STAFF MEMBERS OF two hotel industry associations donned blue in January to recognize National Human Trafficking Prevention month. AAHOA and the American Hotel
& Lodging Association also sought to encourage hotel owners to take advantage of their educational programs on detecting and preventing trafficking in their
properties.
Like his predecessors since 2010, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation officially designating January as the month to focus awareness on trafficking
prevention, according to the U.S. Department of State. The month recognizes the work done by foreign governments, international organizations, anti-trafficking
entities, law enforcement officials, survivor advocates, communities of faith, businesses and private citizens to raise awareness about human trafficking, the
State Department said.
"Since human trafficking disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minorities, women and girls, LGBTQI+ individuals, vulnerable migrants, and other historically
marginalized and underserved communities, our mission to combat human trafficking must always be connected to our broader efforts to advance equity and justice
across our society," Biden said in his proclamation.
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.'"
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