HFTP® Acquires Leading Hospitality Industry Brands: Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel-Online, The CIO Summit and The Executive Vendor Summit
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals | June 25th, 2024
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 ...
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
The popular brands will seamlessly merge with HFTP, further solidifying the association’s position as a leading provider of resources and events for the global hospitality community. June 25, 2024 (Charlotte, N.C.) — Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), the global association for finance and technology professionals in the hospitality industry, has announced the strategic acquisition of several prominent hospitality industry brands. The acquisition includes Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel-Online, the CIO Summit and the Executive Vendor Summit, further solidifying HFTP's position as a leading provider of resou...
It’s Never Been Better for Investment in the Hotel Technology Industry
HFTP | June 24, 2024
By Frank Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), HFTP Just as the hospitality industry evolves, so too must the format of its conventions, especially one as influential to the hospitality industry as HITEC. This year, the senior team at HFTP has expanded the tradeshow’s depth and impact with the inaugural HITEC Technology Investment Conference, taking place immediately after the main event on Thursday, June 27 and Friday, June 29. While it’s been in the making for a long time, we couldn’t have hoped for a better year to debut this addition. Why is 2024 particularly ripe for investment in this sector? Needless as it may be to the ment...
Expedia Report Finds Americans Win the Gold Medal for Taking Fewest Vacation Days in the World
Expedia Group | June 20, 2024
24th Annual Vacation Deprivation Report finds Americans are more vacation deprived than ever; unveils tips from around the world to help U.S. travelers get more out of their time off and save on their next trip According to Expedia’s 24th annual Vacation Deprivation Report,1 released today, roughly half of Americans don’t plan on using all their time off this year (53%), despite receiving just 12 days off annually — the fewest of any country surveyed. Expedia’s report has been analyzing time-off trends around the world for 24 years, and while American vacation deprivation (defined as the feeling of not having enough time off) has...
AHLA, Questex Announce New Speakers, Programming for The Hospitality Show
AHLA | June 20, 2024
Early bird pricing is available through June 28. Register here. NEW YORK (June 20, 2024) - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Questex have announced an updated slate of speakers and events for The Hospitality Show (The Show), the world’s premier hospitality operations and technology event, which will be held Oct. 28-30 in San Antonio, Texas. New confirmed speakers for The Show include: NFL reporter and TV personality Erin Andrews, who will lead a discussion with sports and hospitality stars titled “Game Changers: Power Plays in Sports, Media, and Hospitality” Wyndam Hotels & Resorts Preside...
Marriott Bonvoy & The J. Willard & Alice S. Marriott Foundation Provide $500K Donation to World Central Kitchen for Disaster Response Effort
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL | June 19, 2024
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, and The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott (JWASM) Foundation are combining forces to donate $500,000 to World Central Kitchen (WCK), the non-profit organization founded by renowned chef José Andrés. The donation is expected to greatly enhance WCK’s ability to provide meals in the wake of natural disasters and crises around the world, helping those in need receive the nutrition and support they require during challenging times. The donation builds on the company’s and the Marriott family’s longstanding support for WCK. Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Execu...
U.S. Travel Association’s Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel Identifies Five Bold Steps to Boost National Travel Competitiveness and Benefit V
U.S. Travel Association | June 19, 2024
Expert panel will urge U.S. government to advance emerging security initiatives between the United States, United Kingdom and other nations to address travel pain points WASHINGTON (June 19, 2024)— The United States stands on the cusp of major, long-awaited innovations in travel security and facilitation—developments that will enhance the country’s ability to more aggressively compete for global travelers and reverse a lagging rate of recovery as other nations excel, according to work underway by the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel and the U.S. Travel Association. “It’s time for U.S. officials to make a leap forward an...
GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit 2024 Brings the Voices of Business Travel to Policymakers to Advance Industry Priorities
GBTA | June 17, 2024
100+ GBTA Members Share Industry’s Economic Impact and Urge Legislators to Support Decarbonizing Air Travel and Improve the U.S. Visa System for Those Who Travel for Work Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Representative Sam Graves (R-MO) Receive “GBTA Navigator Award” for Championing Business Travel in the U.S. Members and constituents of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) converged last week in Washington D.C. for the GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit 2024 where over 100 participants met one-on-one with U.S. Senators, Representatives and their staff to share data-informed insights and advocate for policies that supp...
Takeaways From the 2024 Boutique Hotel Investment Conference by BLLA: Reviving the Spirit of Boutique Hotels
MARCUS R. LEE | June 14, 2024
By Marcus R. Lee, Patricia Shih, and Lizzette Casarin FIAF Florence Gould Hall Theater was bustling in early June with another successful Boutique Hotel Investment Conference. Kudos to the BLLA team for executing a great event! This article presents some key takeaways from HVS attendees Patricia Shih (HVS Consulting & Valuation) and Marcus Lee (HVS Asset Management & Advisory). In the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality, the term “boutique hotel” has transformed. Once synonymous with personalized service, unique design, and intimate experiences, “boutique hotels” as a phrase has recently blended with some nation...
