Reuters Events Travel webinar. The webinar featured information on the current state of the industry from IHG Hotels & Resorts, Visit California and digital consultancy Appnovation. Whether planning, booking or experiencing a vacation, today's travelers are more cautious than ever and are taking more time to research plans and are using digital tools for it, according to the webinar titled "Destination Experience: Driven by Data, Inspired by Travelers." As many as 41 percent of respondents to a survey from Appnovation cited a readiness to travel out of state or province, while only 19 percent were ready for international trips. Almost half of Americans, 49 percent, are likely to travel out of state and 24 percent are likely to travel internationally. "With data, brands are much better equipped to understand these shifts, and use their marketing tools more effectively. In short, you can't innovate properly until you innovate on your internal processes," said Anton Morrison, vice president of user experience and design, Appnovation.

AAHOA IS JOINING Blackstone Growth LP and affiliated funds in the association's first strategic investment, signing a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in M3 LLC, a hospitality accounting software firm. The association claims the deal will significantly benefit its members and the entire hospitality industry. However, the terms of the deal were not disclosed. "AAHOA is excited to make its first strategic investment alongside Blackstone, a move that will significantly benefit our members and the entire hospitality industry," said Miraj Patel, AAHOA's chairman. "This partnership with M3 will bring AAHOA members access to advanced technology and innovative solutions that can enhance operational efficiency and drive growth. We are committed to empowering our members with the tools and resources needed to succeed in an evolving market, and this collaboration marks a pivotal step toward achieving that goal." The investment will accelerate the company's growth by enhancing product expansion and supporting the adoption of M3's software, which helps hotel operators run more efficiently, the companies said in a joint statement.