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
Corporate Travel Industry Must Embrace Emerging Technology to Remain Competitive and Accelerate Growth According to New Research From GBTA and Cvent
The Global Business Travel Association | August 8, 2024
Report outlines the importance of technology in the business travel industry as a disruptor and enabler with artificial intelligence and blockchain at the top of the emerging technology list The time for technology to transform, disrupt and accelerate business travel growth is here – according to a new study, “The Future is Now: Technological Transformation in Corporate Travel,” published today by the Global Business Association GBTA, the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organization, and made possible by Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider. Based on a survey of bus...
Summer Trip Length and Spending Both on the Rise in 2024
Allianz Partners | August 8, 2024
Average Trip Length Expected to Grow to 4.6 Nights as the Amount Spent on 3-Night Trips Nearly Doubles Over Two Years RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 8, 2024 -- Americans are planning to take longer stretches of time off this summer, according to Allianz Partners USA's 16th Annual Vacation Confidence Index. New research indicates that travel remains a strong priority based on an increase in both average trip length and average spend on room nights, with staggering splurge statistics reported for three-night getaways. Travelers splurge on 3-night trips, nearly doubling their average spend over the last two years. As both trav...
Nominate an Individual for the 2024 HFTP Paragon Award
HFTP | August 7, 2024
Each year, HFTP recognizes an individual who has made a lasting impact on the association and industry with the HFTP Paragon Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to both HFTP and the hospitality industry. It will be presented at the HFTP 2024 Annual Convention, taking place October 18-20 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis Hotel in Indianapolis. Do you know someone whose accomplishments should be celebrated? You are invited to nominate a deserving individual by August 16. Submit your nomination via the nomination form. The 2022 Paragon Award winner, Daniel Conti, Jr, CHAE+ stated, ...
HFTP Seeks Input for 2024 Compensation and Benefits Report: Survey Available
HFTP | August 6, 2024
For 30+ years, HFTP has produced its biennial Compensation and Benefits Survey Report, whichprovides a comprehensive picture of industry salary and benefits statistics for hospitality accounting, finance and technology professionals. The report helps hospitality managers determine pay scales, benefits and rewards for their employees and themselves. This survey has returned in 2024, and HFTP requests your participation to ensure we produce the most valuable report for our members and industry stakeholders. We rely on feedback from hospitality professionals like you to develop the most accurate statistics on current salary, deferred compen...
Save the Date: Hunter Hotel Investment Conferences Unveils 2025 Dates and Messaging
The Hunter Hotel Investment Conference | August 6, 2024
ATLANTA (August 6, 2024) – The Hunter Hotel Investment Conference (“HUNTER”), founded by Hunter Hotel Advisors and Georgia State University, today announced the dates and messaging for its highly anticipated 36th conference. The event is scheduled to take place from March 18-20, 2025, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Registration for the conference will open on Monday, August 19, 2024. Under the messaging “Elevate Your Game,” this year’s conference aims to inspire attendees to elevate their networks, industry knowledge and deal-making strategies. This call-to-action will be integrated throughout the event’s content and pro...
USALI 12th Revised Edition, Deep Dive: Annual Mandatory Brand and Operator Costs – Schedule 16
HFTP | August 5, 2024
Just released, the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI) 12th Revised Edition has been meticulously updated by the Global Finance Committee (GFC) with guiding principles to enhance transparency in reporting, broaden data sets to better inform decision-making, and align with contemporary practices. To support its release, GFC members are also presenting a series of webinars. Be sure to register for the monthly “USALI 12th Revised Edition, Deep Dive” webinars running through September 2024. Accompanying the webinars are correlating blog posts, including this one which precedes the webinar “USALI 12th Re...
AHLA Statement on Revisions to Destructive NYC Hotel Bill
AHLA | August 5, 2024
NY City Council takes direct aim at NYC’s iconic hotel industry with proposed legislation that would lead to grave, far-reaching damages WASHINGTON (Aug. 5, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey issued the following statement after the release of a revised bill that would impose drastic new measures against hotels in New York City: “The city council’s discussions regarding the Hotel Safety Act continue to exclude those who will be most affected by the legislation – hotel owners, management companies, sub-contractors, and tens of thousands of hotel workers. It is imperative that...
AHLA Statement Regarding Lack of Senate Action on Hotel Tax Relief Bill
AHLA | August 2, 2024
WASHINGTON (Aug. 2, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey issued the following statement today after the Senate failed to advance the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, H.R. 7024. “We’re disappointed the Senate failed to advance this bipartisan bill, which would provide critical tax relief for hoteliers who are still struggling to deal with a nationwide workforce shortage, multiple harmful new federal regulations, and the lingering effects of inflation,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “AHLA is grateful to Rep. Jason Smith and Sen. Ron W...
