Hotelier Weekly
July 18, 2024
Champion PTAC, LLC
AAHOA News
Empowering Hoteliers: Webinar Recap on Managing Guest Misconduct and Ensuring Safety
This week, AAHOA hosted an essential webinar that addressed a topic brought to the forefront by the tragic passing of Hemant Mistry, an AAHOA Member, following a confrontation with a guest.
  • Expert Insights: The recent webinar, "Managing Guest Misconduct and Ensuring Safety," offered hoteliers invaluable tips for handling challenging situations with professionalism and authority. It featured Pooja Mehta, Esq., chair of AAHOA's Education and Professional Development Committee, Todd Seiders of Petra Risk Solutions, and Ralph Thiergart, AAHOA Vice President of Education & Professional Development.
  • Why it Matters: “We want to make you feel confident in understanding your rights as a business owner," said Seiders, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and knowledgeable.
  • Key Takeaways
    • Developing and posting clear property rules
    • Incorporating de-escalation phrases and techniques
    • Taking proactive measures to control situations early
    • Handling trespassing violations and other crimes
    • Recognizing signs of potential violence and taking appropriate action
    • Making a citizen's arrest and using pepper spray responsibly
The webinar is now available on demand on the AAHOA website as a free member benefit.
 
Why the AAHOA PAC Matters: AAHOA South Carolina Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show Raises Over $25k
AAHOA continues its streak in raising impressive PAC contributions at recent Hotel Owners Conferences & Trade Shows.
  • What Happened: Last week, at the AAHOA South Carolina Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show in Columbia, SC, over $25,000 was collected for PAC. There were also over 150 attendees, and AAHOA welcomed eight new members.
  • Why It Matters: The AAHOA PAC gives AAHOA the opportunity to advocate on behalf of its members on Capitol Hill and in state capitals across the country. AAHOA PAC would cease to exist without continual contributions and support from our members. All AAHOA Members are encouraged to become Members of AAHOA PAC and attend AAHOA PAC events in their regions.
 
Live La Dolce Vita at the 2024 HerOwnership Conference!
Get ready to live "la dolce vita" at the 2024 HerOwnership Conference by AAHOA!
 
After the incredible success of last year's Barbie-inspired Pink Party, sponsored by HBO, we're bringing a whole new vibe to this year's HerOwnership reception to honor the beauty of Redondo Beach.
  • You're Invited: Join us for an enchanting outdoor reception, exclusively for HerOwnership Conference attendees, as we transport you to the Italian Coast.
  • The Big Picture: At HerOwnership 2024, we'll celebrate our successes, empower one another, and embrace the true spirit of hospitality. Your journey in this industry is unique, and this year's event is all about celebrating you and embracing "la dolce vita" to live the sweet life to the fullest.
  • What's Next: AAHOA will soon be publishing the full agenda for HerOwnership 2024! Stay tuned for exciting updates regarding content, speakers, and more! 
  • 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. 
 
Turbocharged Success: AAHOA North Central Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show
What Happened: Yet another successful AAHOA event! Kudos to Regional Director Bhavesh N. Patel, our North Central Region Ambassadors, and the entire team for a turbocharged success at the North Central Region Hotel Owners Conference in Indianapolis! The event exceeded expectations, attracting over 100 attendees and raising nearly $10k for AAHOA PAC!
 
The Big Picture: Speakers were full-speed ahead, much like the racers at the famed Indianapolis Speedway. Attendees heard from Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, Red Roof President Zack Gharib, Patrick Tamm, President & CEO of the Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association, Joe Savarise, President & CEO of the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association, and Bharat Patel, Chairman & CEO of Sun Development & Management Corporation, for their invaluable contributions as guest speakers.
 
Click here to see the upcoming Hotel Owners Conferences & Trade Shows.
 
