 
|
When America's hoteliers take action, Congress listens.
- What's New: AAHOA just launched its new Advocacy Action Alert Center on AAHOA.com!
- Why it Matters: AAHOA's Advocacy Action Alert Center provides you the resources you need to contact your representatives, tell your story, and promote AAHOA’s top legislative priorities. When we each play a small role, we can have a great impact.
- More Advocacy Updates:
Stay tuned for further updates as AAHOA works to keep members informed.
AAHOA Members: Receive Complimentary Registration to HITEC!
HITEC, a destination for 5,000+ professionals interested in hospitality technology and its implementation, ready to exchange ideas, is coming to the Charlotte Convention Center next week.
- FREE PASS: As an AAHOA Member, you can take advantage of a Complimentary Exhibits Pass.
- The Details: This pass is valid for qualified buyers and includes professionals employed in hotels, resorts, casinos, restaurants, clubs, etc. The show pass includes access to the HITEC Exhibit Hall (Tuesday–Thursday), Welcome Reception, HITEC Headliner Sessions, E20X Pitch Competition, Exhibitor Tutorials, and Technology Showcase sessions.
AAHOA Washington DC Area Regional Director Deepak Patel and his team had a productive meeting with Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott White and his colleagues in Richmond, VA.
- Key Participants
- Scott White: Virginia Insurance Commissioner, Vice President of NAIC
- Zuhairah Tillinghaat: Deputy Insurance Commissioner, Virginia
- Andrea Baytop: Chief Insurance Market Examiner, Property & Casualty, Virginia
- Some Key Takeaways
- Rising Insurance Rates: Addressed concerns over increasing insurance rates in Virginia.
- Human Trafficking Liability: Discussed the trend of insurance carriers dropping human trafficking liability coverage despite hoteliers' compliance and staff training.
- Claims Payout Issues: Raised issues with delays and lowballing in claims payouts.
- Action Points
- Commissioner White encouraged hoteliers to reach out for assistance with any specific future issues.
AAHOA's first Women's Town Hall event in Little Rock, AR, was a hit! About 240 women attended, making it a landmark event.
Key Highlights:
- Lindsay M. Moore, Director of Code Enforcement from the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing: Explained labor laws and overtime salary vs. hourly employees.
- Kirti Patidar, Licensed Financial Professional: Shared tips on future asset planning.
- Vimal Bava, CPA: Discussed taxes, business, personal benefits, and tax planning gains.
Why it matters: This event empowered women with vital knowledge and fostered community connections.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and speakers for making this event an extraordinary success.
 Grab your clubs and join fellow AAHOA Members on Monday, Aug. 19, at the prestigious Camas Meadows Golf Club in Camas, WA, for a day of fun and making a positive impact in the Northwest Region.
- Why Participate?
- Support Local Causes: By joining the AAHOA Charity Golf Tournaments, you'll make a meaningful impact on local charities throughout the Northwest region. Last year alone, these tournaments raised nearly $350,000 for 20 different charities.
- A Memorable Golfing Experience: Enjoy a fun and competitive day of golf suitable for players of all skill levels. Participate in various contests, such as the longest drive and closest-to-the-pin, adding an exciting competitive edge to the event.
- Networking with Industry Leaders: Meet and connect with fellow hoteliers, industry professionals, and suppliers who share your dedication to philanthropy and hospitality. Build new relationships, exchange ideas, and expand your network while enjoying a day on the course.
Space is limited! You're encouraged to register early to ensure participation in this memorable event.
What happened: Last week, AAHOA hosted a Northwest Region Town Hall in Klamath Falls, OR – the first AAHOA event in Klamath County in 35 years. The town hall was a resounding success, with over 85 hospitality industry professionals in attendance.
Who attended: The evening featured insightful speakers who provided valuable perspectives on Southern Oregon’s hospitality industry, including:
- Heather Harter (Klamath County Chamber of Commerce)
- Andrew Stork (Klamath County Economic Development Association)
- Raena Nielsen (Discover Klamath Visitor & Convention Bureau)
- Jenifer Roe (Discover Klamath Visitor & Convention Bureau)
Congratulations to AAHOA Member Dhrushil Patel for hosting this event, and Taran Patel, AAHOA Northwest Regional Director, and the AAHOA Northwest Ambassadors for executing an extremely successful town hall.
|
Members of the Greater Los Angeles Area Region, under the leadership of Regional Director Naresh (ND) Bhakta, provided testimony to the Los Angeles City Council regarding its police permitting process. The Council was scheduled to vote on delaying the implementation of the police permit application from July 2024 to January 2025. Instead, the motion was moved to the Public Safety and Planning and Land Use Committee for further discussion.
- Background: Language impacting the hotel police permit section (Sec.103.400 - 409) was added to the original motion without the hotelier's input late last year. On Nov. 20, 2023, the LA Police Commission released a draft for the hotel permitting process.
- Why it Matters: This new language would require hoteliers to submit police permit applications every year to be eligible for business licenses and a five-year penalty for a violation. The new language also lists grounds for permit application denials, including grounds for disciplinary action (e.g., a hotel manager convicted of a felony).
| |
On June 5, Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-05) introduced H.J.Res.166 to block President Biden’s Department of Labor’s (DOL) new Overtime Rule from taking effect. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) is leading the Senate companion.
- Why it Matters: The DOL’s rule, which goes into effect July 1, would expand overtime pay eligibility to roughly 4 million workers by raising the exemption threshold annual salary to $58,656 and updating that rate every three years.
