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
State Department Makes Important Progress in Reducing Visa Wait Times, Much More Work Needed
U.S. Travel Association | January 25, 2023
Steps taken in recent weeks to reduce visitor visa wait times for travelers to the United States—by up to half in some key markets such as India—mark substantive progress by the U.S. Department of State following months of consistent advocacy from the travel industry. “By enacting smart and effective policies, the State Department is taking an active role in investing in the travel economy’s recovery,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “State must remain laser focused on solving this critical issue and set clear goals and limits for acceptable wait times.” Interview wait times for the top 10 inb...
U.S. Travel Urges Support for New FAA Task Force Bill
U.S. Travel Association | January 25, 2023
U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes issued the following statement ahead of today’s U.S. House of Representatives vote on the NOTAM Improvement Act of 2023 (H.R. 346), which would create a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) task force to improve the Notice to Air Mission system: “After the FAA communication system failure earlier this month, it left no question that significant upgrades are needed to modernize our air traffic system. Americans deserve a travel experience that is seamless and secure from end to end, and our elected leaders must take immediate steps to course...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Donates $500,000 to AHLA Foundation Human Trafficking Survivor Fund
AHLA Foundation | January 25, 2023
No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund Grows Its Impact with Over $2 Million in Total Donations WASHINGTON (Jan. 25, 2023) – The AHLA Foundation today announced a $500,000 donation from IHG Hotels & Resorts to support the No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Survivor Fund as part of the hotel industry’s longstanding, united commitment to combat human trafficking. With this donation, the Survivor Fund will build upon the industry’s ongoing commitment and work to end human trafficking and support the economic stability of human trafficking survivors. By funding community-based organizations, the NRFT Survivor Fund supports survivors’...
Q4 2022 Meeting Volume Outperforms Knowland Meeting Recovery Forecast by 8.4 Percent
Knowland | January 25, 2023
2023 forecasted to achieve 10 percent organic growth compared to 2019 ARLINGTON, Va. — Jan. 25, 2023 — Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, released the quarterly update to its U.S. Meetings Recovery Forecast (MRF) and associated Top 25 U.S. Meetings Recovery Forecast (MRF25) realizing strong performance ending 2022 on a high note and shifting 2023 higher than the Q3 forecast. Click here to view the most current forecasts. Kristi White, chief product officer, Knowland, said: “The fourth quarter outperformed the Knowland forecast by 8.4 percent, driven by ...
Kennedy Training Network Welcomes Industry Superstars Amber Hurdle, Calvin Stovall, and Lynn Zwibak Into Its New “Network Partners” Confer
Kennedy Training Network | January 24, 2023
Most lodging industry professionals will recognize Kennedy Training Network and its President, Doug Kennedy, from reading his monthly training articles, or from participating in one of the more than 2,450 training workshops and 150 conferences he’s presented at since 1989. Now, in addition to offering its own training programs and support services delivered by the KTN team, Kennedy has personally curated a collection of uniquely talented conference speakers, all of whom have come up through the ranks in the hotel and lodging industry. “I’m often asked by conference planners to recommend additional speakers for the same events I’...
An Interview Between HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe and ChatGPT
Frank Wolfe | January 24, 2023
An Interview Between HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe and ChatGPT ChatGPT has been dominating the news since (he? she? it?) was revealed to the world in late 2022 as the latest in AI-driven, natural language processing technology. Is this new chatbot launched by OpenAI something to fear or something to embrace? I recently “interviewed” ChatGPT to learn more. Currently, the chatbot does not have a voice and only communicates by text. To give full credit, I have cut and pasted ChatGPT’s text responses to my questions verbatim, without any edits. Enjoy! FW: Who is ChatGPT? ChatGPT: ChatGPT is not a person, it is a large language model dev...
Record Night at 5TH Annual Hotel Industry Gala With $1.2 Million Raised
AHLA | January 23, 2023
Industry’s Top honor, North Star Award, Presented to Sandra Hudgins, Sonesta Select Chattanooga at Hamilton Place & President, CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Ballotti Receives 2nd Annual Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award LOS ANGELES (Jan. 23, 2023) – The AHLA Foundation raised a record $1.2 million at its 5th annual gala to celebrate winners and up and coming hospitality super stars, while raising funds to support the AHLA Foundation programs that are helping the industry recruit and retain the stars of tomorrow. Each year, the Night of a Thousand Stars gala celebrates the hotel industry’s most important VIPs ...
Hospitality Icon Bruce White Dies at 70
Bruce White | January 20, 2023
Merrillville, Indiana (January 20, 2023) – Bruce White, hospitality industry icon and Founder and Chairman of White Lodging, has died at the age of 70 after a nearly year-long battle with cancer. Bruce White founded White Lodging in 1985 with a single hotel in Northwest Indiana, ultimately growing the business into one of the industry’s largest privately held development, ownership and management companies. “Bruce was a visionary, a leader, and a hospitality icon like no other,” said White Lodging Chief Executive Officer Jean-Luc Barone. “I have learned more from Bruce about hard work, leadership, and family, than any other p...
