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
Canadian Resort and Travel Association (CRTA) Continues Podcast Series
CRTA | May 4, 2023
CRTA Conversations Features Board Member Interviews with President and CEO Gaetan Babin TORONTO, CANADA-- (May 4, 2023) Canadian Resort and Travel Association (CRTA), the industry-based trade association dedicated to furthering Vacation Ownership in Canada and throughout the world, has released its second podcast in a series called CRTA Conversations. In this video, thought leader and CRTA President/CEO Gaetan Babin RRP interviews association board member Warren Smith of Living Waters Resort on topics germane to sold out resorts under the leadership of HOA Boards. Gaetan Babin said, “CRTA Members provide developers and consumers ...
Doug Kennedy Announces Next Topic In His Webcast Training Series: Maximizing Textual Sales & Service Opportunities
Doug Kennedy | May 3, 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: Maximizing Textual Sales & Service, which will train your team on using personalized, persuasive writing for chat, email, and in-app messages. This webcast is scheduled for Friday, May 12 from Noon – 12:40pm. REGISTER HERE According to Doug, “The reality is that most reservations offices have become ‘contact centers,’ because most agents are spending as much time typing than talking these days.” This KTN traini...
U.S. Travel Welcomes End of Covid Vaccine Requirement for Inbound Travel
U.S. Travel Association | May 2, 2023
U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement on the repeal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Covid vaccine requirement for inbound travel to the U.S.: “Today’s action to lift the vaccine requirement eases a significant entry barrier for many global travelers, moving our industry and country forward. “However, the return of international visitors should be as efficient and secure as possible. The federal government must ensure U.S. airports and other ports of entry are appropriately staffed with Customs and Border Protection officers to meet the growing demand for entry....
New Law Helps Tennessee Hoteliers and Employees
AHLA | May 1, 2023
WASHINGTON (May 1, 2023) – On April 28, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a bill into law - the Protecting Tennessee Businesses and Workers Act. This important legislation will prevent local governments from targeting small business owners and workers with harmful regulations on employee work hours, scheduling, and productivity. “We applaud Gov. Bill Lee for signing the ‘Protecting Tennessee Businesses and Workers Act’ into law,” said American Hotel & Lodging Association President & CEO Chip Rogers. “Tennessee is a top-tier state for employers to start a business and workers to make a living because of common...
Pearl River Community College Honors Carver With Lifetime Achievement Award
CARVER | April 26, 2023
POPLARVILLE, MS – April 26, 2023 – Delana Harris, Executive Director of Pearl River Community College Alumni Association and Development Foundation, one of the nation’s top community colleges, has announced Poplarville, MS native and LaGrange, GA resident Joel Carver as the recipient of their 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be presented Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Lake Terrace Convention Center, Hattiesburg, MS. In addition to Carver, PRCC will honor: Dr. Kellye Bolar - Young Alumnus of the Year, Todd Jackson - Alumnus of the Year, Carol Williams - Distinguished Service Award, and 2nd Chance Mississippi - Outstanding Pa...
AHLA, HSMAI Americas Announce Partnership to Advance Hospitality Industry
AHLA | April 25, 2023
WASHINGTON (April 25, 2023) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas today announced a new strategic partnership that will more closely align the two leading hospitality industry associations to benefit their respective members and advance the hospitality industry. The partnership will create linkages to the industry’s sales, marketing, and revenue optimization professionals for AHLA while expanding HSMAI’s organizational reach by aligning it with America’s largest hotel association. The new agreement, effective April 25, 2023, incl...
Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) Announce Spring 2023 Conference Industry Outlook Survey Results
HAMA | April 24, 2023
SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2023—The Hospitality Asset Managers Association (“HAMA”) today released the results of its Spring 2023 Industry Outlook Survey. The semi-annual report collected the opinions, experiences and predictions of more than 80 hotel asset managers concerning the current state of the hospitality industry with particular focus on 2023 forecasts and pre-COVID comparisons. The results of the survey, which were conducted prior to HAMA'S 2023 Annual Spring Meeting that was held Thursday, April 20th in San Francisco, Calif, were broadcast live with a Q & A segment at the end. In total, 82 asset managers, comprising...
AHLA Announces Technology Acceleration Award
AHLA | April 24, 2023
WASHINGTON (April 24, 2023) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association and its technology committee, HTNG, announced today the inaugural AHLA Technology Acceleration Award, a new program to recognize companies that are advancing innovation in hospitality technology. The award program will be held annually, and winners of this year’s event will be announced at The Hospitality Show, which takes place June 27-29 at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Each year, the AHLA Technology Acceleration Award will recognize companies that have taken specific steps to further advance innovation in hospitality. This year, the award will showcase...
