Hotelier Weekly
November 9, 2023
Visual Matrix
AAHOA News
The 2023 HerOwnership Conference & Retreat Celebrates Success and Unity
  
The second annual AAHOA HerOwnership Conference & Retreat brought nearly 250 women hoteliers to Dallas, TX. AAHOA's community of women hoteliers came together for two days packed with incredible insights into hospitality, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and wellness techniques.
 
Industry trailblazers shared their remarkable journeys, from overcoming setbacks to celebrating triumphs. There were several education sessions with the goal of empowering women in the hospitality industry by addressing key topics such as leadership, confidence-building, setting boundaries, tackling gender bias, and cultivating executive presence to help women hoteliers thrive in their entrepreneurial journey. Over the course of two days, there were discussions about the unique business needs of hoteliers, how access to capital can fuel your hospitality dreams, available educational resources to empower your journey, and how to create valuable industry connections for a strong network of partners.
 
On top of that, AAHOA and HBO hosted The HerOwnership Pink Party: Inspired by Barbie, where attendees donned their best pink attire, let loose, and networked in a more casual environment. 
 
Check out what some women hoteliers had to say about the HerOwnership Conference & Retreat:
 
“What a great turnout. I'm so happy that I met so many independent, strong, and dedicated women,” AAHOA Lifetime Member Manisha Patel said. “[AAHOA] did such a great job organizing it and providing great education classes.”
 
“I met so many amazing ladies who inspired me and learned a lot from the amazing speakers,” AAHOA Lifetime Member Jigna Patel said. “Keep working on yourself. Invest in yourself.”
 
“Having the same aspirations and goals in one room is amazing and beautiful,” AAHOA Lifetime Member Nijal Suthar said. 
 
“I have been to so many conferences, but I've never been to one that is this fiery,” HerOwnership Conference & Retreat Attendee Sangita (Sunny) Patel said. “The room is full of heat, and all of these women are supporting and lifting everybody up. It is amazing.”
 
AAHOA thanks everyone who attended and supported the second annual HerOwnership Conference and Retreat. #TeamAAHOA has a recap video in the works, but in the meantime watch this teaser video with some highlights from last week's event. You can also watch the teaser video on YouTube.
 
Additionally, for any attendees who have not yet filled out the HerOwnership Attendee Survey, please take a minute to let us know how we can improve in the future.
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett Participates in AAHOA Back-of-the-House Tour
  
On Monday, October 30, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, representing Texas' 30th District, participated in an AAHOA Back-of-the-House Tour. Crockett's visit to the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Duncan, TX, owned by AAHOA Member Nirmal Patel, shed light on the crucial role hotels play in the local economy, lives of residents, and travelers. Alongside Nirmal Patel, she had the privilege of conversing with AAHOA Member Darshan Patel, as well as Tanmay Patel, the Young Professional Director for the Western Division.
 
Crockett learned about the meticulous housekeeping procedures, efficient front desk operations, and the complexities of managing reservations and ensuring guest satisfaction. This behind-the-scenes glimpse gave her a newfound appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the hotel staff.
 
Crockett's visit underscores the importance of elected officials actively participating in AAHOA Back-of-the-House tours. When elected officials immerse themselves in the operations of local businesses, they gain insights into the economic impact and employment opportunities generated by the industry. This firsthand experience can lead to more informed decision-making in support of policies that benefit the industry, along with the broader community.
AAHOA Member, Prakash Saraf, Recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award
  
AAHOA Member, Prakash Saraf, was recently recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at a Charity Gala.
 
This honor is awarded by the President of the United States to people who have completed more than 4,000 hours of community service.
 
Saraf received a certificate, a medal, and a letter from President Biden.
 
“By sharing your time and passion, you are helping discover and deliver solutions to the challenges we face - solutions that we need now more than ever,” part of President Biden’s letter said. “On behalf of the American people, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you for your volunteer leadership, and I encourage you to continue to answer the call to serve. The country is counting on you.”
 
