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
Hilton Global Foundation Donation Grows Industry Trafficking Survivor Fund by 50%
AHLA Foundation | October 27, 2022
WASHINGTON (October 27, 2022) – The American Hotel & Lodging Foundation (AHLA Foundation) today announced a $500,000 donation from Hilton Global Foundation to support the No Room for Trafficking (NRFT) Survivor Fund as part of the hotel industry’s united efforts to eradicate human trafficking. The NRFT Survivor Fund will equip community-based organizations with the resources they need to engage and support trafficking survivors – from direct financial support of their short-term, baseline needs to career-related support that can empower survivors and set them up for stability and success. The donation comes after the...
U.S. Travel: Meals and Entertainment Tax Bill Will Boost Small Businesses, Travel Workers
U.S. Travel Association | October 26, 2022
U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes issued the following statement on the introduction of the Service Worker Economic Stabilization Act, introduced by Congressmen Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA): “This critical bill helps put business travel spending and in-person meetings on a level playing field with other legitimate business expenses while supporting small business owners and workers in America’s restaurants, theaters, arts and entertainment venues. “Business travel spending is not expected to fully recover until 2027, and this bill will help bridge th...
INTELITY Named Best In-Room Tablet Provider by World Travel Tech Awards
INTELITY | October 26, 2022
This is the second year INTELITY has received the global award from the World Travel Awards, the leading authority recognizing excellence in global travel and tourism Los Angeles, CA (October 26, 2022) - INTELITY®, provider of hospitality’s leading guest experience and staff management platform, announced it has been recognized as the World’s Best In-Room Tablet Provider by the World Travel Tech Awards 2022. This is the second year in a row that INTELITY has earned this global designation. The World Travel Tech Awards is the sister event to the World Travel Awards, currently celebrating its 29th year reviewing the best in hospitali...
Five Florida Hotels Raise $12,000 for Hurricane Ian Relief
Mainsail Lodging & Development | October 24, 2022
TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 24, 2022) – Five of Tampa-based Mainsail Lodging & Development’s popular hotel rooftop bars held a “Raise the Roof for Hurricane Ian Relief” night, raising $12,000 for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. On Thursday, October 6, EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge (Epicurean Hotel in Tampa); Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar (Fenway Hotel in Dunedin); Vantage Rooftop Bar (The Karol Hotel in Clearwater); and Skybox Rooftop Bar (Residence Inn Tampa Wesley Chapel) donated half of the evening’s sales to directly support of those impacted by the storm. The fifth hotel, Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers...
CallTek Named to the Best Employers 2023 List by Philippine Daily Inquirer
CallTek | October 24, 2022
Irvine, CA (October 24) – CallTek, Inc., a white label technical service provider, today announced that it was named to the Best Employers 2023 list by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. This is the first year that the Irvine, CA-based company has been recognized for its exceptional workplace practices for their more than 6,000 employees around the globe. “I’m proud of the culture that CallTek has fostered over the past 18 years. We recognize our team members as our most valuable asset and have created an environment that enables each individual to grow both professionally and personally,” says Tony Espinoza, CEO of CallTek. “Its gra...
Hilton Global Foundation Announces 2022 Grant Recipients, Commits Nearly $2 Million in Grants and Awards During Hilton’s Annual Travel With Purpose
Hilton | October 21, 2022
MCLEAN, Va. – As Hilton’s primary philanthropic arm, the Hilton Global Foundation announced its commitment to grant nearly $2 million towards organizations whose efforts support destination stewardship, climate action, career development and community resilience. Funds will be distributed across the Hilton Global Foundation’s annual grantees and to various non-profit organizations who have demonstrated a meaningful commitment to preserving the destinations where they operate. “There has never been a more important time to support efforts towards a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient world. The Hilton Global Foundation is uni...
Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson to Step Down as IHG’s Chief Financial Officer and Group Head of Strategy
IHG Hotels & Resorts | October 21, 2022
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG or the Company) [LON:IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] announces that Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson will step down from the Board and his role as Chief Financial Officer and Group Head of Strategy to take up a new position outside of IHG. Paul will leave IHG in six months’ time and the Company has begun the process of appointing a successor. Paul joined IHG in 2004 and held a number of senior roles before being appointed CFO and to the Board and Executive Committee in 2014. He additionally took on the leadership of IHG’s strategy function in 2019. Deanna Oppenheimer, Chair of IHG, commented: “Paul has estab...
Booking.com Shares Travel Predictions for 2023
October 21, 2022
Travelers are set to make 2023 a big year for getting out and exploring the world. Excited about the year ahead, Booking.com has conducted extensive research to reveal the travel trends of 2023, including where travelers want to go, their inspirations for traveling, and how budget plays a big role in their plans. 2023 will be the year of reimagining travel As the world adapts to “the new normal” following a period of limited international travel and national lockdowns, travelers are eager to get out and see the world in earnest. As travel restrictions and Covid testing become a thing of the past, research reveals that 73% of people...
Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) Release “Fall 2022 Industry Outlook Survey” Results
HAMA | October 20, 2022
CHICAGO, October 20, 2022—The Hospitality Asset Managers Association (“HAMA”) today released the results of its Fall 2022 Industry Outlook Survey. The semi-annual report collected the opinions, experiences and predictions of approximately 70 hotel asset managers concerning the hospitality industry since the beginning of the pandemic through today. The survey also addressed respondent’s thoughts on the current state of the industry. Presented live in Chicago, Ill., the survey was conducted in advance of HAMA’s 2022 Annual Fall Meeting. In total, 68 asset managers, comprising approximately one-third of membership, participated in t...
‘Meetings Matter’ Theme for Global Meetings Industry Day 2023 Announced
U.S. Travel Association | October 19, 2022
WASHINGTON- The Meetings Mean Business Coalition announced “Meetings Matter” as the 2023 theme for Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID). GMID, to be held on March 30, is the international day of advocacy showcasing the value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions bring to people, businesses and communities. The “Meetings Matter” theme will spotlight the economic and societal importance of face-to-face meetings, a critical message to share with elected officials and business leaders which underscores the multi-layered benefits that come from meeting in person. Why Meet...
WINiT by GBTA Recognizes “Top 50 Women in Travel” Winners for Their Impact in Elevating Women in Travel-Related Industries
GBTA | October 18, 2022
GBTA WINiT Gala Awards event on October 27 in New York City will celebrate these and other industry award winners The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) – the world’s largest business travel association and global leader in community, education, research and advocacy for the industry – today announced the WINiT by GBTA “Top 50 Women in Travel” award winners for 2022, recognizing outstanding women professionals from across the globe who were nominated by their industry peers and colleagues for their contributions. “The WINiT Top 50 distinction celebrates women who actively inspire and invest in the growth and succe...
Agilysys to Attend The Hospitality Network Stakeholders Conference in Dubai
Agilysys | October 18, 2022
Hosting meetings with hospitality key decision makers to discuss hospitality’s biggest trends ALPHARETTA, GA — October 18, 2022 —Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of hospitality software solutions that deliver High Return Hospitality, today announced it will be attending the Middle East’s leading hospitality event, The Hospitality Network Stakeholders Conference October 18 – 20 in Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Dubai UAE. The 2022 Stakeholders Conference, this season’s biggest hospitality event, will bring together the industry’s leading decision-makers with an eye on innovation. Agilysys will hos...
Challenging Trends Currently Facing Hospitality Executive Teams
Bill Conn | October 17, 2022
By Bill Conn As the pandemic continues to ease its grip on society, hospitality is reopening and people are ready to travel, dine out, and spend money on leisure and entertainment. However, trends and challenges facing tourism, hotels, and restaurants make it difficult for some venues to adapt. The market is also exceptionally competitive for various reasons, and the situation shows no sign of improving soon. Here are the top trends facing hospitality executives. Labor Shortages The hospitality industry is facing labor shortages never seen before. As we emerged from pandemic constraints, U.S. hotels expected to employ 2.19 million s...
Business Travel to Face Headwinds, Government Must Address Visa Delays, Travel Disincentives to Protect Economy
U.S. Travel Association | October 17, 2022
WASHINGTON (October 17, 2022)—The latest Business Travel Tracker finds American companies increasingly paring back pandemic-era restrictions on business travel amid developing storm clouds in the form of persistently high inflation and a looming recession—pointing to the need for immediate government intervention to sustain a positive rate of growth. Many companies slashed their business travel budgets during the pandemic, but less than half of companies (42%) still have policies in place restricting business travel—down from 50% in Q2. Businesses have shown a willingness to get back on the road, with 78% of business travelers ex...
PwC 2022 Holiday Outlook: Millennials Dominate Spending Amid Uncertain Economic Outlook
PwC | October 13, 2022
Despite citing fears of inflation and the rising costs of transportation and utilities as deterrents to holiday spending, most consumers — 74% — told us they plan to spend the same or more this holiday season as they did last year. Aware that they might have to stretch their holiday budgets, some have already started to cut back in the months leading up to the holiday season — on dining out, apparel and streaming services. To find out more about their expectations and intentions for the season, we asked 4,000 consumers where and when they will shop and travel — as well as what drives their purchasing decisions. Holiday spendi...
Hospitality Software Frontrunner Agilysys Receives Three Awards for Mobile Food & Beverage (F&B) Ordering and Payment Self-Service, Interope
Agilysys | October 11, 2022
-- Top gaming organizations recognize Agilysys for amplifying Return on Experience (ROE) through guest conveniences, technology interconnectivity and gaming industry expertise -- ALPHARETTA, GA — OCT. 11, 2022 — Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of hospitality software solutions that deliver High Return Hospitality, has won three awards from the gaming industry for its partnership, its technology leadership, and for the positive business impact of its intuitive mobile F&B order-and-pay solution. The solution – branded IG OnDemand – makes it fast and easy for hospitality and gaming guests to use a pe...
