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
According to WTTC and ETC, 1.2 Million Travel & Tourism Jobs Across the EU Will Remain Unfilled Unless Urgent Action Is Taken
WTTC | July 21, 2022
Travel agency segment forecasted to be worst hit by a 30% shortfall of workers London, UK: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the European Travel Commission (ETC) warn the Travel & Tourism sector’s recovery could be put at serious risk if almost 1.2 million jobs remain unfilled across the EU. The challenging summer labour shortfall has been revealed by WTTC in its latest analysis of the sector and calls for urgent action to address this critical issue. In 2020, when the pandemic was at its peak, the Travel & Tourism sector across the EU suffered the loss of almost 1.7 million jobs*. In 2021, when governments ...
McNeill Hotel Company Forms Joint Venture Investment Partnership with Prospect Ridge
McNeill Investment Group | July 20, 2022
GERMANTOWN, Tenn.--Germantown, TN- based McNeill Investment Group (MIG), formerly McNeill Hotel Investors, today announced a strategic partnership with Prospect Ridge, a prominent national private equity real estate investor, and Fulcrum Hospitality, a hospitality investment operating partner, advisor, and asset manager. McNeill Investment Group Executive Chairman Phillip H. McNeill, Jr. made the announcement. McNeill contributed 12 of its wholly owned newer vintage, premium branded select-service and extended stay hotels focused in dynamic University and Medical Center submarkets to the new partnership. McNeill retains property manage...
Knowland’s Meeting Recovery Forecast Q2 Update Reflects Stronger Than Expected Performance
Knowland | July 20, 2022
Q2 performance fuels adjusted forecast to reach full market recovery in 2023 ARLINGTON, Va. — July 20, 2022 — Knowland, the world’s leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality, released the quarterly update to its U.S. Meetings Recovery Forecast (MRF) and associated Top 25 U.S. Meetings Recovery Forecast (MRF25) showing improved projected performance with a goal of providing the hospitality industry with predictive insights into event recovery over the next three years. Click here to view the most current forecasts. Kristi White, chief product officer, Knowland, said: “Each month of the...
AHLA Welcomes Kentucky Travel Industry Association As New Member
AHLA | July 18, 2022
WASHINGTON (July 18, 2022) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced it has welcomed the Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA) as a new member. KTIA is dedicated to serving the interests of Kentucky’s travel industry through four service cornerstones: advocacy, education, information and business development. KTIA’s approximately 900 organization and individual members include attractions, convention & visitor bureaus, hotels, restaurants, state government agencies, universities, media and industry suppliers. KTIA was founded in 1980 as the Kentucky Tourism and Hospitality Federation and lat...
HSMAI Names Outrigger’s Sean Dee Marketing Professional of the Year
Outrigger Hospitality Group | July 18, 2022
HONOLULU – Sean Dee, Outrigger Hospitality Group executive vice president and chief commercial officer, has been named Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Marketing Professional of the Year for 2022. The award honors the very best of marketing in the hospitality industry during HSMAI’s Marketing Strategy Conference in Florida this summer – where senior leaders in hotel marketing connect to discuss the most important strategic issues facing the industry. The recognition is indicative of Dee’s efforts to further position Outrigger Hospitality Group as the premier beach resort company in the world. “I...
Pensacola Beach Is Florida’s Priciest Summer Destination, Survey Shows
Cheaphotels.org | July 15, 2022
MIAMI, Fla., July 15, 2022 -- Pensacola Beach, a barrier island anchored at the western tip of Florida, is the priciest summer destination in the Sunshine State for hotel stays this year, according to a survey by Cheaphotels.org. The survey compared the cost of accommodation across 40 popular Florida destinations for July and August. For each destination, the price for the cheapest available double room was established. Only hotels located close to a beach or in the city/town centre, and with 3 or more stars, were taken into account. With an average rate of $295 per night for the most affordable double room, Pensacola Beach em...
AHLA Welcomes Preferred Hotels & Resorts as New Member
AHLA | July 14, 2022
Membership Elevates the Voice of Independent Hotels WASHINGTON (July 14, 2022) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced it has welcomed Preferred Hotels & Resorts℠as a new member. Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 650 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries—including 190 properties in the United States. Independent hotels are unique and important fixtures in the U.S. hotel landscape and make up nearly one-third of the nation’s hotel rooms. Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ AHLA...
Reflecting on Smash Success of HITEC 50th Anniversary, AAHOA, CHTA, HSMAI and iHITA Help HFTP Carry It Into the Future
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) | July 13, 2022
July 13, 2022 (Austin, Texas USA) – Reflecting on the smash success of the momentous 50th Anniversary of the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®), the global hospitality technology event is well-positioned to carry on the demand for a knowledge-sharing event of its kind into its next era and beyond. Produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), HITEC 2022 hosted just over 6,100 attendees on June 27–30 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida USA. The five-decade event showcased the industry's latest technology innovations from 331 exhibitors in a 78,000 sq ...
