Hotelier Weekly
December 12, 2024
Champion PTAC, LLC
AAHOA News
Take Advantage of Early Access Rates - Register Today for AAHOACON25!
New Ideas. New Connections. New Orleans.
 
Get ready for the hospitality event of the year! With the industry’s largest trade show, powerful keynotes, and transformative educational sessions, AAHOACON25 is more than a convention—it’s where innovation, networking, and success come to life.

This year, join us in vibrant New Orleans! Immerse yourself in an unforgettable atmosphere while gaining the tools, insights, and partnerships to shape the future of hospitality.
 
Lifetime Members: Early access rates start at just $199—register by December 31 to take advantage of this special offer!
 
Take a look at the brand-new AAHOACON25 promo video and get excited for the event of the year! 
 
ICYMI: Lifetime Member Sweepstakes
  • Lifetime Members, register for AAHOACON25 by December 31, 2024, at the exclusive Early Access rate of $199, and you'll be entered to win:
 
Now Open: 2025-26 AAHOA Board of Directors Nominations
Calling All AAHOA Members!
 
Are you:
✅ Energetic and motivated to help AAHOA achieve its goals?
✅ A connector who can unite hotel owners and industry leaders with AAHOA?
✅ Passionate about serving the hospitality industry?
 
If you answered YES to any of these, it's your time to lead!
 
Apply to Serve on the 2025-2026 AAHOA Board of Directors.
We’re seeking dedicated members who want to see AAHOA thrive and make a difference in our industry. Submit nominations here.
 
📅 Nomination Deadline: Saturday, February 15, 2025
Learn more about the 2025 AAHOA Elections and Candidates here.
 
RECAP: Marriott International Brand Development Forum
What Happened: AAHOA connected hotel owners with Marriott leadership at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel for a day of insights and opportunities on Thursday, December 5, at the Marriott International Brand Development Forum.
 
Event Highlights:
✔️ Development opportunities and the Marriott application process
✔️ Networking with Marriott executives
✔️ Brand insights on Fairfield Inn, Aloft, City Express by Marriott, and more
✔️ Marriott's Executive Excellence Program
 
Special thanks to Marriott representatives Bobby Molinary, Chief Development Officer, U.S. Select Brands and Diana Plazas-Trowbridge, Senior Vice President & Global Brand Leader - Select Brands for their leadership and engagement throughout the event.
 
Thank you to all who joined us in shaping the future of hospitality!
 
Stay Ahead of the Holiday Rush This Season -- Secure Your Right to Vote in the 2025 AAHOA Elections!
Winter may be slow, but deadlines don't wait! There are only 19 days left to ensure you are eligible to vote in the 2025 AAHOA Elections.
 
In order to be eligible to vote on April 16, 2025, you must satisfy the following requirements:
  • Become a Lifetime Member on or before December 31, 2024 OR
  • Have paid your Annual Membership dues no less than twice in the previous three calendar years, AND
  • Renew your Annual Membership on or before Sunday, March 2, 2025
Reminders:
  • Renewing your 2024 membership also impacts your eligibility to vote in the 2025 AAHOA Election.
  • You can sign up for automatic renewals or upgrade your membership 24/7 at MyAAHOA.com.
  • The 2025 AAHOA Elections will take place online, and all eligible voters will be able to participate, regardless of geographic location.
 
AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake and Lobbyist Neal Patel Recognized as Top Lobbyists by The Hill
AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake and Neal Patel of Patel Partners have been named among The Hill’s Top Lobbyists of 2024. This honor recognizes their exceptional advocacy and leadership during a pivotal year for the hotel industry.
 
Why it matters:
  • This marks another milestone for Blake and Patel, who have earned this distinction before.
  • Their efforts spotlight the challenges and opportunities facing hoteliers, including labor shortages, access to capital, and regulatory reform.
The bigger picture:
AAHOA's advocacy reached new heights in 2024, including the introduction of the historic Loans in Our Neighborhoods (LIONS) Act, the association’s first direct role in federal legislation.
 
What they’re saying:
  • Blake: "This recognition belongs to the thousands of AAHOA Members whose voices inspire our work every day."
  • Neal Patel: "Hotel owners embody the American Dream, and I’m honored to advocate for their success."
  • Chairman Miraj S. Patel: "Congratulations to Laura Lee and Neal—your dedication continues to make a lasting impact."
AAHOA remains steadfast in championing the interests of hotel owners at every level of government.
 
Representative Keith Self (R-TX) Takes AAHOA Back-of-the-House Tour in Allen, TX
Recently, Rep. Keith Self (R-TX) joined AAHOA North Texas Ambassador Jayant (Jay) Patel for a Back-of-the-House Tour at the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Allen, TX.
 
What happened:
  • Rep. Self met with Patel’s partners and hotel staff to get an inside look at hotel operations.
  • They discussed key issues impacting hoteliers, including:
    • The Loans In Our Neighborhoods (LIONS) Act and the Credit Card Competition Act.
    • The ongoing labor shortages challenging small businesses.
 
