HFTP® Acquires Leading Hospitality Industry Brands: Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel-Online, The CIO Summit and The Executive Vendor Summit
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25, 2024
Industry Happenings
AHLA Launches Hospitality Law Database for Hoteliers
AHLA | July 24, 2024
WASHINGTON (July 24, 2024) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced the launch of its Hospitality Law Database, which gives hoteliers quick access to a nationwide compendium of state and local laws that impact hotel operations. This new online tool will help hotel owners, managers, human resources professionals, lawyers, and others navigate and abide by the ever-changing patchwork of state and local laws that affect the hotel industry. Tracking laws across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the top 25 U.S. hotel markets, AHLA's growing Hospitality Law Database makes it easy to filter hotel-relate...
U.S. Travel Announces 2024 Hall of Leaders Honorees
U.S. Travel Association | July 24, 2024
NAPA, CALIF. - Destination leaders Christopher L. Thompson, former president and CEO of Brand USA, and William D. “Bill” Talbert, III, former president and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, will be honored as the 2024 inductees into the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders this fall, the U.S. Travel Association announced today. “Bill and Chris embody the highest ideals of a travel leader. Over many years, each has contributed in meaningful ways to the success and growth of this industry,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Under Chris’s stewardship, Brand USA has flourished t...
AAHOA Voices Concerns Over NYC Hotel Licensing Bill
AAHOA | July 23, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 23 – AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association), the largest hotel owners association in the world, expresses deep concern over the recently introduced New York City Council bill that would prohibit hotels from operating without an additional license, including preventing the use of subcontractors for core functions such as housekeeping, front desk, and security. The proposed legislation's blanket approach, coupled with its rapid progression and lack of consultation with hospitality experts, fails to consider the unique operational needs of New York City hotels. This would pose substantial challenges in maintai...
AAHOA Applauds NLRB’s Withdrawal of Joint-Employer Rule Appeal
AAHOA | July 22, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 22 – The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) welcomes the recent announcement that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has formally withdrawn its appeal of the Federal Court decision nullifying the latest attempt to rewrite the joint-employer rules. This development marks a significant victory for hotel owners and franchisees across the United States. The joint-employer rule, which could have a significant impact on small business owners, including franchisees, determines when multiple employers are responsible for an individual employee. The proposed changes created considerable ambiguity. The co...
Hoteliers Win as NLRB Withdraws Joint-Employer Appeal
AHLA | July 22, 2024
WASHINGTON (July 22, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement today after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) withdrew its appeal of a federal court ruling blocking its joint-employer final rule. That rule would have made it easier for the NLRB to declare joint-employment status in business relationships and allowed unions to organize by company rather than property by property. “Today marks a huge victory in our fight to preserve the franchise business model for hoteliers across the country. The NLRB’s decision to withdraw its appeal will ...
Hotels to NYC: Slow Down on Bill That Would Decimate Hospitality Economy
AHLA | July 22, 2024
WASHINGTON (July 22, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey issued the following statement today after the introduction of a New York City Council bill that would force hotels to abide by arbitrary operational mandates in order to stay in business. “This abrupt and destructive bill would permanently alter how hotels operate and threaten the jobs of thousands of New Yorkers,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “If it becomes law, thousands of hotel jobs could be lost, hotels will shutter, and New York City’s economy – especially small business retailers, r...
President and CEO of HSMAI, Bob Gilbert Announces Retirement
HSMAI | July 19, 2024
The Esteemed HSMAI Leader Will Retire After More Than 30 Years of Dedicated Service FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: McLean, VA (July 19, 2024) – Following 30 years of executive leadership for the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas, HSMAI Foundation and HSMAI Global, the organization is announcing the retirement of President and CEO, Bob Gilbert. A cherished and admired leader in the global hospitality industry, Gilbert has accelerated his retirement plan as a result of a serious health issue. “It is with the utmost respect that we announce today the retirement of Bob Gilbert from his role of Pre...
Ticketed Events Are All the Rave as They Become a Popular Incentive for Americans to Travel This Summer
Allianz Partners | July 17, 2024
Allianz Partners USA’s 16th Annual Vacation Confidence Index Reveals Almost Two-Thirds of Americans Plan to Attend a Ticketed Event in 2024 Richmond, Virginia, July 17, 2024 – Passport stamps are a likely complement to this year’s hottest tickets for Americans as they pack their bags to attend concerts, sports and live entertainment events around the globe this summer, according to Allianz Partners USA's 16th Annual Vacation Confidence Index*. Entertainment remains a driving force for travel as the travel insurance and assistance company’s latest survey found that 24% of Americans plan to travel to a destination to attend ...