Travel + Leisure Announces Its 2022 World’s Best Awards Revealing The Top Cities, Islands, Hotels, Cruise Lines, Airlines + More
Travel + Leisure | July 12, 2022
NEW YORK, July 12, 2022 -- Travel + Leisure announces the top travel destinations and companies in the U.S. and around the globe, according to the World's Best Awards 2022 readers' survey. From cities, islands, national parks, and hotels to cruise lines, airlines, airports and more, the complete results of this 27th annual survey are now featured on TravelandLeisure.com/worlds-best and in the August issue of Travel + Leisure, on newsstands July 22. Travel + Leisure Announces Its 2022 World's Best Awards Revealing The Top Cities, Islands, Hotels, Cruise Lines, Airlines + More The World's Best Hotel is Rosewood Cas...
Hotel Industry Foundation Recognizes Leslie D. Hale With Castell Award
The AHLA Foundation | July 7, 2022
WASHINGTON (July 7, 2022) – The American Hotel & Lodging Foundation (AHLAF) announced today that Leslie D. Hale – president and chief executive officer of RLJ Lodging Trust and vice chair of the AHLA Board of Directors – is the recipient of the third annual Castell Award honoring a female trailblazer in the hospitality investment arena. To be presented at the Lodging Conference on September 20, the annual Castell Award spotlights female trailblazers, who are paving the way for more women to rise to the top of their fields. From setting and executing the strategic vision for RLJ Lodging Trust – leading the execution of RLJ’s in...
Over 6,100 Attendees Join HFTP in Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of HITEC
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) | July 5, 2022
The Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) celebrated its 50th Anniversary with great success this week, hosting just over 6,100 attendees at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida USA. Produced by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), HITEC was held June 27-30. The five-decade event showcases the industry's latest technology innovations from 300+ exhibitors and provided a top-notch education program with over 50 education sessions. Spectrum Enterprise, an exhibitor and esteemed supporter of HITEC, served as the exclusive sponsor of the HITEC 50th Anniversary, joining ...
As 97% of Surveyed Hotels Report Staffing Shortages, AHLA Foundation Expands Recruitment Campaign
American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) | June 30, 2022
WASHINGTON (JUNE 30, 2022) – Nearly all hotels are experiencing staffing shortages, and half report being severely understaffed, according to a new member survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Ninety-seven percent (97%) of survey respondents indicated they are experiencing a staffing shortage, 49% severely so. The most critical staffing need is housekeeping, with 58% ranking it as their biggest challenge. To meet the demand, hotels are offering a host of incentives for potential hires: nearly 90% have increased wages, 71% are offering greater flexibility with hours, and 43% have expanded benefits. Th...
Over Half of Large-Company CEOs Agree That Reducing Business Travel Will Lead to Long-Term Losses
U.S. Travel Association | June 29, 2022
Quarterly Business Travel Index shows positive Q3 outlook, but headwinds persist Federal policies to spur business travel recovery are on the table WASHINGTON (June 29, 2022)—Key findings from a new survey reveal over half of large-company executives agree that reducing business travel may represent short-term savings but will bring long-term negative impacts on revenue. The survey is part of the Quarterly Business Travel Tracker, launched in April in a collaboration between U.S. Travel Association, J.D. Power and Tourism Economics. Despite agreement that reducing business travel will be harmful to long-term sales, more than two-th...
AHLA Names Leann Paradise VP of Political and Member Engagement, Announces New Hires
American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) | June 29, 2022
WASHINGTON (June 29, 2022) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced three new additions to its government affairs staff – hires that will further expand the organization’s robust government affairs and advocacy capabilities. Leeann Paradise has been named AHLA’s Vice President of Political & Member Engagement. In this new role, she will work with both the federal and state and local government affairs teams to increase AHLA’s grassroots and political engagement. She will be charged with leading both HotelPAC, AHLA’s political action committee, and HotelsACT, the association’s grassroots platf...
Hotel Industry Foundation Increases Investment in National Ad Campaign to Attract More Workers as Record Travel Season Approaches
The AHLA Foundation | June 29, 2022
WASHINGTON (June 29, 2022) – With 69% of Americans planning to travel this summer and the July 4 holiday weekend quickly approaching, the American Hotel & Lodging Foundation (AHLA Foundation) is doubling its investment and expanding its nationwide ad campaign to more than a dozen markets this month. As the demand for strong talent increases, AHLA Foundation’s ‘A Place to Stay’ campaign attracts new employees into the industry by showcasing hospitality’s competitive salary, substantial benefits, and upward career mobility. The campaign aims to combat the labor shortage that has dramatically impacted the hospitality industry â€...
Alternative Accommodations Present an Opportunity for Institutional Capital and Traditional Brands to Join the Sector
JLL | June 23, 2022
 CHICAGO, June 23, 2022 – What started as a marketplace for individuals to rent out their primary or secondary homes as a means of generating extra income has evolved into a complex, highly matrixed space akin to the traditional lodging industry. The alternative accommodation sector’s evolution intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic as increasing flexibility to work remotely, coupled with a heightened focus on quality of life and the need for social distancing, created strong demand. This paradigm shift has resulted in the alternative accommodations sector’s unprecedented growth over the past two years. “Following Covid, we’v...