The Gay Travel Awards Winners Announced
GayTravel.com | January 20, 2023
This is the 7th Annual Gay Travel Awards, and it is our honor to present The Gay Travel AwardsSM Winners! On behalf of gay travelers worldwide, we congratulate these exemplary travel-related businesses, hotels, destinations, tours, events, and influencers on their accomplishments in making our world a more inclusive and welcoming place! The winners across 38 categories were selected from among hundreds of deserving nominees. Without further ado, it is our honor to present The 2022 Gay Travel Awards Winners! AIRLINE Virgin Atlantic Airways CAR RENTAL Hertz DATING APP HER DESTINATION, BEACH Cancun | Quintana Ro...
Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited Edition to Join Under Virgin Hotels Collection
Virgin Hotels | January 19, 2023
LONDON, Jan. 19, 2023 -- Virgin Hotels – the luxury lifestyle hospitality brand of the Virgin Group and Virgin Limited Edition – the private global collection of unique retreats, hotels and exclusive islands owned by Sir Richard Branson have today announced that they will come together under the new parent brand named Virgin Hotels Collection. James Bermingham Jon Brown The two award-winning and world-class luxury hospitality brands that form part of the Virgin Group have some of the most incredible and unique properties within the industry and this unity will see two brands come together to furthe...
Now Accepting Nominations for the 2023 Young Leader Award at IHIF
ISHC | January 19, 2023
Berlin, Germany — January 19, 2023— The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) is now accepting nominations for the Young Leader Award to be presented at the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin, Germany 15-17 May 2023. The Young Leader Award was established by ISHC and Questex Hospitality, owners of IHIF, in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the excellence of young emerging leaders in the hospitality industry. Candidates must meet the following criteria: 35 years of age or younger. Born on or after 15 May 1988 Currently works for or directly within the hotel sector Is recognized b...
The Hospitality Show Opens Registration
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) | January 19, 2023
Inaugural technology & operations event will draw AHLA Board, top leaders, owners, brands NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Jan. 19, 2023) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Questex announced today that registration is now open for The Hospitality Show (THE SHOW), a bold new hospitality operations and technology event to be held June 27-29 at The Venetian Las Vegas. Early bird rates are available until March 10th via the website, and as an incentive to “bring the team,” every group booking of five passes comes with an additional sixth complimentary pass. AHLA members receive an additional $50 off Expo Pass...
Prominent Hospitality Software Solutions Provider Agilysys Receives Two Business Intelligence Group (BIG) Awards
Agilysys | January 19, 2023
Company Receives Top Accolades for Guest- and Staff-Facing PMS and Frictionless PanOptic Kiosk, Both of Which Deliver High Return Hospitality ALPHARETTA, GA — JAN. 19, 2023 — Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of hospitality software solutions and services that deliver High Return Hospitality, is a two-time winner for two of its innovative, industry-changing solutions. Both awards were presented by the Business Intelligence Group. Agilysys was named a winner in the following categories: • 2022 BIG Award for Business in the Products category for one of the company’s next-era property management solutio...
2023 Women in Travel & Hospitality Conference to be held March 2 & 3, in Westlake Village (Los Angeles), California
BLLA | January 18, 2023
Presentations & Interactive Workshops focus on: Controlling Your Circle of Influence, Mentoring in the Tech Age, the Purpose Economy, Making the Most of Intuition, Embracing the Wisdom of Aging, Experiential Branding, Financial Health & more Los Angeles, CA – (Jan. 18, 2023) The Travel Industry Executive Women’s Network (TIEWN) announces that their 2023 Women in Travel and Hospitality Conference, powered by The Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA), will take place March 2 & 3 at the Westlake Village Inn (Los Angeles). With a theme of “Finding Your Circle of Influence,” the two-day event will also focus on su...
Fred Cerrone, Founder and Chairman of Hotel Equities, Presented Hunter Conference Award for Excellence and Inspiration
Hunter Hotel Investment Conference | January 18, 2023
The Hunter Hotel Investment Conference is pleased to present Fred Cerrone, Founder and Chairman of Hotel Equities, with the 2023 Hunter Conference Award for Excellence and Inspiration. Each year, the award recognizes a hotelier who exemplifies exceptional leadership, citizenship, and innovation. From his start as a desk clerk at the Sheraton Boston hotel more than five decades ago to the founding of Hotel Equities, Cerrone has been a leader that all in the hospitality industry can admire. "Fred's dedication to our industry is surpassed only by his devotion to the associates of Hotel Equities. Those who work with Fred know him as Coach. The...
