Hotelier Weekly
May 16, 2024
Champion PTAC, LLC
AAHOA News
  
AAHOA was honored to participate in a White House reception celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel and President & CEO Laura Lee Blake represented AAHOA at the event.
 
U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris made remarks at the reception, a significant event that underscores the government's recognition of the AANHPI community. The reception took place in the historic Rose Garden.
 
Last month, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center issued a call for intergenerational connection, action, and reflection. This year marks 25 years since the creation of the White House Initiative and President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
 
"We were honored and privileged to represent AAHOA and our 20,000 members at the historic White House celebration," said AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel. "This event highlights the AA and NHPI communities' remarkable contributions to the U.S., mirroring AAHOA's representation of Asian American entrepreneurship in hospitality for the past 35 years. As we reflect on our rich heritage during AANHPI Month, we honor the incredible legacy of Asian American hoteliers and entrepreneurs who have shaped – and continue to shape – our industry and nation."
  
The hospitality landscape has undergone a profound transformation, with technology reshaping guest interactions and pandemic-induced changes accelerating this evolution.
 
Vinay Patel, AAHOA Past Chairman (2021-2022) and experienced hotel owner, shares insights into the shifting dynamics observed within the industry.
 
"People are now literally not wanting to go to the front desk," said Patel. "They'll check in online on the phone similar to the airlines and go straight to the room." This shift exemplifies a broader trend where technology facilitates seamless guest experiences, mirroring changes seen in the airline industry.
 
The pandemic spurred technological adaptations and introduced a new breed of traveler: the "bleisure" guest. Combining business with leisure, these travelers depart from traditional business-centric clientele. "Bleisure" has become a buzzword in hospitality, reflecting the emergence of remote work culture and a desire for flexible travel experiences.
  
What You Need to Know
  • A lawsuit alleging excessive fees charged to business owners by Visa and Mastercard has recently been settled.
  • Businesses that accepted Visa and Mastercard credit cards from 2004 to 2019 could potentially receive a portion of a $5.54 billion settlement.
  • Act soon: Claims must be submitted by June 30, 2024.
 
Time Is Running Out - Act Now!
Don't miss out on your opportunity to receive funds from a $5.54 billion settlement reached with Visa and Mastercard for merchants who used their credit card services between January 1, 2004, and January 31, 2019.
  
Get ready to mark your calendars and gear up for AAHOA's much-anticipated inaugural Hotel Owners Conferences & Trade Shows of the year! This dynamic event series is set to kick off with the South Pacific and Greater Los Angeles Area Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show on Tuesday, May 21, followed by the North Pacific Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show on Thursday, May 23, both held in conjunction with California Hotel & Lodging Association.
 
Packed with industry insights, top-tier vendors, and networking opportunities galore, these conferences promise to be an indispensable resource for hotel owners looking to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're seeking to explore the latest trends in hospitality or eager to connect with fellow industry professionals, these events offer a prime platform to elevate your business strategies.
 
But that's not all! For the young and aspiring in the hospitality sector, don't miss out on the exclusive HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Evolve) Receptions taking place on Tuesday, May 21, and Wednesday, May 22. It's the perfect opportunity for young hoteliers to mingle with industry leaders and vendors.
 
So, prepare to be inspired, and join us as we embark on this exciting journey to reshape the landscape of the hospitality industry. We'll see you there!
Lead Designs LLC
Ajmera Law Group
AAHOA Advocacy in Action
Earlier this year, Congressman Shri Thanedar (MI-13) introduced H.R. 7242, the Loans in Our Neighborhoods (LIONS) Act. This piece of legislation would increase the maximum loan amount for the Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) program from $5 million to $10 million. AAHOA knows how important this increase would be for our industry, and we need your help to let Congress know. 
 
Write to your Member of Congress to garner support for this legislation and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 7242.Your voice can help move this legislation forward.
Featured Content
AAHOA Members: CBRE has an exclusive discount code when purchasing a Hotels Research Report!