U.S. Department of Commerce Seeks Applications for Brand USA Board of Directors
International Trade Administration | July 16, 2024
The Department of Commerce is currently seeking applications from travel and tourism leaders from specific industries for membership on the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Travel Promotion (dba Brand USA). The purpose of the Board is to guide the Corporation for Travel Promotion on matters relating to the promotion of the United States as a travel destination. The Travel Promotion Act (TPA), which was signed into law by President Obama on March 4, 2010, established the Corporation for Travel Promotion as a non-profit corporation charged with the development and execution of marketing strategies for U.S. travel and tourism and to ...
2024 HSMAI Adrian Awards Open for Entries: Wish You Were Here
HSMAI | July 16, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: McLean, VA (July 15, 2024) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is now accepting entries for 2024 Adrian Awards. The theme for the 68th annual Adrian Awards competition is Wish You Were Here, highlighting the most memorable and successful travel marketing and public relations campaigns, ads, earned media programs, and experiential and digital experiences. Winners will be honored at the HSMAI Adrian Awards Celebration in 2025. "We have seen a remarkable increase in entries, with submissions growing by 20% annually since 2020," said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and C...
Celebrating Two Years of Progress in National Strategy to Reenergize U.S. Travel and Tourism
International Trade Administration | July 15, 2024
Two years after the U.S. Department of Commerce issued the National Travel and Tourism Strategy and set an ambitious five-year goal to welcome 90 million international visitors annually by 2027, the Department is announcing we expect to reach that goal ahead of schedule. According to the latest estimates from the International Trade Administration, the United States expects to welcome 91 million annual visitors by 2026, surpassing the Strategy’s goal one year in advance of the anticipated timeline. In celebration of all the progress made since the launch of the National Travel and Tourism Strategy, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo issue...
AHLA Statement on the Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act
AHLA | July 11, 2024
WASHINGTON (July 11, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement today regarding the introduction of the Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act, which requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a certification program for businesses that train their employees to recognize and respond to suspected human trafficking. “The Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act would complement our industry’s anti-trafficking efforts by providing important third-party validation for hotels’ training and prevention initia...
Iberostar Beachfront Resorts Unveils New Hotel Branding Approach
Iberostar Group | July 10, 2024
Iberostar Waves, Iberostar Selection and JOIA by Iberostar are the three new brand segments all with Iberostar's dedication to quality, service and its strong social and environmental commitment. Enables customers to select the hotels, experiences, and services that best suit their beachfront holiday aspirations. Palma de Mallorca, July 10, 2024: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts today announces an important evolution of its brand identity and hotel portfolio segmentation. This development reinforces the company’s commitment to creating happy and memorable holiday experiences for its customers. The updated approach is embedded with f...
Third Annual International Society of Hospitality Consultants’ Celebrating Diversity Scholarship Awarded to Jessica Duan of Georgia State Univer
ISHC | July 10, 2024
New York — July 10, 2024 — The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) in conjunction with the authors of Hotel Investments – Issues & Perspectives, NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. and AHLA Foundation have awarded the third annual Celebrating Diversity Scholarship to Jessica Duan of Georgia State University and Osman Milla of the University of the District of Columbia. The Celebrating Diversity Scholarship was established in 2022 to pave the way for two students to attend the annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, operated by Questex in partnershi...
Dr. Bryan K. Williams Inspires HITEC Charlotte Attendees With Engaging Keynote
Dr. Bryan K. Williams | July 10, 2024
Washington DC (July 10, 2024): HITEC North America recently held its conference and exposition on June 24-27 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte. It attracted over 5,900 industry professionals, making it the largest event of its kind in the world. Dr. Bryan K. Williams was the opening Headliner speaker and challenged all attendees to always set high standards, and create an engaging service culture on their teams. The topic was "Be a Mountain Climber: Tips to Overcome Any Barrier." The keynote focused on leaders who want to refocus themselves and their teams to provide a consistently engaging customer experience. Williams’ bi...
E20X North America 2024: A Showcase of Innovation in Hospitality Technology
Hospitality Net | July 9, 2024
Event Date: June 26, 2024 Venue: Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, N.C., USA Sponsored by: Hospitality Net On June 26, 2024, the Charlotte Convention Center buzzed with energy and innovation as eight ambitious entrepreneurs presented breakthrough business concepts at E20X North America. Sponsored by Hospitality Net, this event was part of the expanding Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) program, designed to reinvigorate the hospitality technology industry. Purpose and Format: E20X North America aimed to boost innovation in the hospitality technology sector. The competition featured eight entrepreneurs pitching their ideas to a roo...
These 100 Hotels Were Voted Best in the World by T+L Readers — and 16 of Them Are in the U.S.