- Deeper Dive: Business groups sued the DOL in a federal district court in Texas on May 21 over the Overtime Rule, claiming the department went beyond its authority under theFair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The lawsuit also claimed the rule violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
- Small Role, Big Impact: Write your legislator to let them know how DOL’s Overtime Rule will impact you and ask them to support Rep. Walberg & Senator Braun in their efforts to block the rule from taking effect.
|
Two AAHOA Member fathers witness the next generation take the helm, embodying family legacy and dedication in the hotel industry.
- New Leadership: Maya Hotels promotes Parimal Thakor to president and AAHOA Lifetime Member Krishna Deva to CEO. The two are succeeding founders Baldev Thakor and JD Deva, also AAHOA Members.
- Reflecting on the Past: Parimal and Krishna recall childhood memories and advice from their fathers, echoing the experiences of many AAHOA Members.
- Celebrating Bonds: Their stories honor professional achievements and the enduring bond between fathers and children, inspiring the hospitality community's future.
- Why it Matters: This partnership aims to reduce commissions for all OTAs. By combining technology with industry influence, Bookit N Go intends to highlight a better way of doing business that lowers commissions while improving customer service.
- AAHOA Member Benefit: This collaboration offers a 10% commission for all directly connected hotels, which can increase bookings flowing directly to all AAHOA Member hotels through Bookit N Go.
AAHOA announced that registration is NOW OPEN for the Third Annual HerOwnership Conference by AAHOA!
- Why it Matters: In its third year, the HerOwnership conference is one of AAHOA’s most popular annual events, dedicated to networking, wellness, women empowerment, and education for women in hospitality. It provides an incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders and fellow women entrepreneurs.
- What You Need to Know: Registration is FREE for AAHOA Members, and non-members can attend for $199, which will convert to an Annual AAHOA Membership after attending the Conference.
|
|
Almost 90% of hotel owners pay more in property taxes than they should. This is because your hotel's market value is not its taxable value. Most hotel owners, management companies, tax assessors, and consultants do not know the difference. Discover a way to potentially reduce your property taxes and build your net operating income. Join us to hear from Abraham Tieh, director of national commercial property tax at O'Connor & Associates.
Are chargebacks hurting your hotel's profits? Feeling powerless against them? Good news: You can minimize chargebacks and protect your business. There are actionable strategies to prevent chargebacks from occurring and win them when they happen. Join us for a webinar brought to you by AAHOA and Canary Technologies. We’ll tackle the challenges hotel owners and general managers face when dealing with chargebacks and explore tactical solutions to overcome them.
|
|
New Orleans-based Gauthier, Murphy & Houghtaling Law has had a leading role in litigation that has shaped the civil landscape in the U.S. for more than 50 years. Their attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in many areas, including business litigation, natural disaster litigation, class actions, insurance disputes, and more and have secured hundreds of billions of dollars (yes, with a "B") in verdicts and settlements for their clients. Check out their website to see how they can help with your legal needs.
All Insurance Underwriters (AIU) is a National Managing General Agency giving AAHOA Members the option to retain current Insurance Agents. We also offer all Commercial General Lines of insurance, together packaged with Worker’s compensation (where applicable) extra savings can be found. Check out the website for more information on AAHOA Member benefits, and fill out a form to contact one of our dedicated team members.
Ecolab, the global industry leader in hotel cleaning and sanitization, offers preferred pricing to AAHOA Members. Save on laundry, housekeeping, kitchen, pool and spa chemical programs, and more! For more information, please visit the website, then contact Michael Pfister ( Michael.pfister@ecolab.com) or call 952-852-0926 today!
As middle-class Americans continue to feel the pinch of rising costs and scale back on purchases and travel plans, hotels at the upper end of the market are experiencing a continued surge in bookings.
(Source: CoStar)
Despite setbacks and persistent challenges, the hotel industry remains resilient and continues to experience year-over-year growth.
(Source: Calcluated Risk)
Even though many properties have tried raising hourly rates for employees, the workforce shortage continues, with more than three-quarters of all hotels in the country in need of additional workers.
(Source: The Washington Times)
|
|
 |
The Building Blocks of Successful Hotel Operations
If you notice an empty soda can or candy-bar wrapper on the floor at the Courtyard by Marriott in Cartersville, GA, the litter might be an inside job.
General Manager Don Griffin said he often drops a piece of trash in the hallway of the 118-room hotel prior to giving new hires a tour of the property. When they see the GM bend down and pick up the trash, it drives home the message the hotel has high standards, and meeting them is everyone’s responsibility, he said.
"I want them to see I care enough to do that, and I want them to do that, because the next person who’s going to see that is the guest," Griffin said. "It’s about culture and accountability."
Read more
|
Truist Securities reports, “Overall U.S. RevPAR was +0.3% y/y for the week ending 6/15/2024, per STR, below the prior week's result of +1.7% y/y and below the trailing 10-week average of +2.1%. As demand increasingly shifts to summer (leisure) and less to business travel, we see RevPAR growth progressing in a softer direction. The strongest performing hotels continue to be urban full-service with business orientation and markets with strong international inbound demand. We assume some impact from the Juneteenth holiday, which was on the following Monday last year (long weekend) versus the following Wednesday this year. Weekend RevPAR y/y was -5% vs. the prior week of +1%. Upscale RevPAR: +1.2% y/y; Upper Midscale RevPAR: -0.4% y/y.”
For more, read the full report here, and read the China/Europe report here.
|
AAHOA South Carolina Town Hall - North Charleston, SC