This award was for 14 years of working toward Saraf’s philanthropic work for our homeless population and others in society.
 
“I was honored to receive the award from none other than the Lt. Governor of Maryland, Ms. Aruna Miller,” said Saraf. “It has been an incredible 14-year journey.”
 
AAHOA congratulates Prakash Saraf for a job well done. Way to represent AAHOA and your community!
Amerifab International, Inc.
Ajmera Law Group
AAHOA Advocacy in Action
DHS to Supplement H-2B Cap with Nearly 65,000 Additional Visas for FY 2024
The Department of Homeland Security, in collaboration with the Department of Labor, has announced an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for Fiscal Year 2024, reaching the maximum allowable limit under the September 2023 Fiscal Year 2024 Continuing Resolution.
 
These visas have a vital role in supporting American businesses, alleviating labor shortages, and boosting the U.S. economy.
 
This achievement is a testament to the hard work of many AAHOA Members, who, in October, engaged with more than 250 congressional leaders at AAHOA’s annual Fall National Advocacy Conference (FNAC), advocating for an increase in H-2B visas.
 
FNAC is an annual AAHOA event where AAHOA members and AAHOA state association partners are invited to Washington D.C., to converse with their congressional elected officials. 200+ AAHOA members and partners met one-on-one with their congressional leaders, urging Congress to consider increasing H2B Visas. AAHOA members and partners also discussed with members of Congress solutions for America's current labor shortages.
 
AAHOA remains committed to maintaining its active role in addressing labor shortages and enhancing outcomes for small businesses.
PRESS RELEASE: AAHOA's Diligent Efforts to Stop the Troublesome Los Angeles City Homeless Voucher Program Prove Highly Successful
AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association), the nation’s largest hotel owners association, commends the Los Angeles City Council’s decision to remove the controversial ordinance, “Hotel Land Use and Replacement Housing Requirements,” off voters’ ballots.
 
This ordinance as originally proposed would have forced hotels to report vacant rooms, by 2 p.m. daily, so unhoused residents could use government vouchers to stay in them without any wrap-around services — placing an immense burden on the hotel industry, creating a serious safety concern for hotel workers and guests, and threatening the LA tourism and travel industry.
 
AAHOA’s ongoing efforts to address this concern for more than a year have resulted in a new provision that will be announced on November 7 to revise the homeless voucher program into a voluntary opportunity.
 
“AAHOA applauds the decision to transition the mandatory homeless voucher program into a voluntary initiative. This shift significantly empowers our hoteliers to pursue long-term solutions to a homelessness crisis that must be addressed,” said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA President & CEO, “By collaborating with local stakeholders, we can create a more compassionate and sustainable future for everyone.”
 
On Tuesday, November 7, 100+ hoteliers attended the Los Angeles City Council meeting, where they asked council members to vote “No” on Hotel Police Permits (Agenda Item 35, Motion 22-0822-S2).
 
This issue stems from an earlier development when a petition was initiated to allocate vacant hotel rooms for unhoused individuals, which was initially slated to be decided by Los Angeles voters on the March 2024 ballot but was recently pulled.
 
AAHOA’s ongoing efforts to address the mandatory homeless voucher program for more than a year have resulted in a new provision to revise the homeless voucher program into a voluntary opportunity.
 
Unfortunately, the new provision, Responsible Hotel Ordinance, includes police permit language impacting the hotel permit section, which was added without the hotelier's input. This new language would require hoteliers to submit police permit applications every year to be eligible for business licenses, giving police power to determine whether a hotel permit application should be granted.
 