IHG Hotels & Resorts and Action Against Hunger Launch New Partnership to Tackle Food Insecurity
IHG | August 1, 2024
LONDON (August 1 2024) IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is proud to announce a new multi-year partnership with global NGO Action Against Hunger in support of its invaluable work to combat food insecurity and hunger for millions of people around the world. It’s estimated that one in three people globally are uncertain where their next meal is coming from, due to poverty, conflict, inefficient food systems and climate change. Through thousands of hotels in communities across more than 100 countries, IHG has long supported efforts to improve food security, alongside supporting disaster relief efforts...
AHLA Statement on Senate Committee Passage of Hotel Fees Transparency Act
AHLA | August 1, 2024
WASHINGTON (August 1, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation approved the Hotel Fees Transparency Act, which would create a nationwide standard for lodging cost transparency. The bill now awaits a full Senate vote. “Today’s committee vote in the Senate is an important step toward a more transparent booking process for guests and a level playing field across the lodging industry – including short-term rentals, online travel agencies, metasearch sites, and hotels,”...
HSMAI Perspective: Signing Off, In Gratitude
HSMAI | August 1, 2024
Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, President and CEO, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) As many of you have heard, I recently announced my retirement as President and CEO of HSMAI Global, Americas, and Foundation. While I had planned to continue leading HSMAI through its 100th anniversary (in September 2027), I decided to accelerate my retirement timeline due to an unexpected and serious health issue. In this, my final perspective column, I will share some reflections on my time with HSMAI. I am filled with gratitude for the incredible journey and the profound relationships I have built with so m...
Marriott International Launches HotelHelp Pilot to Provide Short-Term Emergency Stays for Human Trafficking Survivors
Marriott International | July 31, 2024
At the AHLA Foundation’s third annual No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Summit in connection with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Marriott International, Inc. announced the pilot launch of HotelHelp, a rooms donation program for survivors of human trafficking. HotelHelp currently works with Marriott’s portfolio of hotels that are willing to donate short-term emergency stays and established care providers who book these rooms for the survivors they support. HotelHelp is being piloted in five U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Detroit, Phoenix, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., and is expected to expand to 25 cities across North America...
AHLA Foundation Announces 2024 – 2025 No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund Grantees
AHLA Foundation | July 31, 2024
$1M awarded across eight community-based organizations Washington, D.C. (July 31, 2024) – Today, AHLA Foundation announced the 2024 – 2025 No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Survivor Fund grantees, eight community-based organizations that provide services and resources to help support human trafficking survivors on their path forward. This year’s Survivor Fund grantees were announced at the third annual NRFT Summit, hosted on United Nation’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a global campaign urging accelerated action to end child trafficking. “The No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund is a first for our industry, and alre...
HFTP Celebrates the Olympics With Special Offer to Join Association
HFTP | July 30, 2024
The Olympics promotes hospitality, universality, international cooperation and interconnectedness. As a global, non-profit hospitality association, so does HFTP. It is an exciting time for the world right now. While we celebrate the teams and athletes from around the world as they go for the gold in the Summer Olympic Games Paris 2024, consider joining the leading association for hospitality financial and technology professionals at a discounted annual dues rate of $224 USD (regularly $450). The offer is valid through August 31, 2024. To redeem this special, limited-time offer, use code GO4GOLD24 when you register online at ww...
AAHOA Applauds NYC Council’s Decision to Postpone Safe Hotels Act Hearing
AAHOA | July 29, 2024
ATLANTA, GA, July 29 – AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) welcomes New York City Councilwoman Julie Menin's recent announcement to postpone the hearing on the Safe Hotels Act, a decision that follows last week's announcement of the bill's concerning rapid introduction and development. If enacted, it 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. Councilwoman Menin stated via X on Sunday afternoon, following conversations with the Hotel Association of New York City and the Hotel and Ga...
AHLA Statement on Decision To Delay NYC Council Hearing on Hotel Licensing Bill
AHLA | July 29, 2024
WASHINGTON (July 29, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement after the New York City Council postponed a planned July 30 hearing on a bill that would gravely harm the city’s nearly 700 hotels and their roughly 265,000 employees. “Over the last ten days, NYC’s hotel industry and the tourism economy have rallied to speak with one voice and resoundingly make clear that the Hotel Licensing bill introduced in the City Council has the potential to devastate New York City’s hotel industry. We are grateful for the support of our members, hotel industry coali...
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 ...
