Nominations Open for the ISHC Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting

ISHC | June 19, 2023

June 19, 2023: 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 including five years’ ex...

Lodge on the Desert Located in Tucson, Arizona Awarded 2023 Travelers Choice Award

Atira Hotels | June 16, 2023

TUCSON, AZ – Lodge on the Desert, Tucson, AZ, managed by Atira Hotels has received the prestigious Travelers’ Choice Award. This honor is a testament to the property’s commitment to guest service and continued novelty. As a winner of the Travelers’ Choice Award, Lodge on the Desert is among the top 10% of hotels worldwide. Lodge on the Desert stands as a proud oasis sanctuary within the city of Tucson, presenting unique southwest architecture and winding paths through desert plants and cactus unique to the region. The property is ideally located in midtown, within minutes of popular attractions such as Reid Park Zoo and Tucson B...

AHLA and SBA Secure PPP for Hotel Industry

AHLA | June 15, 2023

Eligibility changes protect loans to tens of thousands of hotels WASHINGTON (June 15, 2023) – American hotels will benefit from an important update to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Following months of collaboration with the American Hotel & Lodging Association and hotel owners across the country, the Small Business Administration (SBA) issued new PPP eligibility guidelines today. The update clarifies that hotel owners who utilized third-party management companies and participated in PPP are eligible for PPP loan forgiveness for payroll expenses they paid via a management company. The changes SBA announced today will ens...

New Travel Forecast Shows Normalizing of Leisure Travel Demand From Post-Pandemic Surge

U.S. Travel Association | June 15, 2023

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Travel Association released its biannual forecast for travel to and within the United States through 2026, showing a normalized rate of growth in the domestic leisure travel sector after months of elevated demand. “Robust domestic leisure travel demand has been the driving force in the overall industry’s post-pandemic comeback,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “Though the surge we experienced in the last year is starting to moderate, we expect this segment to remain resilient in coming quarters.” Domestic Leisure Travel Domestic leisure travel is expected to remain s...

2023 Boutique Hotel Investment Conference – Two Days of Expertise and Insight Into Financing, Investment and Technology

Geneva Rinehart | June 13, 2023

By Geneva Rinehart, Managing Editor, Hospitality Upgrade New York City - June 7-8, 2023 In a very intimate, theatre-style setting the boutique and independent hotel groups came together for two days in New York City. Ariela Kiradjian, Partner and COO of BLLA, and half of the mother-daughter duo behind BLLA facilitated a highly engaging two days of panels focusing on financing, debt, environmental investment and technology. The orange sky and poor air quality in the Northeast were as bad as reported, but inside Florence Gould Hall was nothing but pure energy. The next few paragraphs will provide a brief overview of the two days at the Bo...

Leveraging the Abraham Accords to Stimulate Tourism Growth

Russell Kett | June 12, 2023

By Russell Kett The signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020 has led to an unprecedented opportunity to re-shape the Middle East. For the first time in over seven decades since the foundation of the State of Israel, the region is focused on moving towards the future together in unity, stepping past the conflict that has long divided the region. With the signing of the US-brokered Accords, the potential growth for the region has been unlocked through increased regional coordination. Signed between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, the agreement was extended to member nations like Bahrain, Kosovo, Sudan and Morocco adding to the normalised ...

ISHC and CHRIS Present Julianna Musgrove the Rising Star Award Caribbean

ISHC | June 12, 2023

Miami - June 12, 2023 - The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) in partnership with Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) presented Julianna Musgrove, Regional Manager – Learning and Development (Northern Caribbean) at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, with the prestigious Rising Star Award Caribbean. Of her award, Julianna remarked, “I am extremely honoured and humbled to have been recognised by the tourism industry’s top leaders across the Caribbean as the recipient of the 2023 Rising Star Award – Caribbean. As a young professional that didn't know exactly what I wanted to do a...

HVS Takeaways from the NYU Hospitality Conference

Rod Clough | June 8, 2023

By Rod Clough with contributions from Stephen Rushmore, Roland deMilleret, McKenna Luke, Eric Guerrero, Janet Ott, Patricia Shih, Cole Masler, Raymond Parejo, and Caroline Dioso This week marked the 45th Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, with the industry’s leaders descending on the Marriott Marquis Times Square to discuss the future of lodging. Conversations were optimistic when it came to extending the current rise in top-line revenues, while less positive topics included managing (or waiting out) the challenges of inflation, high interest rates, labor, and financing constraints, as well a...