BCD’s Travel Buyer Survey Reveals Shifting Priorities in Corporate Travel Policies
BCD Travel | June 13, 2024
UTRECHT, The Netherlands, June 13, 2024 – Leading global travel management company BCD Travel’s recent study explores modern corporate travel policies and changes happening due to shifting priorities and trends. The results are based on an online survey from April 2024 of more than 200 travel buyers worldwide. The top three travel program priorities include duty of care, policy compliance and cost control. All three ranked highly in 2023 and have since gained importance. However, the ratings of other priorities went slightly down. Traveler satisfaction dropped in importance as one of the top priorities from 2021 to 2023 to fourth in 2024...
Nominations Open for the ISHC Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting
The International Society of Hospitality Consultants | June 13, 2024
June 13, 2024: The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) announced that nominations are being accepted for the Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting. Launched in 2015 in honor of Lori Raleigh, founder of the Travers Group and executive director of ISHC 2000-2013, the award honors young, successful industry professionals with leadership qualities and a perceived bright future in hospitality consulting. Candidates for The Lori Raleigh Award must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of the award presentation and meet the criteria for ISHC’s associate membership. They also must be recogni...
Jim Butler Asks Mark S. Adams for Update on California Junk Fee law: Would SB 1524 Gut SB 478’s Honest Pricing for All?
Mark S. Adams | June 12, 2024
Mark S. Adams is the go-to senior lawyer in JMBM’s hospitality litigation team for assessing legal exposure, pursuing legitimate claims, and defending a client’s rights involving hospitality matters. Jim Butler caught up with Mark to find out what all the fuss is about over California’s Junk Fee law (SB 478) and a proposed amendment by SB 1524 that has consumer advocates for transparent consumer prices in an uproar. Jim Butler: As a hospitality litigator and advisor, you have been at the forefront in junk fee matters for many years, and have written extensively about the latest developments. Tell us what all the fuss is about c...
Agilysys To Speak on “Revenue Beyond the Room” at HITEC 2024 and on “The Agilysys Turnaround Story: 2017 – 2024” at HITEC IC 2024
Agilysys | June 12, 2024
Agilysys SVP Frank Pitsikalis will present Tuesday, June 25th and CEO Ramesh Srinivasan will present Thursday, June 27th ALPHARETTA, GA (June 12, 2024) — Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of hospitality software solutions and services, today announced two executive speaker sessions, one at the HFTP HITEC event June 24 – 27 and one at the HITEC Technology Investment Conference (HITEC IC) June 27 – 28, both to be held at the Charlotte Convention Center inCharlotte, North Carolina, USA. Produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), a global non-profit hospitality association, HITEC ...
Now Accepting Nominations for the 2024 Rising Star Award Asia Pacific To Be Presented at HICAP
ISHC | June 12, 2024
Singapore (12 June 2024): The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), in partnership with the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), is now accepting nominations for the Rising Star Award Asia Pacific to be presented at HICAP on 16-18 October 2024 at the Fairmont Singapore & Swissotel The Stamford in Singapore. Candidates must meet the following criteria: 35 years of age or younger, born on or after 16 October 1989 Have a minimum of five years in a hotel development and/or investment-related field with a minimum of one year with the current company Recognized by leaders in the hospitality field ...
House Passes No Hidden FEES Act, a Major AHLA Legislative Priority
AHLA | June 12, 2024
The legislation would establish a comprehensive single standard for transparent and mandatory fee displays across the lodging industry – from short-term rental platforms, to online travel agencies, metasearch sites, and hotels. WASHINGTON (June 12, 2024) – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the No Hidden FEES Act, a major American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) legislative priority that would ensure lodging cost transparency for consumers. The legislation would establish a comprehensive single standard for transparent and mandatory fee displays across the lodging industry – from short-term rental platforms, to...
HFTP Announces Hospitality Code of Digital Responsibility
HFTP | June 11, 2024
Global nonprofit to develop guidelines for the industry. Austin, Texas (June 11, 2024) — Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), the global spokes group for the industry’s hospitality technology segment and producers of the HITEC® brand, announced today a new project that will develop a code of digital responsibility for hospitality. Earlier this year, HFTP commissioned the University of Houston College of Global Hospitality Leadership to write a white paper on digital responsibility, which is featured in the inaugural issue of HFTP’s Tech+Fin Hospitality Magazine available at HITEC 2024 and on the associatio...
Pricing Transparency Without Hidden Mandatory Junk Fees. Does This Apply to Restaurants Too?
Mark S. Adams | June 10, 2024
New California proposed law (SB 1524 ) says “No!” Can this be right? By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com Note: If you are a consumer with a Junk Fee issue, please do NOT contact us! We do not represent consumers against hotels, restaurants, or other business owners. We are part of the fabric of the hospitality industry and are committed to informing, educating, and assisting the industry. We represent business owners, helping them to understand and comply with applicable laws and defending them from consumer charges. Pricing transparency without hidden mandatory junk f...
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