The 10th Annual Boutique Hotel Investment Conference by BLLA and Its Resounding Success After a 3-Year Hiatus
BLLA | June 22, 2022
Attendees ranked the speakers, content, and experience 'best in class' Los Angeles – June 21, 2022 - The Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) held its annual Boutique Hotel Investment Conference on June 8th at the iconic Plaza Hotel Grand Ballroom in New York City. Nearly 200 attendees came together to celebrate the flourishing sector of boutique hospitality and gain top-tier insight into where the industry is heading. The conference day was filled with meaningful panels, case studies, debates, and think tanks – all pointing toward the passion and resiliency of such a daring community of boutique believers. Watch the short ...
U.S. Travel Forecast: All Sectors Projected to Surge in Short Term, but Headwinds Are on Horizon
U.S. Travel Association | June 22, 2022
WASHINGTON (June 22, 2022)—Days after the United States repealed its Covid-19 testing requirement for inbound air travelers, U.S. Travel Association released its full biannual forecast for travel through 2026—including both travel spending and volume—which projects that all segments of travel, in spite of rising inflation, will surge in the short term due to pent-up demand and consumer savings. However, this is not expected to last, leading to slower growth in the later years of the forecast. The international component of the forecast was released earlier this month at the association’s IPW trade show. U.S. Travel estimates th...
HFTP’s Highly-Anticipated HITEC Orlando Is Taking Measures to Prevent Pirate Exhibitors Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the upcoming hospitality t
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) | June 22, 2022
June 22, 2022 (Austin, Texas USA) — To maintain its high value, plans for preventing pirate exhibitors (also known as Outboarders or Suitcasers) at HITEC 2022 (Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference) have been established for the upcoming show. It is common for unaffiliated or non-exhibiting vendors to take advantage of the show's popularity by promoting their wares leading up to and near the show, or on the exhibit hall floor in an unofficial capacity. Some plan product demonstrations and similar events to "steal" attendees from conference organizers and supporters. Such practices weaken the show's worth to its suppor...
HFTP and AAHOA Partner to Support Each Association’s Initiatives
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) | June 21, 2022
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) and the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) have partnered with an allied agreement, connecting the two leading hospitality associations. Both HFTP and AAHOA have a shared interest in advancing the hospitality environment to the benefit of their members and the overall industry. The groups, who have long supported each other, will promote and have a presence at each association’s events, offer collaborative benefits to young professional members and more. “I have great admiration for AAHOA and the initiatives it takes on; and since both our association networks ...
NYU Investment Conference Takeaways
David J. Sangree | June 21, 2022
David Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC had the opportunity to attend the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference on June 6-7 at the New York Marriott Marquis. The following are some key highlights from the conference. ADR growth: The growth in ADR in 2022 has exceeded everyone’s projections for the industry. The actual ADR is above 2019 levels for the U.S. for the past 10 months although the inflation-adjusted ADR is just getting back to 2019 levels since March 2022. In some markets, such as the Florida Keys or northern New England, ADR growth has been well above the nation. Other urban and commercial-oriented markets have se...
AHLA Welcomes Alaska CHARR as New Member
American Hotel & Lodging Association | June 17, 2022
53 Lodging Associations Now AHLA Members WASHINGTON (June 16, 2022) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced it has welcomed the Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant, & Retailers Association (Alaska CHARR) as a new member. Alaska CHARR is dedicated to serving the needs of the hospitality industry in the state of Alaska. The Association provides training programs, membership services, legislative and government relations, informational services, and it promotes the industry for its members. Alaska has nearly 250 hotels with more than 20,000 rooms. “For half a century, Alaska CHARR has championed ad...
Red Roof® Celebrates Women-Owned Hotels at 4th Annual Forum on Leadership for Women Entrepreneurs
Red Roof | June 15, 2022
Columbus, Ohio – June 15, 2021 - Building on its continued success in fostering a strong environment in which women can thrive, Red Roof®, the leader in Upscale Economy® lodging, hosted its Forum on Leadership for Women Entrepreneurs on May 24th and 25th in Austin, Texas. Designed to help women in hospitality develop deeper business acumen and stronger leadership skills, leaders from across the industry gathered to help Red Roof celebrate progress that includes 31% of its hotels owned or partially owned by women. Additionally, as women continue to progress in management ranks, there has been a 20-percent increase in women leadership at...
Americans Still Prioritize Vacations Amid Rising Economic Concerns, According to New MMGY Travel Research
MMGY Travel Intelligence | June 14, 2022
As COVID-19 concerns fade, 65% of American travelers intend to take a leisure trip in the next six months. KANSAS CITY, MO – Inflation, rising gas prices and other world events seem to be no match for the enduring allure of a vacation. According to the Portrait of American Travelers research from MMGY Travel Intelligence released this week, 65% of U.S. travelers intend to take a leisure trip in the next six months despite obstacles present in today’s travel environment. Aggregating data collected from more than 4,500 respondents, the quarterly report examines the travel intentions and behaviors of U.S. adults. “Even in the fac...
