Hotelier Weekly
February 8, 2024
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AAHOA News
  
Nominate an AAHOA Member to Honor Their Exceptional Service and Contributions to Our Industry
  • Nominations are open until TOMORROW, February 9, 2024, for seven prestigious awards to be bestowed at AAHOACON24.
  • Although membership is a prerequisite for receiving an award, we welcome nominations from anyone passionate about acknowledging outstanding contributions.
  • Explore our diverse awards and submit your nomination today to be part of this celebration of excellence!
  
Exciting news! The complimentary registration for AAHOA Lifetime Members for AAHOACON24 has been extended until Friday, February 16.
 
Three reasons to ensure you don't miss the deadline:
 
🌐 Industry's Premier Gathering: Immerse yourself in hospitality's leading event, uniting the industry's best and brightest for unrivaled networking, learning, and connection.
 
🏨 Largest AAHOA Member Assembly: Be part of the largest gathering of AAHOA Members, the powerhouse behind 60% of U.S. hotels. This is where industry trends are set, alliances are forged, and success stories unfold.
 
💼 Expansive Trade Show Floor: Explore the largest trade show floor in hospitality, where innovation meets opportunity. Discover the latest trends, connect with cutting-edge solutions, and elevate your business.
 
Register by February 16, attend the convention, and qualify for a refund within 30 days post-event. Your hospitality journey awaits – don't miss this unparalleled experience!
  
🎉 Get Ready for an Unbeatable Opportunity With Our Register-to-Win Contest!
 
Join the excitement for the 2024 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show and lock in your chance to win one of five amazing prizes!
 
Here's what's up for grabs:
  1. 🏨 Three nights of standard hotel accommodation at AAHOACON24
  2. 🛫 Round-trip coach airfare for one to Orlando
  3. 📸 One VIP photo pass with AAHOACON24 keynote speaker
  4. 💳 $400 Visa gift card
  5. 💳 $200 Visa gift card
Don't miss out! Register between January 30 and February 16 to be automatically entered.
For full rules and details, visit AAHOACON.com/sweepstakes.
 
  
The February 2024 issue of Today's Hotelier magazine is out now!
 
This month, we take a special look at the industry from the perspective of the young professional, including the importance of seeking mentorshipAAHOA's new HYPE Ownership initiative, a deep dive on the 2024 advocacy priorities, and much more.
 
Featured Content
  
On January 19, AAHOA Upper Midwest Regional Director Kalpesh Joshi was appointed to the Owner Advisory Council of G6. His three-year term will run from Feb. 1, 2024, to Jan. 27, 2027.
 
In his appointment letter, Lauren France, Director of Owner Relations for G6, said, “our teams are excited to welcome new members with fresh ideas to our long-standing Council.” Joshi earlier served on the Council from 2012 to 2021.
 
“I am honored to get selected to serve on the Owners Advisory Board. I will ensure that we have a two-way bridge between owners, AAHOA Members, and G6,” Joshi said. “G6 has always been a fair franchise company that considers franchisees as their partner and understands the pain of operating the business since they have operated and managed their own properties for years.”
 
Joshi was elected to AAHOA’s Board of Directors in 2022. He also serves as an Asian American Employment Plan Advisory Council Member and IHLA Board of Director.
 
Joshi, born in India, moved to the United States in 1987. He moved to Illinois and started out selling commercial loans before purchasing his first hotel in 2011. Joshi recently sold one of his hotels, and now owns two in the state of Illinois. Joshi received a Bachelor of Commerce degree in India.
The potential acquisition of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by Choice Hotels International has stirred significant concern within AAHOA.
 
In a recent podcast interview with Hotel News Now, featured in an article by Costar, AAHOA President and CEO Laura Lee Blake expressed worries about the impact on AAHOA Members, particularly those with economy- and midscale-branded hotels.
 
In response, AAHOA surveyed owners affiliated with Choice, Wyndham, or both, revealing widespread apprehension about the deal. Over 1,000 owners participated, with 70% anticipating negative effects on their businesses if Choice acquired Wyndham.
 
Blake highlighted concerns about limited options for franchisees in the economy and midscale segments, especially in regions where these brands dominate. “It really limits what our members could do and what the future looks like, so there’s high concerns as to what this means,” Blake said.
 
This development could lead to a significant shift in the hotel franchising landscape, prompting serious considerations among AAHOA Members regarding their future affiliations.
 
To delve deeper into this issue and related AAHOA initiatives, such as the HYPE Ownership Initiative, check out the podcast.
Lead Designs LLC
Ajmera Law Group
AAHOA Advocacy in Action
As the premier voice of hotel owners, AAHOA seeks to partner with elected officials in Washington to identify viable solutions to the biggest challenges facing the industry.
  • AAHOA’s Spring and Fall National Advocacy Conferences provide the opportunity for America’s hoteliers to meet with and cultivate relationships with hundreds of elected officials.
  • On Tuesday, March 12, and Wednesday, March 13, join AAHOA leaders and other AAHOA Members at the 2024 Spring National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.
  • If you would like a chance to attend the 2024 Spring National Advocacy Conference, the waitlist form is officially open for the remaining spots - please know that it's first come, first served, and spots will fill up quickly.
Fill out the form today to have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions with your elected representatives on the issues that matter most to hoteliers.
Featured Content
Nominate yourself or a fellow hotelier for one of seven awards to be announced at AAHOACON24. Nominations are due February 9.
 
Lifetime Members need to register by February 16 to qualify for complimentary registration.
 
Register for AAHOACON24 by February 16 for a chance to win one of 5 prizes, including a $400 Visa gift card and round trip coach airfare for one to Orlando. Winners will be announced Tuesday, February 20.
 
The last chance to renew your annual membership as a part of AAHOA criteria to be eligible to vote in AAHOA Elections is February 19.
 