AHLA & AHLA Foundation Honor National Human Trafficking Prevention Month & Announce Major Survivor Fund Donation
AHLA Foundation | January 11, 2023
WASHINGTON (Jan. 11, 2023) – AHLA and The AHLA Foundation are once again recognizing National Human Trafficking Prevention month by participating in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s largest Blue Campaign initiative - #WearBlueDay, which is celebrated today, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. This kicks off a series of events and thought leadership activities in January to showcase the No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) program, a national effort that unites the hotel and lodging industries around collective strategies and actions to help eradicate human trafficking. Engagement opportunities include an event in partnership...
Hard Rock International Continues Fight Against Human Trafficking
Hard Rock International | January 11, 2023
HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Jan. 11, 2023 — Hard Rock International is marking National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, tomorrow January 11, by expanding action to strengthen the industry’s role in combatting and preventing human trafficking. Human trafficking, which includes commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor, is a complex challenge for the entire global hospitality industry because it intersects a range of organized criminal activities. For several years, Hard Rock has implemented comprehensive protocols to increase awareness of and prevent human trafficking, including training over 27,000 hotel and casino team members globally ...
Choice Hotels Adds More Than 500 Locations to Safe Stays by ReloShare Alliance
Safe Stays by Reloshare | January 11, 2023
As a continuation of Choice's commitment, Radisson Hotels Americas joins in offering emergency lodging for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and other crimes through Safe Stays ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 11, 2023-- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH)—one of the world's largest lodging franchisors—has expanded its commitment to the Safe Stays by ReloShare alliance with the addition of Radisson Hotels Americas. The news follows Choice Hotels' acquisition of the Radisson Hotels Americas in August 2022. In February 2022, Choice Hotels became one of the first hotel brands to work wi...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Opens Global Headquarters in Windsor, UK
IHG Hotels & Resorts | January 11, 2023
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is delighted to formally open its new global headquarters in Windsor, UK. Having started life as FTSE-listed company in Windsor in 2003, IHG returns to the historic town for its next chapter after being based for the past 15 years in Denham, Buckinghamshire. The building represents not only the company’s global headquarters, but also the head of its Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa region, helping serve an international business that has more than 6,000 hotels across more than 100 countries around the world. The Windsor One office on Arthur Road was opened...
U.S. Travel: FAA System Failure Must Spur Federal Action
U.S. Travel Association | January 11, 2023
U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) system failure, which resulted in more than 3,000 flight delays and several hundred cancellations across the United States: “Today’s FAA catastrophic system failure is a clear sign that America’s transportation network desperately needs significant upgrades. Americans deserve an end-to-end travel experience that is seamless and secure. And our nation’s economy depends on a best-in-class air travel system. We call on federal policymakers to modernize our vital air travel infrastructure to ensure our s...
Nominations Open for the 2023 Rising Star Award Caribbean To Be Presented at CHRIS
ISHC | January 10, 2023
Miami — January 10, 2023— The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) and The BHN Group have opened nominations for the prestigious Rising Star Award Caribbean to be presented at the Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS). This is the 13th year ISHC and CHRIS have collaborated to recognize emerging, talented leadership in the Caribbean region. Candidates must meet the following criteria and will be evaluated on three key categories – Achievement, Impact, and Recommendation: 35 years of age or younger, born on or after May 24, 1988; Is currently, and has been, working in a hospitality-related fi...
AHLA Names Anna Blue President of AHLA Foundation
AHLA | January 9, 2023
WASHINGTON (January 9, 2023) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the singular voice representing every segment of the hotel industry, today announced two leadership additions to the association and its charitable giving affiliate. Anna Blue has been named President of the AHLA Foundation and Jacqueline Policastro has been appointed Executive Vice President of Marketing & Communications. “After a thorough search, we are proud to welcome Anna and Jacqueline to the Foundation and AHLA teams,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “Their collective experience and fresh energy will only continue to build o...
California Lodging Investment Conference [CLIC] Announces Updated Speakers, Sponsors & Exhibitors for 2023 Event
[CLIC] | January 9, 2023
6th Annual [CLIC] to be Held on March 1 &2 at Westin South Coast Plaza Newport Beach, Cali., January 9, 2023—Officials of the California Lodging Investment Conference [CLIC], the only hospitality conference focused on the California hotel market, today released its updated slate of speakers, sponsor and exhibitor lists. Scheduled for March 1st and 2nd at the Westin South Coast Plaza, the two-day event is expected to draw a few hundred attendees by design. [CLIC] is smaller boutique conference intended to maximize personal development and networking, with representatives from the Red Roof, Choice, Wyndham, G6, Sonesta, Best Weste...
Jack Blaha Named New CEO of Cendyn
Cendyn | January 9, 2023
Jack’s appointment lays the foundation for continued growth at Cendyn January 9th, 2023 - Boca Raton, FL, USA – Cendyn, a catalyst for digital transformation in the hospitality industry, today announced the appointment of Jack Blaha as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As CEO, Blaha will lead the company’s plans for continued strategic growth and play a direct role in fulfilling its vision for customers and employees across the globe. A graduate of West Point Military Academy and the University of California Berkeley, Haas School of Business, Blaha is an astute leader who brings extensive CEO and executive-level e...
