We’re excited to announce that the 2017 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show will feature three keynote speakers! Over three days, convention attendees will welcome keynote speakers Marcus Lemonis, an author and the star of CNBC’s "The Profit"; David Robinson, a 10-time NBA All-Star, Hall of Famer and multiple-business owner; and Scott Kelly, U.S. Navy Capt. (Ret.) and astronaut.

The "travel ban" issued by President Trump earlier this month has had a significant impact on individuals across myriad industries. AAHOA President and CEO offered an exclusive comment to "Hotel Business," one of the industry’s most respected and longest-standing publications.

Florida hoteliers: Your state lawmakers are considering a proposal to cut travel and tourism funding to VISIT FLORIDA, the initiative that encouraged over 106 million people to visit the state in 2015. As hoteliers who rely on the tourism economy to develop our businesses and create jobs, we need to act now to prevent this disastrous legislation from becoming law. If you were unable to participate in one of this week’s rallies, click here to send a letter to your local elected officials in support of tourism.

Thanks to your continued engagement, the AAHOA Government Affairs team is participating this week as a finalist at the Reed Awards Conference in Las Vegas! At this national conference, the best legislative and political campaigns of 2016 will be awarded. 

On Feb. 21–22, Marriott will host its Diversity Ownership Educational Summit in Bethesda, Maryland. Don’t miss this chance to engage with Marriott leadership, gain valuable networking contacts and learn about the Marriott family of brands. Click here to learn more and find out how to register!

Calling all Missouri hoteliers! AAHOA and the Missouri Hotel & Lodging Association will host the 2017 Missouri State Capitol Lobby Day on Wednesday, Feb. 22, and Thursday, Feb. 23. This is a can’t-miss opportunity to talk face to face with your elected representatives, so don’t miss out! Click here for more info and to register. 

If you missed the American Express Chargeback and Dispute webinar series last year, here is your opportunity to hear these exclusive webinars and also participate in a live Q&A session. American Express will go through some common myths on credit card disputes, as well as best practices and tips to help prevent them.

The guest of today is tech-dependent and has little time to waste. Technology has allowed for innovative tools that can enhance the guest experience while increasing overall efficiency within your hotel. Learn about different types of guest-driven technology ranging from mobile check-in to apps that can alert departments for service needs. 

 ● Uber is the smartest way to get around

As expected, Airbnb acquired Montreal-based Luxury Retreats International in an effort to help it expand in high-end vacation rentals and travel services, it announced today. This follows earlier reports on talks between the two companies. No official price was disclosed but estimates are that Airbnb purchased Luxury Retreats for anywhere from $200 million to $300 million.

As G6 Hospitality adds India to its list of expansion markets, the Dallas company is also aggressively expanding its digital presence to make revenue management and guest interaction more efficient, according to EVP Lance Miceli.

In spite of a frenetic 2016 that included the spin-off of Park Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Grand Vacations, an historic election and shifting global politics, Hilton managed to achieve some significant growth across several metrics.

Last February, Hilton launched "Stop Clicking Around," a campaign to drive direct bookings and encourage membership in Hilton HHonors, the Hilton rewards program. At the same time, Marriott International introduced a digital campaign called #itpaystobookdirect, which offered guests a price match and an additional 25-percent discount, should they find a cheaper rate on a non-Marriott website. Other brands followed suit, and 2016 became the year of the direct-booking craze...

We talk to hotel owners every day who want the long-term interest rate savings and ability to take unlimited cash out that CMBS financing offers, but still settle for a recourse loan through their local bank when refinancing or securing a purchase loan. They may worry that the CMBS process will be too complex, too expensive or more often just don’t think they will need the risk-management benefits of non-recourse financing.

The United States hotel industry has seen supply numbers creep up in recent years. In October, the U.S. saw 4,561 hotels with 554,226 rooms under contract in the pipeline, a year-over-year increase of 21.8 percent in room count, according to STR. But with so much supply coming online, some hoteliers might wonder what markets are safe to place their bets.