Travel + Leisure | July 9, 2024
Hotels in Asia, India, and the United States got the most attention from T+L readers in the annual “World’s Best Awards” survey for 2024. By Paul Brady and Jess Feldman Travel + Leisure readers are going global. In this year’s World’s Best Awards, readers’ favorite hotels span far and wide, with 38 countries making an appearance on the 2024 list. Properties in destinations like India and Southeast Asia are among the highest scorers this year, along with 16 stellar U.S. properties. At each hotel, voters were wowed by the style and the service of the top 100: Every winner scored higher than 97 on our 100-point survey. How ...
HFTP Launches Clubs-Online, Offering Exclusive Content for the Club Industry to Power Management Decisions
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | July 9, 2024
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is expanding its news and information distribution arm with the launch of Clubs-Online™, a newsletter catering to club professionals. The newsletter, available to HFTP members and subscribers, will feature exclusive content presented by industry experts and geared to club professionals, owners, and board directors as it relates to finance and technology. “HFTP’s mission is to advance technology and finance knowledge, and the performance of hospitality professionals globally, through creating standards and forums for innovation, learning, networking and belonging,” said 20...
AAHOA Raises High Concerns About U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Criminalization of Outdoor Sleeping
AAHOA | July 8, 2024
ATLANTA, GA, July 8—AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association), representing nearly 20,000 hotel owners across the United States, expresses significant concerns over the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the case of the City of Grants Pass, OR, v. Johnson et al., which criminalized outdoor sleeping. The Court upheld the Grants Pass case late last month, which involved Oregon's ban on camping for unhoused residents. The Court found the laws that criminalize sleeping in public spaces do not violate the Eighth Amendment's protections against cruel and unusual punishment, even as the city lacked sufficient shelters and the unhouse...
AHLA Workforce Report: Hotels Add 700 Jobs in June
AHLA | July 8, 2024
Hotels more than 196,000 jobs short of pre-pandemic levels amid economy-wide labor shortage WASHINGTON (July 8, 2024) – U.S. hotels added 700 jobs to their payrolls in June, according to the latest government data that shows the nationwide workforce shortage continues to make it difficult for hotels to fill open jobs. Total hotel employment stands at about 1.92 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s more than 196,000 fewer workers in the industry than in February 2020, just before the pandemic hit, a shortfall that reflects the scarcity of available employees. BLS also revised down the total number of hot...
California’s New Junk Fee Law Now Has Worldwide Effect. Here’s What You Need to Know to Avoid Costly Litigation
Jim Butler | July 3, 2024
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com On July 1, 2024, California’s new Junk Fee Law took effect. It could have worldwide impact if prices for goods or services are publicly advertised and reach California residents. How can you avoid that with online ads and other public broadcasts over commercial media? In anticipation of this event, many international hotel companies, cruise lines, travel providers, ticket sellers, and online sellers have already changed their advertising and promotions to comply with California law rather than risk violation. Watch for a big change to ...
HSMAI Commercial Strategy Conference Welcomes Record Attendance for Two Days of Collaboration
HSMAI | July 3, 2024
McLean, VA (July 3, 2024) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas, proudly concluded its highly anticipated first Commercial Strategy Conference which took place from June 25-26, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The sold-out event, an evolution of HSMAI’s Marketing Strategy Conference and HSMAI ROC, brought together a record-breaking 860 industry professionals from 152 unique hotel brands and management companies, and more than 40 partner companies, from across the hospitality sector to explore the latest trends, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of commercial success in the indust...
AHLA Foundation Announces Third Annual No Room for Trafficking Summit
AHLA Foundation | July 2, 2024
Highlights first year of Survivor Fund grantee impact on nearly 650 human trafficking survivors Washington, D.C. (July 2, 2024) - AHLA Foundation today announced their third annual No Room for Trafficking Summit will take place July 30, 2024, the same day as the United Nation’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. At last year’s No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Summit, the inaugural grantees of the NRFT Survivor Fund were announced, including: Safe House Project, Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST), Restore NYC, Inc., University of Maryland Support, Advocacy, Freedom, and Empowerment (SAFE) Center for Human Traffick...
HITEC 2024 Welcomes Nearly 6,000 Industry Stakeholders to Explore Latest in Hospitality Technology
HFTP | June 28, 2024
Hospitality professionals traveled from all over the world to Charlotte, North Carolina, June 24-27 for the largest and longest-running show of its kind. The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) was created over 50 years ago to break barriers and celebrate innovation in the hospitality technology space, a purpose that has resonated with the industry, attracting industry professionals by the thousands annually and making it the largest event of its kind in the world. This year was no exception, with over 5,900 attendees convening for HITEC North America 2024, June 24-27 at the Charlotte Convention Center in ...