Beyond the Conference: 9 Awesome Experiences to Make Your HITEC 2023 Trip Unforgettable

Alan Young | June 8, 2023

By Alan E. Young, Co-Founder, Puzzle Partner Ltd. In the whirlwind pace of any HITEC conference, where back-to-back sessions, workshops, and networking events monopolize the daylight hours and often extend into the evening, carving out free time can feel like a Herculean task. Each day is a marathon of learning, dialogue, and professional engagement that leaves little room for exploration outside the conference parameters.  Amidst the symphony of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and the constant hum of professional chatter, the city's cultural jewels, culinary delights, and notable sights beckon enticingly, often just beyond reach....

The Hospitality Show Announces New Speakers, Programming, Parties, Tours, and App

AHLA | June 8, 2023

LAS VEGAS (June 8, 2023) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Questex announced today a new list of high-value speakers and impactful programming for The Hospitality Show (The Show). The Show is a bold, new hospitality operations and technology event to be held June 27-29 at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. The list of speakers announced today includes: Scott Kirby, CEO, United Airlines Geoff Ballotti, president & CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Larry Cuculic, president & CEO, BWH Hotels George Limbert, president & CEO, Red Roof John Murray, president & CEO, Sonesta Internation...

Doug Kennedy Announces Next Topic in His Webcast Training Series: Hospitality Training: Bringing Out the Best in Our Guests Brings Out the Best in Our

Doug Kennedy | June 7, 2023

Complimentary Registration Sponsored By Travel Outlook, Better Talent, and Track Hospitality Software Kennedy Training Network Inc. (KTN) announced today the topic for Doug Kennedy’s next training webcast, which this month features a hospitality theme: Bringing Out The Best In Our Guests Brings Out The Best In Ourselves, scheduled for Monday, June 12 from Noon – 12:40pm. REGISTER HERE According to Doug, “Most guests don’t start their day with the intention to complain, whine, and create conflict. However, the challenges along the way can bring out the worst side of even the nicest personalities.” This KTN training webcast...

IDeaS Supports Women in Travel THRIVE Organization

IDeaS | June 7, 2023

Leading revenue management software provider supports women’s advancement in hospitality, technology, and business careers through its corporate Women’s Initiatives Network MINNEAPOLIS—June 7, 2023—IDeaS Revenue Solutions, the world’s leading provider of automated revenue management software and services, announced today its corporate sponsorship of the Women in Travel THRIVE. THRIVE is an organization that propels women closer to equality in travel industry careers by providing a community, a network, and tangible resources designed to support women's empowerment. In addition to being a corporate sponsor, IDeaS is a silver s...

Satisfying Customer Expectations: What About Employee Expectations?

Ana McFee | June 6, 2023

By Ana McFee Today's employee expectations Similarly to customers, employees' expectations have also evolved, and never more so than in the post-Covid/Gen Z landscape. Today's employees are prepared to switch careers or companies, and so expect more than just a regular paycheck and access to good benefits. From a talent retention perspective, creating equally tailored experiences for your employees as for customers will therefore help attract and keep the best talent and lead to improved productivity and business performance. It will above all communicate to employees, even as early as the hiring process, that company culture is geared...

2023 ISHC Young Leader Award Goes to Florian Montag

ISHC | June 6, 2023

Berlin — 6 June 2023 — The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) in partnership with the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) presented the prestigious ISHC Young Leader Award to Florian Montag, Vice President of Business Development at Apaleo. Florian co-founded Hotelhero, a successful hotel tech startup that was eventually purchased by Apaleo. He is an industry thought leader, advocating for the importance of technology in the hospitality sector and providing innovative solutions to complex problems. He has been a panelist and keynote speaker at leading industry conferences including HITEC 2018 and IHI...

Women in Hospitality Technology Celebrated at HITEC 2023; With Sponsorship Support From Corporate Spending Innovations

HFTP | June 6, 2023

Beyond the dual core components of exhibits and education at the 2023 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®), attendees will have multiple opportunities for networking when they are in Toronto on June 26–29. A highlight is the newly-added HFTP Women in Hospitality Technology Reception on Wednesday, June 28. The elegant affair is designed to bring together women from across the industry leading the way in technology and innovation. Corresponding with the event, HFTP will distribute a publication highlighting the influence of women industry professionals. Supporting this program as sponsor is Corporate Sp...

82% of Surveyed Hotels Report Staffing Shortages

AHLA | June 5, 2023

Hotels on hiring spree with record wages, better benefits, flexibility WASHINGTON (June 5, 2023) – As over 80% of hotels experience staffing shortages, hoteliers are offering potential hires a host of incentives to fill vacancies, according to a new survey of hoteliers conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Seventy-five percent of respondents are increasing wages, 64% are offering greater flexibility with hours, and 36% are expanding benefits – but 87% say they are still unable to fill open positions. Eighty-two percent of survey respondents indicate they are experiencing a staffing shortage, 26% sever...