AHLA Response to Veto: Arizona Governor Puts Hotel Workers at Risk
AHLA | April 21, 2023
WASHINGTON (April 21, 2023) – American Hotel & Lodging Association President & CEO Chip Rogers released the following statement after Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed an important hotel employee safety bill - Arizona House Bill 2379. “We are disappointed that Gov. Hobbs vetoed an important hotel employee safety bill – HB 2379,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “At its core, this bill was about keeping hotel employees safe. It would have prevented the government from requiring Arizona hotels to house the homeless right next to paying guests without necessary wraparound social services.” “At the Ameri...
Leading the Way: HSMAI Commercial Strategy Week
HSMAI | April 21, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: McLean, VA (April 21, 2023) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) Commercial Strategy Week will take place in person in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from June 26-29, 2023. HSMAI’s Commercial Strategy Week is Leading the Way in connecting senior leaders in hotel marketing in meaningful conversations about the most important strategic issues facing the business today and in delivering the most comprehensive revenue optimization event for the hotel industry. The week’s events reflect the convergence of marketing, revenue optimization, and other commercial functions into new and evol...
Two-Thirds of Travelers Agree the Best Getaways Are Spontaneous
Motel 6 | April 20, 2023
DALLAS, April 20, 2023 -- As temperatures begin to rise, travelers are getting the urge to explore, and new research shows they're acting on that spur-of-the-moment travel bug. Recent data from leading economy lodging brands, Motel 6 and Studio 6, reveals that two out of three (67%) Americans with travel plans this year say that the best trips are spontaneous and decided on a whim. The study, which surveyed over 2,000 Americans who plan to travel this year also found that almost three-quarters (73%) would be willing to visit a surprise destination. "Taking a last-minute getaway is a great way to add some joy into your life," said ...
Travel Advocates Share New Trillion-Dollar Impact Figures With Policymakers
U.S. Travel Association | April 20, 2023
At $1.2 trillion, direct spending on travel in the United States in 2022 was on par with pre-pandemic figures, according to new data released today by the U.S. Travel Association—reflecting the industry’s essential contributions to the American economy. “Travel rebounded strongly in 2022 thanks to robust demand for domestic leisure travel,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “Now we must focus on fully restoring the international and business travel segments to continue growing this critical driver of the U.S. economy.” Key points: Travel accounted for $1.2 trillion in direct spending in 2...
HITEC 2023: A Masterclass in Hospitality Education
Alan Young | April 20, 2023
By Alan Young, Hospitality Industry Advisor, College Professor, and Co-Founder of Puzzle Partner Brian Tracy once said, “Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field.” This sentiment applies to our personal and professional lives; a sense of curiosity and an appetite for education help us keep our minds young and our insights sharp. The best leaders in any field are those who not only keep an open mind to learning opportunities but actively seek them out while constantly challenging their own beliefs, observations, and biases to better fortify their perspectives and validate their expertise. Learning and inno...
AAHOACON23 Breaks Various Records in AAHOA History
AAHOA | April 20, 2023
ATLANTA, Ga., Apr. 20 – The 2023 Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Convention & Trade Show in Los Angeles last week broke various records in the association’s history. AAHOA, the largest hotel owners association in the world, hosted its annual Convention & Trade Show, AAHOACON, with nearly 8,000 attendees at the Los Angeles Convention Center for what is dubbed the “Super Bowl” of hospitality events. There were 20+ education sessions, 500+ exhibiting companies, an immersive do-it-yourself product demo experience, top-level keynote speakers, and four networking events, including the Welcome Reception at the w...
U.S. Travel Names Rosen, Sullivan and Raimondo as 2023 Travel Champions
U.S. Travel Association | April 20, 2023
WASHINGTON (April 20, 2023)—The U.S. Travel Association today announced recipients of its 2023 Travel Champion award: U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “Travel performs at its best when the private sector and the government work together to achieve common goals, and Senators Rosen and Sullivan and Secretary Raimondo each are credited with tremendous contributions towards this industry’s success,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Each of our honorees has shown consistent dedication to helping travel grow and t...
Uniting the Boutique Community to Amplify the Lucrative Future of Independent and Boutique Hotels
BLLA | April 20, 2023
Leading minds in boutique hospitality create a one-of-a-kind agenda for the 11th annual Boutique Hotel Investment Conference Los Angeles, CA - April 20, 2023 - The Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) is returning to the live stage with the 11th annual Boutique Hotel Investment Conference on June 7-8, 2023. Boutique experts and visionaries will gather in New York City’s Florence Gould Hall to better understand the fundamentals of hotel investment as it relates to the evergrowing boutique landscape. Taking the stage are hospitality icons like Andrew Zobler - The Sydell Group, Jason, Larry, and Michael Pomeranc - SIXTY Hotels, ...