Asian Hospitality Magazine: Getting an Early Start
AAHOA Young Professionals were recently featured in Asian Hospitality Magazine, highlighting contributions from some of the youngest and brightest in the industry.
  • The Story: At 17, Krish Tolani is making a name in hospitality. He managed a $1M renovation at a Holiday Inn Express in Colorado at 16, balancing school and project duties. Raised in the industry by his father, Sunny Tolani, Krish values practical skills over just a college degree. Despite initial doubts, he earned respect from seasoned professionals.
  • What's Next: Krish’s future is bright. He plans to continue his education in business management while overseeing more hotel projects, including a $20K-per-room renovation in Colorado and a $15K-per-room conversion in Texas. He's also preparing for new build projects and getting his contractor's license.
  • AAHOA's Role: Krish's dedication and leadership exemplify the rising influence of young professionals in organizations like AAHOA. Figures like Chairman Miraj S. Patel, the youngest in the association’s history, inspire more youth involvement and leadership opportunities. 
 
AAHOA Member Nilay "Niel" Patel Gives Back-of-the-House Tour to Congressman Aaron Bean
What Happened: On Wednesday, July 10, AAHOA Member Nilay “Niel” Patel had the opportunity to give a Back-of-the-House tour to Congressman Aaron Bean (R-FL), who serves Florida’s 4th Congressional District. The tour was conducted at Microtel Inn and Suites Jacksonville Airport in Jacksonville, FL.
 
Why It Matters: During the tour, Patel discussed critical issues impacting small businesses with Congressman Bean, including convening a roundtable discussion in the hotel to talk about an increase in SBA 7(a) loans from $5 million to $10 million.
 
"The insights and perspectives shared during this tour were invaluable, and I'm optimistic about positive changes on the horizon," said Patel in a LinkedIn post about the tour.
 
AAHOA expresses gratitude to Congressman Bean for supporting hoteliers and small businesses, the backbone of America's economy.
 
Amerifab International, Inc.
AAHOA Advocacy in Action
Join the Waitlist for the 2024 AAHOA Fall National Advocacy Conference
The 2024 AAHOA Fall National Advocacy Conference is only a few months away, Sept. 18-19, 2024. If you are interested in attending this event, please join our waitlist by filling out this form. AAHOA Members will be admitted to this event on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
Why it Matters: Attending FNAC allows AAHOA Members to directly engage with Members of Congress, influencing policy decisions and protecting industry interests while networking with peers and strengthening AAHOA's advocacy efforts. This opportunity amplifies our collective voice, ensuring that the hospitality industry's needs are addressed and fostering a favorable business environment.
 
Bottom Line: You have until Friday, Aug. 23, to join the waitlist, so don't delay!
Read the Latest Edition: AAHOA In Your Corner Advocacy Brief
What's New: The latest edition of AAHOA's In Your Corner Advocacy Brief has been released, and it's packed with everything you need to know about AAHOA's recent advocacy efforts.
 
Why it Matters: This essential monthly resource is designed to keep members informed and engaged with AAHOA's ongoing efforts to advocate for the hospitality industry.
 
Topics from this month's edition include:
Advocacy Alert: Initiative Measure 2066 Heads to November Ballot
The State of Washington introduced legislation to shift from natural gas to electric alternatives. In response, AAHOA and partners gathered 546,000+ signatures to challenge this, surpassing the 375,000 goal. Initiative Measure 2066 will be on the ballot this November.
  • Why it Matters: Natural gas is vital for businesses like restaurants and breweries. A ban could disrupt operations. This initiative protects our industry’s needs.
  • What’s Next: Check your voting info on the AAHOA 2024 Resource Center. We'll keep you updated on Initiative Measure 2066.
Featured Content
AAHOA Announces New Educational Offerings
Through new partnerships with CoStar and AHLEI, AAHOA now offers its members exclusive discounts to access a suite of educational offerings for members and your staff. 
 
