HFTP, AHLA and GFC Unveil Groundbreaking 12th Revised Edition of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI™)

The USALI is the worldwide, authoritative standard for lodging financial and operating reporting. The adoption date for this newest edition is January 1, 2026.

AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 11, 2024) – A newly-revised edition of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI™) is now available, published by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®). The publication is available for purchase and download here.

The revision process for the 12^th Revised Edition has been overseen by the Global Finance Committee (GFC), jointly sponsored by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and HFTP. The GFC is made up of global financial leaders from AHLA’s Financial Management Committee and HFTP members representing the most prominent global hotel brands, operators, owners, and other industry authorities. The GFC has meticulously revised this essential publication with enhancements incorporating financial and operating changes, a new sustainability section, and a section specific to all-inclusive hotels. The adoption date for this edition is January 1, 2026.

“The USALI has long been the compass guiding financial and operational reporting in hospitality,” said GFC Co-chair Gina Tallarico, Global Head of Acquisition Integration, Hyatt. “This update signifies GFC’s commitment to globalization, sustainability, and informed decision making. With this 12th Revised Edition, we’re excited to introduce a new all-Inclusive reporting section — an initial step toward standardization and benchmarking capability in this rapidly-growing segment.”

Periodically, the USALI undergoes revision to align with the evolving landscape of hotel operations and accounting standards. A guiding principle of the revisions was enhancing transparency in reporting and broadening data sets to better inform decision-making. Consequently, revenue and expense categories, including guest loyalty program costs and executive lounge expenses, have been refined. Additionally, new schedules for Payroll Full-Time Equivalents (FTE) and Annual Mandatory Brand and Operator Costs have been introduced.

“The 12th Edition’s updates are a testament to the diverse insights from top global brands, management companies, and owners that comprise the GFC,” stated GFC Co-chair Raymond D. Martz, Co-president and Chief Financial Officer of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust. “This comprehensive update enhances reporting and analysis in critical areas such as labor, market segmentation, and sustainability. These improvements will benefit properties of all sizes, both in the United States and around the world.”

In line with evolving sustainability reporting trends, the Utilities Schedule has been replaced by a new Energy, Water, and Waste (EWW) Schedule. This facilitates improved reporting and benchmarking of EWW usage and expenses while providing a roadmap for tracking greenhouse gas emissions, thereby addressing the increasing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting requirements.

Another significant change is the introduction of a section dedicated to the reporting of revenue and expenses for all-inclusive hotels, which have unique pricing and operating models. This new guidance enables benchmarking of key performance metrics and operating analyses across this expanding segment.

HFTP and GFC members are presenting the series “USALI 12^th Revised Edition Deep Dive” via webinars and conference presentations through the end of 2024. Each webinar covers a specific section or topic, providing comprehensive insights into the revision details. Registration for these webinars is complimentary and accessible to all, facilitating widespread dissemination of the updates. Furthermore, GFC representatives are conducting informational sessions at numerous upcoming industry events. A schedule for these presentations is available on the USALI website.

The USALI is accessible through a digital subscription service or as a soft-cover book (anticipated release in late Summer 2024). The digital version offers versatility, compatible with smartphones, tablets, and PCs. Users can actively engage with the content, leveraging features to personalize notes and comments directly within the digital platform. Additionally, the subscription grants access to the online USALI Revenue and Expense Dictionary.

Visit the USALI site to purchase the book and view supplemental resources. For questions, contact HFTP at usali@hftp.org or +1 (512) 220-4020. Follow news and information on the USALI, 12^th Revised Edition on the USALI website.