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July 15, 2021
 AAHOA News
For the second time in just a few months, hoteliers around the nation are celebrating a significant win in the continued fight against predatory Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) “drive-by” lawsuits. In June, a judge in the Northern District of New York dismissed 17 ADA cases brought by plaintiff Deborah Laufer for lack of standing. Laufer, who resides in Florida, has filed hundreds of lawsuits against hotel companies (many but not exclusively in New York) alleging that the hotels violated the ADA and other state laws by failing to provide adequate information about their hotel’s accessibility on their reservation systems and on third-party reservations websites. The trial court dismissed all 17 cases, holding that Laufer’s claims as a “tester” were insufficient to establish standing. In doing so, the court determined that Laufer could not establish with credibility that she actually intended to use any of these hotel reservation websites or visit any of these hotels. This court ruling is an important win for hoteliers in the continued fight against these predatory ADA lawsuits.
AAHOA Members across the country continue to confront workforce shortages. As the economy continues to recover from the pandemic, hoteliers are eager to welcome guests back to their businesses, create new jobs, and reinvest in their communities. Unfortunately, it has become increasingly challenging to recruit and retain employees. AAHOA conducted an online survey of AAHOA Members over the past several months to assess the current hospitality labor market and employment situation. The results of the 14-question survey were compiled and the key findings are distilled into this report.
AAHOA is excited to announce its inaugural Tech Pitch Competition: Innovations, Ideas, and Products to Propel Us Forward. We’re exploring the latest and greatest tech innovations. Join us at 5-6:30 p.m. CDT Thursday, August 5 to hear from select companies that will pitch to five seasoned judges. See why they think they can make a difference in our business today, and identify and support companies making a difference for hoteliers as we come out of the most challenging time in our industry’s history.
The AAHOA North Pacific Inaugural Charity Golf Tournament, held Tuesday at Callippe Preserve Golf Course in Pleasanton, CA, was a smashing success! North Pacific Regional Director Kamalesh (KP) Patel and the Regional Ambassadors welcomed a packed field that enjoyed a beautiful day of competitive golf and networking and raised nearly $79,000 for Relief From Cancer, Tiny Smiling Faces, Bavaji Charities, and Bhartiya Mandal Foundation. We have two golf events remaining on our 2021 schedule, so be sure to sign up for one near you.
Upcoming tournaments:
It is with great pleasure that we announce the addition of new Club Blue Industry Partner Gauthier, Murphy & Houghtaling to the AAHOA family! New Orleans-based Gauthier, Murphy & Houghtaling Law has had a leading role in litigation that has shaped the civil landscape in the U.S. for more than 50 years. Their attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in many areas, including business litigation, natural disaster litigation, class actions, insurance disputes, and more and have secured hundreds of billions of dollars (yes, with a "B") in verdicts and settlements for their clients. Welcome aboard!
Next week, AAHOA and AHLA are co-hosting the 2021 Virtual Action Summit (VAS) on July 20-22. This FREE virtual summit presents a great opportunity for hoteliers to have a face-to-face conversation with their elected officials about the catastrophic effects the pandemic has had on the hotel industry, and the chance to pressure Congress to pass the Save Hotel Jobs Act and also to lock in GSA per-diem rates at pre-pandemic levels. But space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, so sign up now to lock in your spot.
AAHOA in the News
Events and Happenings
AAHOA Education
AAHOA has curated two new webcasts to help hoteliers continue down the road to recovery. Resources for Today’s In-room Digital Entertainment, set for 3 p.m. today, will demonstrate why premium in-room entertainment is absolutely critical now more than ever. And in case you missed it on Tuesday, you can watch Learn from the Past, Plan for the Future: Making Decisions for Savings and Success on demand to learn how credit card processing platforms can help you achieve post-pandemic recovery, savings, and success.
In the Market
Truist Securities (formerly SunTrust Robinson Humphrey) reports, “The continuation of very strong leisure demand from Independence Day, combined with calendar shift impacts, contributed to a noisy weekly comparison for both y/y and vs. 2019. Strong leisure demand was expected; midweek comparisons are not very additive given a Monday day off work. Data comparisons will once again be more additive to us next week once we lap the holiday impact. Upscale RevPAR: +110.5% y/y and -18.2% over 2 years; Upper Midscale RevPAR: +88.6% y/y and -3.4% over 2 years.”
Featured Club Blue Member
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.
Featured Platinum/Silver Member
PMC Commercial Trust offers conventional and SBA loan programs for the acquisition, refinancing, renovation and construction of businesses with commercial real estate throughout the country as principal lenders. PMC has been granted Preferred Lender (PLP) status from the SBA, which allows for a faster turn-around time at the SBA. Since the early 90’s PMC’s focus has been on the hospitality industry, assisting start up individuals as well as multi property owners in obtaining the financing that best fits their needs. Visit the website, then contact Kristi Lewis-Hodge to get started.
Featured Member Benefit
AAHOA is proud to collaborate with Kennesaw State University to establish the Michael Leven and Lee Dushoff AAHOA Scholarship for Compassionate Leadership. This annual scholarship will support students seeking an undergraduate degree in hospitality management. For more on the qualifications and how to apply, please contact Seth Walker or call 470-578-2206. To make a tax-deductible contribution to the scholarship endowment, please click here.
Industry News
According to recent polls and research compiled in this Bloomberg article, more than half of all former hospitality workers aren't considering a return to the industry, citing pay, working conditions, and benefits among their chief concerns.
(Source: Bloomberg Photo credit)
While labor issues remain a concern for hoteliers, a backlog of travelers ready to hit the open road is fueling a projected record year for the industry.
(Source: The Daily Astorian Photo credit)
Although a large number of hotels reportedly resorted to on-demand housekeeping services at the onset of the pandemic, Hilton is making the policy permanent in many of its U.S.-based properties, which could result in more hoteliers following suit.
(Source: Travel Weekly Photo credit)
Today's Hotelier: In Case You Missed It
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1100 Abernathy Road NE - Suite 725
Atlanta, GA 30328 (404) 816-5759 |
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