New Report From Cvent and GBTA Sheds Light on the Transforming Role of the Corporate Travel Manager

GBTA | June 2, 2023

Latest research from GBTA and Cvent explores the critical and evolving role of travel managers including reshaped responsibilities, compensation insights, DE&I advances, and career satisfaction Like most of us, corporate travel managers can divide their careers into two distinct eras: before COVID and after COVID. And like most professions, the ongoing adjustments for travel managers to their responsibilities, compensation, and job satisfaction reflect an industry that’s ripe for change while still adhering to some past truths. This is according to a new report – “The Life and Times of a Corporate Travel Manager: Travel Ma...

HFTP Announces HITEC 2023 International Perspectives Headliner Panelists to Explore Tech Trends for Today’s Global Traveler

HFTP | June 1, 2023

AUSTIN, TEXAS, USA (June 1, 2023) — Coming up later this month is the 2023 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) with a packed schedule of industry expertise. Topping the program is the Tuesday morning Headliner, “International Perspectives – Tech Future Proofing: Planning for The Global Traveler.” The Headliner stage that day will feature six executive hoteliers who have seen it all from localities that span the globe. “HITEC is the one time of the year where you can hear directly from the individual experts who are in the midst of planning strategy for the most significant hotel companies from acr...

AHLA Statement in Support of the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act

AHLA | June 1, 2023

WASHINGTON (June 1, 2023) – American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) President & CEO Chip Rogers is speaking out today in support of the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (H.R.3734), which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Lloyd Smucker. “The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act is an important bill that would help improve one of the most challenging labor markets we’ve seen in decades,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “By creating a new, H-2C nonimmigrant visa classification as part of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the bill would connect employers wi...

AAHOA | May 30, 2023

ATLANTA, Ga., May 25 – New Jersey lawmakers today voted in favor of legislation to help restore balance to the relationship between hotel Franchisors and Franchisees, advancing a bill backed by the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) that would ensure greater fairness in the system and strengthen protections for franchise businesses. New Jersey’s Assembly Bill 1958, which passed the Assembly today, supports AAHOA’s four core pillars of franchise advocacy to reform rules for mandated vendors, rebates, loyalty programs and new fees. AAHOA represents more than 60% of U.S. hotel owners and nearly half of all New Jersey hot...

Nomadix Passpoint Named Semi-Finalist in HTNG TechOvation Awards

Nomadix | May 30, 2023

Bringing Connected Experiences to Life at The Hospitality Show LOS ANGELES, Calif. – May 30, 2021 - ​​Nomadix® Inc​., bringing connected experiences to life, today announced the Nomadix Passpoint solution has been named a semi-finalist in the HTNG TechOvation Awards, which recognize and reward leading technology innovations throughout all sectors of the hospitality industry each year. Nomadix is the first and only technology provider to commercially productize Nomadix Passpoint for hospitality and deliver with real-world deployments globally for a major brand. The benefits and momentum of Nomadix Passpoint will be presented during...

Agilysys to Participate in 20th Annual Craig-Hallum Capital Group Institutional Investor Conference May 31st in Minneapolis

Agilysys | May 30, 2023

ALPHARETTA, GA — May 30, 2023 — Agilysys, Inc., (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of hospitality software solutions that deliver High Return Hospitality, today announced it will participate in the 20th Annual Craig-Hallum Capital Group Institutional Investor Conference, which will be held in person at the Depot Renaissance Hotel Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. This multi-industry investor conference features the opportunity for Craig-Hallum’s institutional clients to meet formally with corporate management from more than 130 public companies. Agilysys Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Srinivasa...

HFTP Announces PROVision Partners as Exclusive Sponsor of Entrepreneur 20X Toronto

HFTP | May 25, 2023

The hospitality technology start-up pitch competition will present innovative solutions to a panel of judges and audience at HITEC Toronto on June 28 Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), producers of the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®), is pleased to announce PROVision Partners as the exclusive sponsor of Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) Toronto. The successful pitch competition featuring hospitality technology start-ups will take place as a Headliner presentation at HITEC Toronto on Wednesday, June 28 beginning at 8:15 a.m. Now entering their second consecutive year as t...

U.S. Travel’s IPW in San Antonio Sets Stage for Future Inbound Travel Growth

U.S. Travel Association | May 24, 2023

Nearly 5,000 attendees from more than 60 countries gathered in San Antonio, Texas, May 20-24 for the 54th annual IPW—the travel industry's premier international marketplace and the largest generator of inbound travel to the United States. “The thousands of attendees we welcomed this week is indicative of the strong demand we are seeing for inbound travel to the U.S.,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. IPW convened domestic travel professionals together with international tour operators, buyers and wholesalers from around the world, to meet under one roof—the Henry B. González Convention Center—for...