AAHOA Announces 2023 Award Winners at AAHOACON23
AAHOA | April 19, 2023
LOS ANGELES, Ca., Apr. 19 – On the final day of the 2023 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show, the association recognized achievement and excellence in the hospitality industry with its annual awards. Each year, AAHOA honors hoteliers who go above and beyond in service to the hospitality industry. Winners are chosen by an independent awards selection committee, and recipients are acknowledged and celebrated on stage during the AAHOA Convention & Trade Show. The annual AAHOA Awards Program recognizes the best of the best, and AAHOA is honored to highlight this year’s award winners’ service and commitment to excellence. Their hard ...
Visa Progress in India Results in 50% Reduction in Applicant Wait Times
U.S. Travel Association | April 18, 2023
WASHINGTON (April 18, 2023)—Wait times for U.S. visitor visas among applicants in India, a top source of visitors to the United States, declined rapidly in recent weeks—dropping from 669 days in mid-March to 337 days in early April. This signals much-needed progress that follows steps taken by the U.S. Department of State to reduce extreme visitor visa delays. “The results we’re seeing in India are proof that—with the right tools—State can make significant progress on this issue,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “However, there is clearly more work ahead to lower wait times worldwide.” ...
Meet the Money Returns on May 1-3, 2023 in Los Angeles: Program Highlights and Registration Details
Meet the Money® | April 17, 2023
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group Hotel Lawyers | Authors of www.HotelLawBlog.com Meet the Money®, the national hotel finance and investment conference, returns for its 30th year on May 1-3, at the Hyatt Regency LAX. Attendees can look forward to three days of deal-making, networking, and high-level presentations from some of the best-known names in the hospitality industry. Meet the Money brings speakers, sponsors, and attendees together in an environment big enough to attract industry leaders, but small enough for meaningful and productive in-person meetings, where the focus is business and investment. “After a few...
Hilton Reveals 2022 Americas Development Awards Recognizing Achievements of Owners, Development Partners, and Hotel Teams
Hilton | April 17, 2023
Today, Hilton revealed its 2022 Americas Development Awards which recognize the achievements of owners, development partners, and hotel teams in the Americas across several categories. These annual awards celebrate the resiliency and commitment of our owners and team members who spread the light and warmth of hospitality. “As we continue to expand our portfolio around the world, Hilton’s ownership community is a critical partner in helping us deliver unforgettable stays for every guest, anywhere they want to be, for any stay occasion,” said Kevin Jacobs, chief financial officer and president, global development, Hilton. “Congrat...
The Hospitality Show Announces Speakers, Sponsors, and Programming
AHLA | April 17, 2023
LAS VEGAS (April 17, 2023) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Questex announced today an initial list of high-value speakers, industry leading sponsors, 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: Athletic Greens COO and President Kat Cole, who will highlight the most significant stories and lessons about leadership and innovation that she has learned throughout her career Retired U.S. Navy Admiral William H....
Bharat Patel Becomes Newest Chairman of AAHOA
AAHOA | April 17, 2023
LOS ANGELES, Ca., Apr. 17 – Florida hotelier Bharat Patel, CHO, CHIA, is the new Chairman of AAHOA’s Board of Directors. Patel became chairman at the conclusion of the 2023 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in Los Angeles, Ca., which set a record level of booth sales for the Trade Show, making it the largest in AAHOA history. “I am honored to serve America’s hotel owners as the newest AAHOA Chairman,” Patel said. “Like the theme from AAHOACON23, I look forward to honoring the past and creating a bolder future by working with AAHOA’s nearly 20,000 Members to ensure we reestablish strong partnerships with our state association...
AAHOA Announces New Secretary and Board Members at AAHOACON23
AAHOA | April 17, 2023
LOS ANGELES, Ca., Apr. 17 – Rahul Patel of Bradenton, Florida, is the new AAHOA Secretary. Patel is the Proprietor of Wisdom Group, LLC. AAHOA Members also elected the following ten members to the Board of Directors: Arkansas Regional Director: Danny (Chintu) Patel Florida Regional Director: Chetan (Chris) Patel Georgia Regional Director: Vikesh (Vik) Zaver Greater Los Angeles Area Regional Director: Naresh (ND) Bhakta North Central Regional Director: Bhavesh N. Patel North Pacific Regional Director: Ankit Panchal North Texas Regional Director: Dhiren Masters Director at Large Western Division: Nalin (Neil) Pate...
Virdee Wins Annual Tech Pitch Competition at 2023 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show
AAHOA | April 17, 2023
LOS ANGELES, Ca., Apr. 17 – Virdee is taking home the top prize in the AAHOA Tech Pitch Competition, Co-Powered by HFTP A panel of five judges with expertise in technology and hospitality chose Virdee’s guest experience technology platform from a field of eight finalists. Virdee Virtual Reception Software is aimed at helping properties become more efficient. Whether it’s to help front-of-house staffing, provide guests with their keys, or help them pay for their stay, their goal is to free up staff in a way that allows them to deliver a true guest experience. The competition is designed to help identify and elevate companies with i...