Deeper Dive:
 
American Pride Bank
Charter Communications Operating, LLC
AAHOA Education
On-Demand Featured Webinar: Smart LNR/CNR Tactics to Boost Revenues. Don't Miss Out!
Join us for a fun and dynamic webinar that can help add revenue to your top line. Winning your fair share of Local Negotiated Rate (LNR) and Corporate Negotiated Rate (CNR) business is highly competitive and there are specific strategies that are proven to work better than others. Let us show you what you can do and what you should never do! Too many hotel owners believe getting these contracts is the finish line of the race. In fact, it's just the beginning. Learn how you can make your contracts generate even more room nights through online platforms, global sales teams, travel management companies, and partnerships.
Red Roof Inn
Featured Club Blue Member
AVENDRA
  
As North America’s leading hospitality procurement services provider, Avendra offers AAHOA Members competitive pricing from its 800+ supplier contracts. Earn huge savings on engineering, rooms operations, administrative, replacement FF&E, and more! Check out the website or call 866-AVENDRA and start saving today!
DISH Business
Panasonic
Featured Member Benefit
MASSMUTUAL/BENECHOICE
  
Group whole life insurance issued by MassMutual offer for AAHOA Members with special underwriting! Elect up to $250,000 with only a few health questions to determine insurability; no medical exam required! (Must be enrolled through BeneChoice.) Also available to AAHOA Members through BeneChoice – additional benefits for your employees that are made available at no direct cost to you/the owner!
Featured Platinum/Silver Partner
RED ROOF
  
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.
PayRange
Industry News
With Tiny Shampoo Bottles Soon to Be Banned, NY Hotels Weigh Options
As New York prepares to enforce a ban on single-use plastics, hotels are working to implement solutions that could negatively affect their bottom lines in the short term, though evidence does indicate properties with earth-friendly policies often attract greater numbers of bookings.
(Source: The New York Times)
Hotels Remain a 'People Business' Despite Rise of AI
Even as hospitality-specific artificial intelligence solutions evolve, hoteliers are still finding one of their greatest assets to be their flesh-and-blood team members, with labor remaining a key concern for operators.
(Source: CoStar)
Report: U.S. Hotels Added 700 Jobs in June
According to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. hotels were able to add numbers to the overall workforce, but the number is a drop in the bucket when compared against the current vacancies at properties.
(Source: Asian Hospitality)
Naylor Association Solutions
Today's Hotelier

The power of prediction

In the dynamic world of hospitality, where market trends can shift rapidly and customer preferences evolve constantly, data provides hoteliers with valuable insights into historical patterns. Hoteliers can leverage data to accurately anticipate demand, optimizing operational efficiency and revenue management, as they can run targeted marketing campaigns and maximise upsell opportunities.

Business intelligence solutions provide the in-depth insights hoteliers desire. From booking trends to market insights at the portfolio or property level, the depth of understanding a hotelier can gain from business intelligence can help create a powerful hotel strategy. Let’s dive in and look at some of the key strategic benefits of business intelligence solutions.

Read more
In the Market
U.S. RevPAR -5.2% y/y Last Week. Extended Holidays = the New Normal and a Business Travel Headwind
  
As Truist Securities wrote, “Overall U.S. RevPAR was -5.2% y/y for the week ending 7/13/2024, per STR, below the prior week's result of -0.4% y/y and below the trailing 10-week average of +1.5%. Last week's results were simply quite soft across the board. Our best interpretation was that last week was another example of the post-COVID trend of weak transient and group corporate travel for the weeks surrounding a major holiday (July 4th in this case). That said, results also were soft for leisure-leaning Resort markets and the Economy chain scale (RevPAR y/y: -11.5% and -4.7%, respectively). Top 25 Market results were mixed but on average RevPAR was -7%. Upscale RevPAR: -4.5% y/y; Upper Midscale RevPAR: -3.6% y/y.”
 
For more, read the full report here, and read the China/Europe report here.