The July 2023 issue of Today's Hotelier is out now! In this month's issue, we're focusing on independent hoteliers.

 

Some of the notable pieces in this month's issue include:

Make sure you take a look at the July issue of Today's Hotelier to gain first-hand insights from independent hoteliers on what makes independently owned hotels stand out among branded properties.

The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), which represents the majority of U.S. hotel owners, communicated its concerns about one-sided franchising practices in response to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s Solicitation for Public Comments on Provisions of Franchise Agreements and Franchisor Business Practices.

 

AAHOA has long been committed to advocating for adequate protections for its Franchisee members in their relationships with hotel brands. Beginning in March, the FTC, citing reports of “unfair and deceptive practices” that harm Franchisees, solicited comments from business owners regarding how Franchisors “disclose certain aspects and contractual terms of the Franchise relationship, as well as the scope, application, and effect of those aspects and contractual terms.”

 

AAHOA's submitted response channels the momentum generated by more than a year of member advocacy for sustainable franchising practices. This includes 25 in-person and virtual meetings with hotel brands and their leading executives, six with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), and more than 50 documented calls and emails since March 2022. AAHOA always has sought to discuss the franchising relationship directly with Franchisors. While many Franchisors have maintained open and productive dialogue, others disengaged from AAHOA for exercising its First Amendment right to support legislation in New Jersey that advances many of the association’s Fair Franchising principles.

The month of July is a busy one for AAHOA!

 

With two Regional Conferences & Trade Shows, one Charity Golf Tournament, and six Town Halls, there's plenty for AAHOA Members to do. 

 

AAHOA's 2023 Town Hall meetings have been extremely successful and well-attended thus far, underscoring how important it is to host Town Halls across the country.

 

AAHOA's Town Hall meetings are local meetings for AAHOA Members to meet their Regional Directors, ask questions, voice opinions, and discuss specific upcoming issues or concerns. They provide a great opportunity to meet and network with local hoteliers while learning about the latest issues affecting each region in an intimate setting.

 

All hoteliers are invited to attend - in fact, many actually join AAHOA as Hotelier Members during these events, so be sure to invite hoteliers from your area that might benefit from AAHOA's offerings.

 

Click the link below to view the full calendar of AAHOA events, including the dates and times of the Town Hall meetings happening during the month of July.

1. Mandated Vendors: Brands should not mandate specific vendors when there are multiple vendors selling goods of comparable quality at comparable prices.
2. Rebates: Brands should disclose all vendor "rebates," which can also be called "discounts," "refunds," or "allowances," and should be returned to Franchisees through appropriate accounts.
3. Loyalty Programs: Brands should reasonably compensate Franchisees when the brand sells loyalty points for cash and then allows travelers to stay at hotels owned by Franchisees.
4. New Fees: Brands should not unilaterally or arbitrarily impose new fees on Franchisees that were not disclosed in the official Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) without the approval of the Franchisees or a properly elected Franchise Advisory Council (FAC).

"I would say the best thing you can do while you're young is to learn from others in the industry and be engaged in the local community. If you act like a sponge and absorb all the knowledge from others' experiences and pay attention to where your business community is going, then you will be able to make better-informed decisions to keep your business successful."

 

 

 

 

 

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AAHOA Members get a 25% discount on the STAR report (during the 1st year of enrollment), 15% discount on Pipeline reports, and a 10% discount on the School Break Report. Click here to view additional benefits, then contact STR at (615) 824-8664, ext. 3504 or info@str.com to get started.

Guest Supply, a Sysco Company, is the leading provider of operating supplies and equipment to the lodging industry. With product development and design, manufacturing, and a direct to property sales force, Guest Supply is the only vertically integrated company in the industry. From 16 company-owned-and-operated Sales and Distribution Centers, Guest Supply services more than 26,000 hotels in the U.S. with a comprehensive product line that meets the needs of hotels at all market levels. For more info, contact Justin Haggart (jhaggart@guestsupply.com) or visit the website.

By implementing more efficient practices, hoteliers are finding new ways to improve the customer experience without taking on additional expenses.
(Source: Forbes)

By choosing to look at the labor shortage as a glass-half-full scenario, forward-thinking hoteliers are using this ongoing challenge to drive evolution in other areas of their businesses.
(Source: Hotel Yearbook)

A look behind the business of capturing and catering to wellness-minded travelers with health-centric offerings and amenities.
(Source: CoStar)