Celebrate Excellence: Nominate A Fellow Member Today for the Annual AAHOA Awards!
What's Happening: The AAHOA Annual Awards are an incredible way to recognize the members and properties that exemplify excellence in our industry. From leadership and philanthropy to advocacy and community service, these awards celebrate the best of hospitality.
 
Awards include:
  • AAHOA Award of Excellence
  • Cecil B. Day Community Service Award
  • Outreach Award for Philanthropy
  • Outstanding HerOwnership Award of Excellence
  • Outstanding HYPE Award of Excellence
  • Political Forum Award for Advocacy
  • IAHA Independent Hotel of the Year Award
Deeper Dive: Recipients will be celebrated and announced at AAHOACON25 in New Orleans. The deadline to nominate is February 14, 2025. Submit your nominations here. Help celebrate the best of the best in hospitality and nominate someone today!
 
PayRange
AAHOA Advocacy in Action
Support the Hotel Industry! Credit Card Competition Act Update
What Happened: On Dec. 3, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the Credit Card Competition Act. Senators criticized Visa and Mastercard for monopolistic practices hurting small businesses.
 
Key Points:
  • Chairman Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Marshall (R-KS) called for more competition.
  • Since 2006, the credit card industry has collected $1.1 trillion in swipe fees.
  • Even bill opponents, like Sen. Tillis (R-NC), admitted small businesses have valid concerns.
Why it matters: Small businesses need relief from rising swipe fees.
 
Take action: Contact your elected officials and urge support for the Credit Card Competition Act. Your voice can help drive change.
AAHOA Members: Last Call for Input on SBA Loan Limits
What's Happening: We need your input to support our advocacy efforts for the Loans In Our Neighborhoods (LIONS) Act (H.R. 9176), which proposes increasing Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan limits from $5 million to $10 million.
 
Why It Matters: Your insights are crucial! By completing a brief 3-question survey by 11:59 p.m. EST TOMORROW, December 13, 2024, you'll help us advocate for greater financial support, benefiting our community and entrepreneurs across America.
 
Your responses are essential to our collective efforts. When we each play a small role, we can make a big impact.
Featured Content
Reminder: Nominate a Young Professional for the 35 Under 35 Awards!
Get ready to celebrate the next generation of hospitality leaders! The "35 Under 35" Award Program will launch at the 2025 AAHOA HYPE Conference to spotlight young professionals shaping the future of hospitality. These trailblazers—under 35 and already making waves in hotel ownership, management, associations, and hospitality brands—are setting new standards in innovation, leadership, and dedication.
 
Ready to elevate the industry? Join us in honoring the leaders who are driving it forward!
 
Click the link below to nominate a young professional today!
 
American Pride Bank
Charter Communications Operating, LLC
Decorative Ceiling Tiles, Inc.
Red Roof Inn
Featured Club Blue Member
LOWE'S PRO
  
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 lowes.com/l/Pro/AAHOA. 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 Julie Patel (julie.patel@lowes.com) to get started.
Condair Ltd.
Featured Member Benefit
FORTIS
  
Simplify hospitality payments with the Fortis Platform. Our all-in-one solution seamlessly integrates into your property management system, specialty solution, or hospitality interface. Our Guides help tailor our proprietary platform to meet your specific needs and connect you with the right solutions for your guests.
Featured Platinum/Silver Partner
BEST WESTERN HOTELS & RESORTS
  
BWH Hotels is a leading global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels®. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide. With 19 unique brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market, as each brand offers its own personality and style.
Inn-Flow
Cox Business
Panasonic
Avendra
Today's Hotelier

Examining the Effect of Governmental Turnover on AAHOA’s Advocacy Efforts

Next month, Donald Trump will once again take the oath of the President of the United States as he becomes the 47th United States President. His election to the country’s highest office marked the culmination of a hugely contentious election cycle, which included numerous races for governor, seats in Congress, and many others. Now, a much clearer picture of the next four years is beginning to emerge from the fog of campaign season.

As the incoming administration starts to take shape and more is learned about policy priorities and legislative agendas across the country, AAHOA is paying close attention and developing its own strategies for addressing the hospitality industry’s most pressing concerns.

Read More
In the Market
U.S. RevPAR +4.3% y/y Last Week; Holiday Comp Tailwinds
As Truist Securities wrote,“Overall U.S. RevPAR was +4.3% y/y for the week ending 12/7/2024, per STR/ CoStar, above the prior week's result of -10.5% y/y and above the trailing 10-week average of +3.5% y/y. A few dynamics impacted last week's results. Most impactful to us are two holiday calendar shifts. Chanukah was in last year's comp (starts on Christmas Day this year); there was strong weekend headline RevPAR y/y of ~+12-13%. Second is continued impact from Thanksgiving's shift later by a week – largely positive to Group last week post-holiday but with lagging business travel after the holiday. Finally, we see a continuation of hurricane-related displacement demand. Upscale RevPAR: +1.0% y/y; Upper Midscale RevPAR: +3.7% y/y”.
 
For more, read the full report here, and read the China/Europe report here.