In a memo addressed to the Los Angeles City Council members and staff, AAHOA expressed, “We can understand the need to apply new regulations to the short-term Airbnb industry. However, for the hotel industry, we already have hotel signs, multiple rooms to rent, parking lots, and the police can easily recognize a hotel establishment. Thus, these new rules for the Airbnbs and short-term rentals should not be mixed in with the hotel industry since it only creates confusion and misunderstandings.”
Red Roof Inn
dormakaba USA Inc.
Member Testimonial
  
"As someone who is new to the hotel industry, we've really had a chance to see the tremendous amount of support and, for me, coming to AAHOA, with seven or 8,000 other hoteliers, one thing that's really unique I think about the hotel industry and about AAHOA, is everyone's willingness to help and they're so incredibly supportive. They're so incredibly helpful. And for myself, I feel really blessed really fortunate to be able to be a part of that AAHOA Family."

-Dr. Ruby Dhalla, Hotelier and AAHOA 2023 HerOwnership Keynote Speaker
Hotel Equities
DIRECTV Hospitality
Featured Club Blue Member
LOWE'S PROSERVICES
  
AAHOA Members, get 5 percent off all your everyday purchases when you use the Lowe’s LAR business credit card. There’s no annual fee, and you can make purchases by phone, fax, or at LowesForPros.com. You’ll also be able to take advantage of exclusive cardholder promotions and receive discounted delivery on your purchases! Click here for more details, then contact Anthony Ruiz (Anthony.ruiz@lowes.com) to get started.
A&G Realty Partners, LLC
Featured Member Benefit
STR
  
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.
Featured Platinum/Silver Partner
INFINITI HR
  
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Red Lion Hotel Corp - Sonesta
Alliance Laundry Systems-UniMac
Industry News
Proposal to House Homeless in Los Angeles Hotels Has Been Pulled
The highly controversial, and industry-condemned, measure requiring hoteliers inform the city of vacant rooms to shelter unhoused citizens currently is set to transition into a voluntary program rather than a mandate.
(Source: Travel Weekly)
How Hotels Are Turning to AI
When it comes to AI, this evolving technology's potential expands daily, and forward-thinking hoteliers are harnessing its increasing potential to bolster the bottom line, improve the guest experience, and find workarounds to the ongoing workforce shortage.
(Source: Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated)
Preparing Frontline Workers for Theft, Human Trafficking, Burnout, and Other Daily Challenges
For better or worse, the challenges facing hoteliers remain fairly consistent through the years, but this doesn't mean finding solutions is a simple chore, and ensuring age-old problems are met with cutting-edge solutions is vital to the hotelier's continued success.
(Source: HospitalityNet)
HUNTER
Intellihot
Today's Hotelier

NOVEMBER ISSUE

The November 2023 issue of Today's Hotelier magazine is out now! This month, we take a special look at the world of the independent hotelier, including how succession planning can go wrong, the importance of executing a will or trust, and much more. In addition, we have a very special feature with U.S. Presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy.

Featured Content

Join thousands of AAHOA Members, brand CEOs, and industry professionals by subscribing to our magazine. Receive every digital issue of Today’s Hotelier as soon as it’s released to the public. Click here to subscribe.
   
In the Market
U.S. RevPAR -2% y/y Last Week, -2% vs. 2019. Halloween Shift to Midweek Hurts Group Business Demand
  
Truist Securities reports, “Overall U.S. RevPAR was -2.1% y/y for the week ending 10/28/2023, per STR, below the prior week's result of +4.6%, and below the trailing 10-week average of +2.0%. Versus 2019, RevPAR was -1.6%, below the prior week’s result of +33.4%, and below the trailing 10-week average of +15.4%. Last week's results were affected by the timing of Halloween (10/31: last week Tuesday, Monday in 2022). This shift of the holiday to the midweek especially hurt group RevPAR (-7.4% y/y vs. overall October of approx. 8.5%). Upscale RevPAR: -1.1% y/y and -8.9% vs. 2019; Upper Midscale RevPAR: -1.1% y/y and +2.5% vs. 2019.”
For more, read the full report here, and read the China/Europe report here.