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The Residence Inn by Marriott Richmond West is open in Midlothian, Virginia. It is owned by Shamin Hotels, led by CEO Neil Amin in Chester, Virginia. The 111-suite extended=stay hotel is near Johnston-Willis Hospital and 20 minutes from downtown Richmond. Other nearby attractions are Richmond Ice Zone, Huguenot Park, Chesterfield Towne Center and River City Sportsplex. The pet-friendly hotel's amenities include a meeting room, an indoor swimming pool and a fitness center. "When on the road for an extended period, our guests need space to spread out, maintain their life's pace and restore their energy to keep a healthy balance and routine while traveling. This new hotel offers a seamless blend of modern style and functionality that allows them to settle in and thrive," said Diane Mayer, vice president and global brand manager for Residence Inn at Marriott International.

The Best Western Shackleford is open in Little Rock, Arkansas, following a $1 million renovation. The 60-key hotel on Shackleford Road is owned by Rahul Patel. "We are excited to welcome guests at our newly renovated property while they discover Arkansas' capital city," Patel said. "The updates ensure our guests find a comfortable place to relax after days exploring our lively downtown, known for its thriving arts and music scene and a range of attractions suitable for all ages." Several rooms in the hotel are designed in a suite-style with king-sized beds and hot tubs. Amenities include a renovated 24-hour fitness center, indoor swimming pool and a 700 square-foot meeting space. The vicinity offers a range of attractions including Little Rock Zoo, Wildwood Park for the Arts, Arkansas State Capitol, Big Dam Bridge, Museum of Discovery, Heifer Village and Urban Farm, Pinnacle Mountain State Park and various dining options, shopping centers, educational facilities, recreational centers and transportation hubs.

AAHOA's 12 POINTS of Fair Franchising are meant to serve as a template for hotel franchisers to use in how they relate to association members. One of those franchisers, G6 Hospitality, recently responded and let AAHOA leadership know how they're applying the points. G6, parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6 economy brands, provided an analysis of all the 12 points in which the company provides additional commentary and clarification around the brand's practices related to its franchisees, according to AAHOA. The association released the 12 Points in April as part of educational offerings. Rob Palleschi, CEO of G6 Hospitality, said his company emphasizes open communication and collaboration with its franchisees. "We value our relationship with AAHOA and are committed to open communication and collaboration to support both our owners and our industry," said Rob Palleschi, CEO of G6 Hospitality.

HILTON IS ONE of the largest hotel companies in the world, known usually as parent company to higher end brands, such as Hilton Garden Inn and Canopy by Hilton. Now, the company is moving into the "premium economy" segment with its new brand, Spark. Spark will include several features meant to appeal to owners, according to Hilton, primarily by providing the company's reservation network, business model and commercial engines. It also includes supply chain management, a cost-effective pricing model and automated customer offerings such as digital check-in and Digital Key. "Spark by Hilton was developed in close collaboration with our developer community, and we are thrilled by the positive feedback and excitement we have received to date," said Alissa Klees, brand leader, Spark by Hilton. "In fact, we already have more than 100 deals in various stages of development across the U.S., with the first properties anticipated to open this year." Each hotel will feature colorful exterior walls and artwork. The public space will feature multi-functional seating, such as communal tables and rocking chairs, for guests to eat breakfast, socialize or work throughout the day. Guest rooms will have practical amenities, including an open closet, in-room refrigerator, multi-purpose work surface and bathroom. To ensure a consistent, quality guest experience, each hotel will be required to complete a full renovation, encompassing all guest-facing areas of the hotel, prior to joining Spark by Hilton. The new brand will fill a certain niche, said Matt Schuyler, Hilton's chief brand officer.

NEARLY 80 PERCENT of travelers said that the latest COVID-19 variant, BA5, is unlikely to make them cancel or postpone international travel this year, according to a survey from travel risk assessment firm Global Rescue. At the same time, Global Rescue said relaxed COVID-19 recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could encourage travelers' confidence. The floodgates are opening The Summer 2022 Global Rescue Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey found that 68 percent of respondents have already traveled internationally since the pandemic. Another 16 percent expects to travel abroad by the end of the year and 9 percent plan to do so in the first quarter of 2023. "Whether it's revenge travel or responsible travel following vaccination, or a combination of both, 7-out-of-10 travelers are much less concerned about travel compared to the beginning of the pandemic," said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. "They feel safe enough to plan trips and vacations because they're vaccinated, borders are open, and they have confidence they'll be able to get home if the worst happens." The U.S. ending its requirement for a negative COVID test to enter the country in June also went far in increasing confidence and encouraging visits from international travelers, Richards said. Nearly half of travelers, 49 percent, said that they are more likely to travel internationally in the next 12 months as COVID related restrictions are relaxed.

