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THE U.S. GENERAL Services Administration announced Wednesday a raise in its standard permissible per diem rates for federal travelers, reaching $166 for fiscal year 2024. This adjustment stems from a year-on-year increment of $9 in the lodging allowance, now set at $107. The rate will be applicable from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2024, GSA said. The per diem guidelines regulate the reimbursement of federal employees' lodging and meal expenses for official government travel. These guidelines involve a $9 increase to the continental U.S. lodging rate, as well as significant rate hikes in multiple non-standard areas. "GSA bases the maximum lodging allowances on historical ADR data, less 5 percent. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented declines in ADR, followed by a volatile hotel industry recovery," GSA said in a statement. "The ADR data available to establish fiscal year 2024 rates was from before the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency expired on May 11. Similar to the approach for fiscal year 2023, GSA made upward adjustments to ensure that maximum lodging allowances for federal travelers are sufficient in fiscal year 2024."

AAHOA's "HYPE OWNERSHIP-Helping Young Professionals Evolve" conference held recently in New Orleans attracted around 200 members. The event focused on fostering the growth of new hospitality industry professionals, offering educational opportunities like panel discussions, roundtables and keynotes to equip emerging hotel owners with the tools for success, AAHOA said in a statement. "The HYPE Conference allowed us to hear first-hand from our young members about their ideas and concerns regarding the future of our industry," said Tanmay Patel, young professional director for AAHOA's Western Division. "It was enlightening to hear from so many young people about their hopes and dreams for taking the work started by their parents, in many cases, and how they hope to better position the industry for future success." "The feedback we received from attendees and the interaction we saw illustrates there is a great need for our industry to nurture our connection to future leaders," said Dylan Patel, Young Professional Director Eastern Division. "Their commitment to elevate the industry to new heights is evident."

PEACHTREE GROUP SECURED $150 million in Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy financing in December, bringing its total to nearly $750 million since its establishment in 2019. In 2023 alone, Peachtree completed 23 CPACE financing deals in the U.S., totaling $250 million in directly originated and balance-sheet-funded transactions. Commercial real estate is set for a challenging 2024, with trillions of dollars in debt coming due, making refinancing more difficult, Peachtree said in a statement. This challenge is compounded by banks tightening lending standards. "In this challenging lending market, CPACE financing has emerged as a crucial source of liquidity," said Jared Schlosser, senior vice president of origination and head of PACE at Peachtree Group. "This financing option is becoming increasingly essential as owners grapple with looming debt maturities and limited refinancing opportunities."

MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS of hotels are struggling with staffing shortages, leading hoteliers to offer increased pay and a variety of incentives to attract and retain talent, according to a new survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. In response, AHLA is calling on Congress to take action. Around 82 percent of respondents have increased wages in the last six months, reaching a record high average for hotels in December 2023, according to the survey. Additionally, 59 percent are offering greater flexibility with hours, and 33 percent are expanding benefits. Despite these efforts, 72 percent said they are still unable to fill open positions. Approximately 67 percent of survey respondents reported a staffing shortage, with 12 percent describing it as "severely understaffed," impacting their operations, the survey said. Housekeeping emerges as the most critical need, cited by 48 percent as their top hiring priority. These figures mark an improvement from May 2023 when 82 percent reported staffing shortages.

Traveling abroad? Enrolling your trip in STEP - The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, helps you receiving important information from the Embassy about travel alerts and warnings for your destination country. This program also helps Embassy to contact you in case of emergency, confirm your safety and arrange for evacuation. It also makes it possible for the Embassy to contact the traveler's family back home with updates. Stay safe and connected with enrolling your trip in this free service. To gather more information about STEP, read the article here.

₹8,200.00 Inclusions: Bus Transfers: AC Volvo 2/2 (Delhi-Bhuntar-Delhi) Stay: Dormitory Beds/ Triple sharing private rooms (attached W/c) in Kasol & campsite/ homestays in Tosh & Kheerganga Food: Day 1: No meals | Day 2: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner | Day 3: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner | Day 4:Breakfast |Day 5:Breakfast | Guide Fees, Forest permits & fees are included. First Aid, Emergency assistance can be provided, if required. A sleeping bag, tents, and all the trekking equipment shall be provided, without any extra fee.