The last chance to cancel your event registration or secure the best rate with early-bird pricing is March 3.
 
The participation and talent of our dynamic membership is vital to AAHOA's success. If you want to make a difference for AAHOA Members and the hospitality community, we encourage you to apply to serve as an AAHOA Ambassador.
American Pride Bank
Charter Communications Operating, LLC
Member Testimonial
"Right when I walked through the doors of the building, I realized how grand in scale the conference is. This entire auditorium, Convention Center, is massive, it's very beautiful. All of the production that goes into this, whether it's the snacks, you know, the different goodie bags you get, I walked the exhibitor floor a short while ago, everything is extremely grand in size, and I don't think I expected that. There's clearly been a huge push, I think from the organizational level as well as from the various business owners that help support this convention to make this a great one and it's coming through already on day one."

- Ankit Bhakta, Hotelier & Attorney, on AAHOACON23

AAHOA Education
Do you already own an independent hotel? Have you ever thought about it? 
 
We are offering at #AAHOACON24, at no additional cost, an in-depth workshop and post-event networking reception on Tuesday, April 2, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. 
  • We will explore what it takes to be your own brand and be fully responsible and accountable for all facets of your business. No different than the chief executive or operating officer of any other company, you probably represent investors/shareholders.
  • This workshop, using actual case studies, will show you what it takes to run your business by the same principles as any other successful corporate business leader. Whether you’re building, buying, or transitioning to your brand, don’t miss this special event planned by AAHOA’s Independent Hoteliers for AAHOA’s Independent Hoteliers.
 AGENDA
  • 1:30 p.m. Event Welcome
  • 1:45 p.m. Being the Chief Operating Officer: It's a Mindset, Not a Title
    • Setting goals and charting a course
  • 2:00 p.m. Marketing and Sales Case Study
    • Who are you targeting? Why should your concept appeal to him?
    • Branding 101: Making your concept come to life
    • Marketing differentiating your brand from competitors
    • Through what channels and with what messaging will you create awareness and interest for your brand?
    • Through pricing and promotion, where can you gain the most market share to achieve your financial goals?
    • Best sales practices and successfully proven strategies
  • 2:45 p.m. Break
  • 3:00 p.m. Operations Case Study
    • Yes, you have greater flexibility in tailoring services, decor, and operations to create unique, personalized guest experiences. That’s the good news and the challenge. Learn why!
      Standardizing operating procedures. Yes, you need to!
  • 3:30 p.m. People/Culture, HR, and Legal Case Study
    • Your people have to be better than their people. Period.
    • Creating a place where people want to work
    • Avoiding common HR and legal pitfalls
  • 4:00 p.m. Finance Case Study
    • Overcoming lender risk reluctance due to perceptions of brand recognition and the absence of operational support
    • Learning how to create impactful proformas, financials, and projections to show them you mean business
    • Just as in Shark Tank, your pitch matters!
  • 4:30 p.m. Networking Reception
Hotel Equities
Red Roof Inn
Featured Club Blue Member
  
 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.
Featured Member Benefit
  
Hcareers is a real-time, tech-first solution for both employers and professionals in North America's hospitality industry and has placed more than one million professionals in progressive roles within the industry since 2001. They feature more than 25,000 job listings daily and support more than 4,000 registered employers. Hcareers has revolutionized job matching. Use our score to find the BEST opportunities based on YOUR personal profile. Check out the website and get started today!
Featured Platinum/Silver Partner
  
G6 Hospitality LLC franchises more than 1,400 economy lodging locations under the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands in the U.S. and Canada. In 2022, Motel 6 was named the “Best Budget-Friendly Hotel Brand” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and is consistently ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Annual Franchising 500.
 
We believe everyone should have a right to travel, so we give people an affordable, welcoming place to rest wherever their journey takes them. For 60 years, we’ve been known as the best place to find a clean, comfortable room with great service at a fair price.
Red Lion Hotel Corp - Sonesta
Industry News
After finishing 2023 with record highs in ADR and RevPAR, hoteliers are optimistic the strong performances will continue well into the rest of this year, perhaps outpacing the domestic economy as a whole.
(Source: CoStar)
In recognition of Hospitality Worker Appreciation Day on Feb. 22, the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division is hosting a training webinar covering federal regulations regarding wages, benefits, and employer responsibility in the hospitality industry.
(Source: U.S. Department of Labor)
Effectively operating a hotel requires a multi-faceted and nimble approach involving constant assessment, a clearly defined vision, an ongoing improvement plan, and much more.
(Source: HospitalityNet)
HUNTER
Today's Hotelier

FEBRUARY ISSUE

The February 2024 issue of Today's Hotelier magazine is out now! This month we take a special look at the industry from the perspective of the young professional, including the importance of seeking mentorship, AAHOA's new HYPE Ownership initiative, a deep dive on the 2024 advocacy priorities, and much more.

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
  
Truist Securities reports, “Overall U.S. RevPAR was +1.7% y/y for the week ending 2/3/2024, per STR, below the prior week's result of +4.8 y/y% and above the trailing 10-week average of +1.2%. Last week's results were again led by Group (RevPAR +10.3% y/y) and we assume driven by corporate and association workweek demand. Upper Upscale and Urban occupancies were ~ +10-12% y/y on Monday and Tuesday nights. By contrast, Midscale and Economy RevPAR remains down low-to-mid single digits y/y. Leisure remains mixed across the chain scales with U.S. RevPAR on Saturday night -0.1%. Weekend RevPAR for Resorts was more positive at ~ +8% y/y. Weekly Upscale RevPAR: +4.9% y/y; Upper Midscale RevPAR: +0.7% y/y.”
For more, read the full report here, and read the China/Europe report here.