The Best Western Gallup West is now open in Gallup, New Mexico. It is owned by Murad Mohsin. The 60-room hotel is near Veteran Memorial Pillars, Red Rock State Park, the Gallup Flea Market Fire Rock Navajo Casino and the Navajo Nation Museum. It is two hours from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, spa and free parking. "We are very excited to join Best Western and to have access to the brand's best-in-class support and resources that will strengthen our property and guest service," said Murad Mohsin, owner of the Best Western Gallup West. "Our hotel offers something for everyone and is near some of Gallup's most interesting sights. We look forward to providing the comfort travelers are looking for in our quaint town situated off Route 66."

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."

The Park Inn by Radisson Florence is open in Florence, South Carolina. It is owned and operated by Ankit Patel and is one of the first new-build Park Inns in the U.S. The 60-room hotel is six miles from Florence Regional Airport and near the city's downtown. Nearby attractions include the Florence Center, Francis Marion University Beaver Creek Golf Club, Timrod Park, the Florence County Museum and Darlington Raceway. Amenities include an indoor pool, a patio with fire pit and a fitness center. Radisson Hotel Groups' new Safety Protocol program has been implemented at the hotel featuring increased sanitation to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Carlsbad is now open in Carlsbad, California. It is owned and managed by DKN Hotels of Irvine, California, led by Kiran Dahya as CEO. The 104-suite hotel in Carlsbad Village outside San Diego is near Carlsbad State Beach, U.S. Marine Corps's Camp Pendleton, LEGOLAND California, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, The Crossings at Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. Amenities include a rooftop lounge, outdoor swimming pool and two meeting rooms with a combined 1,156 square-feet of space. DKN Hotels was founded in 1984 by the Dahya family. Its portfolio of owned and third-party managed Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and independent properties throughout the greater Southern California area.

The Courtyard by Marriott Portland East opens Oct. 21 in Portland, Oregon. It is owned by Lodging Management Northwest LLC led by Jatin Patel as principal. The 91-room hotel is managed by InnVentures LLC of Tukwila, Washington. It is near Mt. Hood Skibowl, Timberline Lodge, McMenamins Edgefield, Multnomah Falls and Pioneer Place. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, fire pit and 702 square feet of meeting space. Courtyard's new room design includes a luggage drop for storing bags and the "Tech Drop" ledge provides a place for guests to plug personal devices. The rooms also feature hybrid zones for working, sleeping and getting ready.

ANOTHER ASIAN AMERICAN developer has signed on to build two properties under Choice Hotels International's upscale Cambria brand. VRL Hotels, led by Victor Patel as president, has signed on to build a Cambria in Gatlinburg and another in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The 140-room Cambria Hotel Gatlinburg hotel is expected to open in 2022. It will feature a rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking the tourist town in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Local attractions include Ober Gatlinburg ski resort, the Gatlinburg SkyLift, which carries passengers 1,800 feet up to the top of Crockett Mountain, and the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Also nearby are Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Haunted Adventure, the Rocky Top Sports complex, several bourbon distilleries, breweries and wineries and the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The 140-room Cambria Hotel Pigeon Forge is expected to open in 2024. Nearby attractions include Dollywood amusement park, the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and Museum, the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, Titanic Museum Attraction, NASCAR SpeedPark Smoky Mountains and seasonal outdoor events throughout the year, such as Winterfest. Both hotels will have multi-function meeting and event spaces and fitness centers among other amenities.

The TownePlace Suites by Marriott Potomac Mills Woodbridge is open in Woodbridge, Virginia. It is owned by Mills Group LLC and managed by Marquee Hospitality LLC, which is led by Mike Patel as principal and chief operations officer and Nav Patel as Principal and chief financial officer. Attractions near the new 91-suite Woodbridge hotel include the Potomac Mills Mall, the Hylton Chapel, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Fort Belvoir, historic Occoquan and downtown Washington, D.C. Hotel amenities include an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center and 1,255 square feet of meeting space.

The SpringHill Suites Austin West/Lakeway in Lakeway, Texas, is scheduled to open Aug. 28. It is owned by Lakeway Joint Venture, managed by Sunil Patel, and managed by Esperanto Developments of El Paso, Texas, led by Madhi Nair, president and CEO. The 88-suite hotel is on the campus of the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center.Nearby attractions include Lake Travis, the Hill Country Galleria, The Oasis on Lake Travis and Pace Bend State Park. Hotel amenities include a meeting room, an outdoor patio with a fire pit, an indoor swimming pool and a fitness center.