During the checkout process, use the following discount code when prompted to receive a 10% discount:  AAHOA_CBRE24
 
Take advantage of this discount code and purchase a CBRE Hotels Research Report today!
HerOwnership
  
Get ready for the Third Annual AAHOA HerOwnership Conference & Retreat! Join us on September 12-13, 2024, in beautiful Redondo Beach, CA, for two inspiring days of networking, learning, and growth tailored for women in hospitality.
 
Mark your calendars now, and stay tuned for more details coming soon! You won't want to miss this empowering event.
American Pride Bank
Charter Communications Operating, LLC
Member Testimonial

"Why wouldn’t you come to AAHOACON? This is phenomenal. The energy - everybody brings it. The vendors, the hoteliers, the AAHOA staff, I mean, everything’s phenomenal. We love coming here. That’s why we’re upfront. We’re going to be even closer to the front next year."

-Matthew Hostetler, Chief Development Officer, Red Roof

Hotel Equities
Red Roof Inn
Featured Club Blue Member
  
HBO, the oldest and most award-winning premium channel in the U.S., is offering AAHOA Members the chance to earn money back. Members get a rebate of $9 per room (5-year contract) or $7 per room (3-or 4-year contract) when they add or renew HBO at their properties.
 
Click here today to complete the rebate form and get started.
DISH Business
Panasonic
Featured Member Benefit
  
Since 2007 Jacaruso Enterprises has led the industry in Remote Hotel Sales Services. We support over 3,500 hotels worldwide, ranging from suburban, urban, airport, and metropolitan to boutique hotels. Our dedicated team of Regional Sales Directors with diverse expertise ensure we always have the right fit for your hotel and market niche. We help you navigate sales resources and brand tools, champion your brand’s sales culture, and customize specific strategies to boost your hotel’s revenues and rankings.
Featured Platinum/Silver Partner
  
Red Roof is a leader in the economy lodging industry with franchised, corporate-managed, and corporate-owned properties, serving millions of guests each year. With coast-to-coast locations, Red Roof has over 360 properties in the U.S. The primary goal at Red Roof is to provide customers with savings without sacrificing comfort. The brand recently completed a $150 million investment to renovate and upgrade hotels nationwide with sleek and modern NextGen® redesign elements.
Red Lion Hotel Corp - Sonesta
PayRange
Industry News
A closely-watched legal case has been dismissed, as the presiding judge has thrown out a case that accused several massive hotel properties of colluding to fix prices.
(Source: Reuters)
On the back end of a pandemic recovery, many properties that have opened during the past couple of years are prepping for continued and new growth in the coming year and a half.
(Source: Forbes)
After key rulings by the Federal Trade Commission and U.S Department of Labor, hoteliers are preparing to adhere to the new rules, depending on whether they will stand up to potential Supreme Court review, especially in the case of the FTC's decision to ban non-compete agreements.
(Source: CoStar)
Naylor Association Solutions
Naylor Association Solutions
Today's Hotelier

Effective Leadership in a Multi-Generational Hotel Environment

in today’s evolving hotel industry goes beyond operational expertise. Hospitality leaders face the complex task of leading groups of people from diverse generations, each with unique viewpoints, beliefs, backgrounds, and communication preferences. Building an efficient, productive, and inclusive atmosphere requires supporting employees from all backgrounds and skill levels.

To succeed, hotels need to function like finetuned machines. Guest satisfaction depends on the seamless collaboration of hotel staff and service delivery excellence. It’s crucial for leaders to leverage diverse talents and skills appropriately and to carefully consider staff members’ ages.

Read more

In the Market
  
Truist Securities reports, “Overall U.S. RevPAR was +6.6% y/y for the week ending 5/11/2024, per STR, above the prior week's result of +0.5% y/y and above the trailing 10-week average of +0.9%. Last week's results reflected a bounce-back in business travel following the prior week's mediocre results (the prior week was the week after Passover and historically a stronger Group week when not also impacted by Easter timing). Last week Group RevPAR was +17.4% y/y vs. only +2.5% in the prior week. Many public company executives suggested on recent earnings calls that May would be the strongest RevPAR month of 2Q for their hotels. Upscale RevPAR: +6.3% y/y; Upper Midscale RevPAR +3.7% y/y.”
 
For more, read the full report here, read the China/Europe report here, and read the P&L analyzer here.
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