Hoteliers in GA, FL, AL, and around the nation are celebrating a significant win in the continued fight against predatory ADA “drive-by” lawsuits. In 2017, AAHOA filed with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals an amicus brief in Gil v. Winn-Dixie arguing against any interpretation of the ADA that extended compliance to private website accessibility, and in its opinion last week, the Court agreed with our position that websites are not places of public accommodation subject to the ADA. This court ruling is an important win for those hoteliers in the 11th Circuit against these predatory ADA lawsuits. Furthermore, now that the 9th and 11th Circuits have taken opposing stances, there is a greater likelihood that this specific issue will be taken up by the Supreme Court in an effort to create one uniform national standard.

The first two events on our 2021 Charity Golf Tournaments schedule were smashing successes! Between the two events - the AAHOA Southeast Texas Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament, held April 6 in Houston, and the AAHOA Southwest-Phoenix Charity Golf Tournament, held April 8 in Chandler, AZ - we raised more than $100,000 for the Houston Chapter of Sewa International, Rise Against Hunger, Nora's Home, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, East Valley Firefighter Charities Foundation, and St. Marys Food Bank. There are four events left this year, so it's not too late for you to join the fun and experience the joy of giving. Register for one - or all! - today and help us support worthwhile charities and ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts.

AAHOACON21, our first in-person convention and trade show since 2019, will be here before you know it and excitement is already building! With leading names in the industry, incredible insights from experts you trust, inspiration around every corner, and the chance to network, learn, and make deals on the trade show floor – all in person – you do not want to miss this year’s event, set for August 3-6 in Dallas, TX. But we need your help to get the word out. Apply this exclusive AAHOACON21 Facebook frame to your profile picture, use this flyer with important links on how to register and get ready for Dallas, then RSVP and share your excitement on LinkedIn and invite your connections to attend. We can’t wait to see you in Dallas, so register today! Reminder: Lifetime Members, you're eligible for complimentary registration to the convention if you register on or before Sunday, June 4.

We had a great event on Tuesday as hotel owners joined AAHOA Chairman Biran Patel and President & CEO Cecil P. Staton for Grand Reopening Celebration & Learning, an exclusive informational and networking event hosted by AAHOA and AHLA featuring O'Connor & Associates at the Westin Dallas Park Central Hotel in Dallas, TX. The free event featured networking before AAHOA and AHLA presented "Hotels Back In Business," which was followed by an exclusive presentation by O'Connor & Associates, "COVID Impact on 2021 Hotel Property Taxes." 

We all know these past 12 months have been unlike anything we've ever seen. But this is just one of the many reasons AAHOA exists – to unite behind a common cause and weather any storm together. And the more hoteliers we can help – and the more hoteliers we represent – the more we can help hotels across America thrive. Help us build a stronger AAHOA by renewing your hotelier annual membership. If you do so by June 30, you will be eligible to win roundtrip coach airfare to Dallas and three nights’ accommodations at the Omni for AAHOACON21.* The drawing to determine the winner is July 1, and there is no requirement to register for convention to enter the sweepstakes.

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 attendees 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, “On a 2-year run-rate, RevPAR was down 29.6% vs. down 27.1% in the prior week’s 2-year run-rate. We note the huge contrast in growth rates (2-yr comparison) for Miami/Tampa/Orlando (and likely non-Top 25 markets in Florida) vs. NYC (especially) and other urban business/group markets such as SF, Boston, Chicago, DC. Please see our back pages for detail. The y/y and 2-year comparisons are quite noisy given lower Spring Break demand and the Passover/Good Friday/Easter holiday comp (Easter was 4/4/21 vs. 4/12/20 and 4/21/19). Upscale was +314.8% and -39.5% over 2 years, y/y outperformed the industry average; Upper Midscale was +309.0% and -22.3% over 2 years, y/y underperformed the industry average.

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 LowesForPros.com. 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 Anthony Ruiz to get started.

With the best technology in the industry, DISH Business delivers a premium entertainment experience for properties of all sizes. EVOLVE by DISH lets your guests cast personal content, watch live TV and access the apps they love – all on your in-room TV. Get DISH to give your guests the entertainment they want at prices you’ll love. Visit the website, then contact Tyler Floyd to start saving 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.

Although industry experts remain optimistic that lesiure travel will continue to increase as the year progresses, with many companies continuing to offer work-from-home options for employees, what does that mean for the business travel lifeline upon which so many hotels depend?

With customers still not returning en masse to restaurants for in-person dining, some hoteliers are turning their restaurants, at least temporarily, into ghost kitchens to better utilize an underutilized space and add a new profit stream.

Concerned about the future of the hospitality industry? You certainly aren't alone. Here, two industry experts offer their thoughts on a wide array of topics, including consumer health and safety, evolving consumer spending habits, and the importance of hotel adaptibility.