MAJOR U.S. HOTELS firms Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Hyatt Hotels Corp. announced that they are ceasing operations in Russia due to its ongoing invasion in Ukraine. Also, AAHOA issued a statement condemning the war. The hotel companies also emphasized their efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their employees and guests in both Ukraine and neighboring countries who face these 'unconscionable challenges'. "We have made the decision, effective immediately, to close our corporate office in Moscow, and pause the opening of upcoming hotels and all future hotel development and investment in Russia," Marriott said in a statement. "We have been closely monitoring the deteriorating situation in Ukraine, Russia and neighboring countries, and remain in regular contact with our teams on the ground, as we work to comply with sanctions and applicable laws. Our hotels in Russia are owned by third parties and we continue to evaluate the ability for these hotels to remain open."

The Best Western Plus Orlando East-UCF Area in Orlando opened May 3. It is owned by PRM Hotels led by Ishwar Naran as president and CEO. The newly renovated 70-room hotel is near the University of Central Florida and other local colleges, including Strayer University Orlando East Campus and Valencia College East Campus. Other local attractions include Central Florida Research Park, Orange County Convention Center, Addition Financial Arena and UCF's Bounce House. Amenities include an outdoor pool as well as a 400-square-foot boardroom and 600-square-foot conference room that can accommodate up to 10 and 50 people. "The Best Western Plus Orlando East-UCF Area is ideally situated for business and leisure travelers alike, conveniently located near many popular local attractions," said Ishwar Naran, president and CEO of PRM Hotels. "Our newest hotel also offers a host of amenities and provides the perfect location for families visiting students at UCF and other local colleges. We look forward to welcoming guests to our newly-renovated property in East Orlando and providing our visitors with the unmatched value and comfort they've come to expect with Best Western."

The DoubleTree by Hilton Front Royal Blue Ridge Shadows & Golf Course is now open in Front Royal, Virginia. The hotel, recently converted from the Holiday Inn Front Royal, is owned by Navika Group of Companies and managed by Blue Sky Hospitality Solutions Management Co. Real estate company Navika Group and Blue Sky management company both are led by Naveen Shah as president and CEO. Also, Haridas Kotahwala is chairman at Navika Group. The 124-room DoubleTree recently completed phase one of the multi-million conversion and features a new lobby, front desk and lobby level and guest room corridors. Additionally, all guest rooms were outfitted with digital key locks and received new mattresses and SMART TVs.

The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview is now open in Riverview, Florida. It is owned by Riverview Hotels & Resorts LLC led by manager Singh Japinder and managed by Naples Hotel Group of Naples, Florida. The 108-room hotel is near James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital, Topgolf and Bass Pro Shops. Hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and 512 square feet of meeting space to accommodate functions of up to 40 people. "The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview is a truly stunning example of the brand's contemporary look and feel, and we are pleased to introduce Fairfield by Marriott hotels in the Riverview area," said Janis Milham, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Classic Select Brands at Marriott International.

MAYA HOTELS HELD grand opening for its Tru by Hilton Mooresville in Mooresville, North Carolina. Maya Hotels is led by co-founders J.D. Deva and Baldev Thakor. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based company held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 19, though it opened in July. Attendees included Mooresville Mayor Miles Atkins and Leah Mitcham, executive director of the Mooresville Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Today's event was the culmination of many months of hard work and the collaboration with city officials, our construction team, and our Maya Hotels team members to bring this fresh, new Tru by Hilton property to the Mooresville / Lake Norman area," said Parimal Thakor, vice president of Maya Hotels. The 120-room hotel is in the Langtree Lake Norman mixed-use development in Mooresville. It is near to Lake Norman and Langtree Plantation. Amenities include mobile check-in and a fitness center. The hotel is pet friendly.

The TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Antonio Northwest at The RIM in San Antonio, Texas, opens on Aug. 17. It is owned and managed by Satesh Limited, led by Sunil Wadhwani, president. The 109-suite hotel is 15 miles from San Antonio International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio. Nearby attractions include Six Flags Fiesta Texas, The Shops at La Cantera and the University of Texas San Antonio. Hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and a meeting room. The hotel is pet-friendly.

The Riverfront Hotel, SureStay Collection by Best Western is now open in Richland, Washington. The hotel is owned by Jitesh Desai. The 136-room hotel is near Howard Amon Park and outdoor event space John Damn Plaza. Also nearby are J. Bookwalter Winery and Tagaris Winery, Allied Arts-Gallery at the Park, REACH Museum and Manhattan Project B Reactor Tours. "Jitesh Desai is an established hotelier whose experience and commitment to the brand will undoubtedly deliver on the SureStay service promise at this impressive property," said Josh Miehl, regional manager of SureStay Hotel Group.