U.S. Travel Applauds Introduction of Visitor Visa Wait Time Reduction Act
U.S. Travel Association | October 10, 2022
U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes issued the following statement on the introduction of H.R. 9141—the Visitor Visa Wait Time Reduction Act: “We must stop turning away international travelers due to 400-plus day wait times that visitor visa applicants are facing worldwide. It is absolutely unacceptable and a significant deterrent to our national economic recovery. We applaud the bipartisan legislative action introduced by Reps. Salazar (R-FL) and Lee (D-NV) that directs the U.S. State Department to address this urgent problem. Spending by international travelers is critic...
Tourism Tidbits: Will There Be a Crisis Recovery for Tourism?
Dr. Peter Tarlow | October 7, 2022
By Dr. Peter Tarlow There can be no doubt that the last few years have not been easy ones for the entire travel and tourism industry. From the airlines and cruise ships to the hotel components of tourism, profits have for many decreased and the word "bankruptcy" is heard with ever more frequency. Although the summer of 2022 was a banner year for tourism, it would be a mistake to believe that Covid has not made many people afraid to travel. Although it appears that we have left the crisis of 2020-2021 behind, new problems and the use of virtual conferences might well put a dent into the business travel market. Europe is in an especially d...
Travel Industry ‘Top Advocate’ Roger Dow Headlines 2022 Class of Leaders Being Honored at HSMAI Sales Forum
HSMAI | October 7, 2022
McLean, Virginia —Roger Dow, who helped lead the U.S. travel industry out of its post-9/11 doldrums and take it to new heights, then helped guide the industry through the COVID-19 pandemic and position it for a rebound, will receive the Lifetime Achievement in Sales Award from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) at its 2022 Sales Leader Forum on October 20 in Plano, Texas. Dow will be recognized at an awards ceremony that will also honor Paul Papadopulos, corporate director of national sales at Atrium Hospitality, and Alex Biondi, area director of sales for Aimbridge Hospitality, as the off- and on...
Georgi Bohrod Gordon RRP, of GBG & Associates, Named New Board Member of Canadian Resort and Travel Association
GBG & Associates | October 5, 2022
RANCHO MIRAGE, CA (October 5, 2022) Canadian Resort and Travel Association (CRTA), the industry-based trade association dedicated to furthering Vacation Ownership in Canada and throughout the world, has announced Georgi Bohrod Gordon has joined its new board of directors. Georgi Gordon (GBG & Associates), a long-time supporter and media consultant for the CRTA, adds diverse and specialized industry knowledge and skills to the board. Other new members Michelle DuChamp (Vacantia), Alex Glover (Vacation Innovations), David McDonald (RCI), and Gordon McClendon (SPI) who were also named to new positions at the CRTA Board Meeting on ...
Eden Hotels Announces Transformation Plans and the Launch of Zien Group
Zien Group | October 4, 2022
Today, Amsterdam based Eden Hotels announced capital investment plans and the creation of a new parent corporate company, Zien Group. Zien Group will be the home of Eden Hotels and all future brands and businesses. Current Eden Hotels CEO, Billy Skelli-Cohen will lead Zien Group, which will be based in Amsterdam with offices in London. Skelli-Cohen has set out plans for Zien’s first two businesses, including a commitment of over $50 million of capital investment into the existing portfolio of hotels alongside significant capital to grow the business. Zien will prioritize a refinement of the Eden brand with refurbishments of ...
AAHOA Statement on the Impact of Hurricane Ian
AAHOA | October 3, 2022
ATLANTA, Ga., Oct. 3 – AAHOA, the nation’s largest hotel owners association, recognizes the widespread devastation Hurricane Ian has caused throughout the state of Florida. AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake issued the following statement in response to the catastrophic hurricane that pummeled the West Coast of Florida this week: Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by Hurricane Ian in Florida and other surrounding areas along the East Coast of the United States. AAHOA Members have witnessed, and in many cases experienced firsthand, Hurricane Ian’s devastation. Numerous of our members have seen their hotels — an...
87% of Surveyed Hotels Report Staffing Shortages
American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) | October 3, 2022
WASHINGTON (OCTOBER 3, 2022) – Nearly all hotels are experiencing staffing shortages, according to a new member survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Eighty-seven percent (87%) of survey respondents indicated they are experiencing a staffing shortage, 36% severely so. The most critical staffing need is housekeeping, with 43% ranking it as their biggest challenge. Those numbers are slightly better than in May, when 97% of respondents to an AHLA member survey said they were short staffed, 49% severely so, with 58% ranking housekeeping as their biggest challenge. Hotels are offering potential hires a h...
U.S. Travel Commends Approval of EV Charging Network
U.S. Travel Association | September 28, 2022
U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes issued the following statement on the final approval by the U.S. Department of Transportation for all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to begin construction on a nationwide network of EV charging stations: "The action today by the DOT approving a nationwide network of EV charging stations is a major step forward in making travel in the U.S. more sustainable. This investment will lead to the ability to travel anywhere across the U.S. by electric vehicle with greater confidence, ensuring America's roadways connect rural areas...
