AAHOA is committed to being the foremost resource and advocate for America’s hotel owners and that has never been more important than now when the businesses of hotel owners across the country are struggling. In our association’s ongoing commitment to best serve members in 2021 and beyond, our 2021-2023 Strategic Plan prioritizes that goal by staffing to support our mission. To that end, we are proud to announce that Michael Forrest, MBA, CFE (AAHOA Vice President of Franchise Relations) and Ashli Johnson, MS, CHT (AAHOA Vice President of Education) are joining our Executive Leadership Team. Rachel Humphrey will now serve as AAHOA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Learn more.

Registration is now open for all six events on AAHOA's 2021 Charity Golf Tournament schedule. We invite players and sponsors to join us at some of the country’s top golf courses as we come together to support local charities and continued COVID-19 relief efforts. It also will be a great opportunity to network in person once again while enjoying a beautiful day of competitive golf. Event participants’ well-being, health, and safety at our AAHOA Charity Golf Tournaments are our No. 1 priority, so we are taking all necessary precautions to keep you safe. AAHOA will provide face coverings, hand sanitizer, and proper health and safety measures at all of our events. Check the list below and sign up for the event near you!

With a new administration in place, two vaccines now available, and a second stimulus package offering help for businesses struggling to stay profitable amid an ongoing pandemic, what do hoteliers need to know to stay on top of the latest changes? Last Thursday, AAHOA hosted a roundtable featuring our industry's leading Association CEOs – Cecil P. Staton, President & CEO, AAHOA; Roger Dow, President & CEO, U.S. Travel Association; and Chip Rogers, President & CEO, AHLA – who looked at how recent developments are affecting hotel properties across the nation and what to expect in 2021 and beyond. The three discussed a wide variety of topics, including how COVID-19 continues to disrupt our industry, industry predictions and sentiment, where the traveling public stands regarding trust and confidence, and much more. Watch the on-demand video.

Hotel owners are relying on industry data more than ever to make critical decisions for their businesses right now. That's why AAHOA is proud to offer Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) virtually, the program that teaches you how to read, understand, and interpret statistical hotel data to help you strategically set rates and make business decisions. Space is limited and selling out fast. Held in partnership with STR, AHLEI, and ICHRIE, the CHIA is the leading certification for industry professionals focused on analytics. Make sure you've got the tools you need in your belt to help navigate this challenging season. The exam is a timed 90 minutes and will be administered Friday, March 26 through Monday, March 29 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Registration is capped at the first 50 registrants and only members in good standing can participate. Our exclusive, heavily discounted, members-only rate is $199. Not a member? No problem! It's quick and easy to become one today to unlock this special rate and access countless other benefits. Register today to get your certification!

AAHOA is bringing you a series of COVID-19-related webcasts that will keep you informed and help determine next steps for your business. We have educated more than 50,000 hoteliers to date and feature more than 240 webcasts separated by category in our library. AAHOA makes these webcasts available to the industry, so share with those in your network, whether they're an AAHOA Member or not. 

In a recent Morning Consult survey, a whopping 72 percent of respondents said concerns about cleanliness and sanitization affect their decision on whether to stay in a hotel. AAHOA has partnered with P&G Professional to create the AAHOA/P&G Professional’s Training in Hotel Sanitization and Cleanliness. This all-digital program covers what hoteliers need to know as it relates to the effective sanitization of your property. This program is completely FREE and is available to the entire hospitality industry. Download our infographic to learn more and sign up for this valuable training today!

Truist Securities (formerly SunTrust Robinson Humphrey) reports, “Economy (-6.4%) was the relatively strongest chain scale for branded hotels; Upper Upscale was the weakest at -62.6%. Upscale (-46.4%) underperformed the industry average; Upper Midscale (-34.0%) outperformed. We note a number of puts/takes to last week’s results that arguably helped results, including a leisure-centric holiday week and Texas weather-related relocations. We also noted unusual strength on Sunday night for Atlanta, Denver, and Philadelphia, all with y/y positive occupancy growth where Top 25 Markets were -15.1% in aggregate.”

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. An Enhanced Rebate offer of up to $14 per room also is available at www.HBObulk.com through March.

As the world's leading provider of electronic locks, in-room safes and energy management solutions, Onity offers a full spectrum of advanced facility management technology. With an integrated range of products and a vast global support network, we provide the power of real solutions and reliable support to maximize the efficiency of your operations today and into the future. Onity locks are simple to program and easy to use, providing dependable protection while keeping lock-related issues to a minimum. For more information, contact Mark Lewitt or visit www.onity.com today.

The members of AHIA specialize in hospitality industry legal issues and have a minimum of five years' experience for in-house counsel and 10 years' experience for outside counsel. All AHIA members are committed to promoting professionalism, continuing education, and improved communication, which creates a network of competent experienced attorneys committed to improving legal services throughout the hospitality industry. Access their nationwide directory to find a hospitality industry lawyer near you.

The reality of the economy's current status means there is an overabundance of idle capital that hasn't been invested during the past 12 months. And that could have enormous ramifications for struggling hoteliers.

In what will surely be a welcome piece of news for hoteliers, Deloitte reports a recent uptick in travel intentions and improving consumer activity, which points to a gradual recovery beginning to take hold in the hospitality industry.

With the industry beginning to see signs of a recovery on the horizon, how will hospitality focus on the issue of technological advancements in a post-pandemic world?