During last month’s CLIC conference, Producer Dave and social media expert Calvin Tilokee discussed how to rev up you hotel’s social media efforts.
Sales & Marketing have been around for so long it can be hard to find ways to be innovative. Bruce Himelstein, founder of the BJH group, shares how he continues to find ways to change these fields to keep things fresh and stand out from the crowd.
After House vote and court victory, Senate vote is third major AHLA win on this issue
WASHINGTON (April 10, 2024) – American Hotel & Lodging Association Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate passed a resolution to overturn the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) destructive joint-employer rule. The House of Representatives passed the same resolution in January, and it now heads to the president’s desk for consideration.
Additionally, following a lawsuit filed by AHLA and other business groups, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on March 8 blocked NLRB’s implementation of the rule.
“Today’s bipartisan Senate vote is a win for hoteliers and small business owners everywhere, and shows the rule is out of step with Congress, the courts, and America’s job creators. Lawmakers from both parties in the House and Senate realize the administration’s joint-employer rule would acutely suppress job creation for hoteliers and other businesses, and therefore it needs to be abandoned,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “We thank Sen. Cassidy, Sen. Manchin, Leader McConnell and their Senate colleagues for listening to the thousands of small business hoteliers AHLA represents and passing this resolution.”
Background
In October, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) released a final rule unjustifiably expanding the “joint-employer standard” under the National Labor Relations Act.
On Jan. 12, the House approved a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the rule – the same resolution the Senate passed today.
After AHLA and other business groups filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas challenging joint-employer’s legality, the court blocked NLRB from implementing the rule. In its decision, the court also reinstated a 2020 NLRB standard that protects businesses from undue liability for employees over whom they do not have direct control.
About Joint Employer
NLRB’s joint-employer rule is all about coercing businesses to the bargaining table with workers they do not actually employ to increase unionization. The rule would make it easier for the NLRB to declare joint employment status in business relationships, such as franchising, and it would enable unions to organize by company rather than property by property.
About AHLA
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.
Fox Fold is reinventing toilet tissue for Big Savings for owners, operators and the environment. Today, we get an update from COO Gregory Hegger and MindClick’s JoAnna Abrams who focuses on product ratings for healthier living. Drop me a line to learn more.
Tom Roelens, Managing Director at Atlantis, The Royal in Dubai joins to tell us about how his career led him to this iconic property and how the team is about standout amongst one of the top growing cities in the world.
Last week during AAHOA’s hashtag #AAHOAcon24 I spoke with Patty Jefferson, CDO with Visual Matrix about the state of hotel technology and how to think about what tech is the right tech to invest in. Where do you see the smart money in tech going?
Move Bolsters Company’s Commitment to Upper Midscale, Midscale and Economy Brands, Including Comfort, Country Inn & Suites, Quality Inn, Econo Lodge and More
NORTH BETHESDA, Md., April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, announced today that it has promoted Judd Wadholm to Senior Vice President and General Manager, Core Brands. A nearly 17-year veteran of Choice Hotels International and Radisson Americas, Mr. Wadholm is now charged with driving the growth and performance of the company’s nine upper midscale, midscale, and economy brands in the U.S. market, which as of the end of 2023 consist of 5,500 hotels. Most recently, Mr. Wadholm served as Vice President, Managed Hotels Americas.
Choice Hotels Promotes Judd Wadholm to Senior Vice President and General Manager, Core Brands
“Even as we up the game in upscale and extend our lead in extended stay, Choice is as committed as ever to growing and improving the performance of our great core brands,” said Chief Segment and International Operations Officer Raul Ramirez. “Judd has a proven ability to develop strong relationships with hotel owners and operators while driving hotel revenue, profitability, and guest satisfaction, and I’m confident he’ll help lead our core portfolio to the next level.”
Choice’s core brand portfolio includes some of the hospitality industry’s best-known brand names: Comfort, Country Inn & Suites, Sleep Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion, Clarion Pointe, Park Inn by Radisson, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn. Recent highlights include:
“We call these brands our core for a reason,” said Mr. Wadholm. “It’s because they are central to what Choice does and to the tremendous value we offer hotel franchisees and guests alike. Our core is strong, and I can’t wait to get to work with our talented team and experienced hotel owners to drive performance and grow our Core Brands portfolio.”
Mr. Wadholm joined Choice in 2022 and previously held leadership roles in operations, owner relations, and finance with Radisson Americas and its predecessors. He holds a Master of Business Administration from St. Cloud State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of North Dakota.
About Choice Hotels®
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. The challenger in upscale and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice® has over 7,500 hotels, representing more than 630,000 rooms, in 46 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that range from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choice® to meet travelers’ needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges® rewards program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com.
© 2024 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All Rights Reserved
SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Industry veteran to lead Wyndham’s newly unified, technology-driven commercial organization
PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) appointed Scott Strickland Chief Commercial Officer reporting to the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Ballotti. In this newly created leadership role, Strickland and his team will continue delivering the best value and experiences to Wyndham’s owners and guests across its 25 brands through a united commercial organization.
Scott Strickland
“Over 7 years ago we recruited Scott from the private equity world where he led the information systems, eCommerce and business transformation teams at many great companies including D+M Holdings, Nissan, and Black & Decker. Under Scott’s thoughtful and strategic guidance – including managing and deploying our $275M investment in best-in-class technology, digital, and franchisee opt-in services over the past five years – Wyndham has taken a leadership position and delivered multiple industry innovations for its owners,” said Ballotti. “In this new role, Scott and his expanded team will continue to build our brands, drive direct revenue, and advance our value proposition through a newly combined, tech-forward commercial organization.”
As Chief Commercial Officer, Strickland continues his responsibilities for enhancing and implementing Wyndham’s technology and distribution strategy and will add oversight of global sales; revenue generation; marketing; communications and the award-winning loyalty program, Wyndham Rewards.
“Combining this group of cross-functional leaders enables us to continue delivering owner-first tools, technology and marketing innovations,” said Strickland. “These tools allow our franchisees to run their hotels more efficiently and profitably today and into the future. Integrating best-in-class technology, marketing, and sales teams into a single organization enhances the Wyndham Advantage.”
With the creation of this new organization, Lisa Checchio, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, will depart Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. During her tenure Lisa launched the Company’s “by Wyndham” endorsement strategy, played a large role in the introduction of new hotel brands, and grew Wyndham Rewards – the award-winning loyalty program, which doubled in size in five years and has surpassed 100 million members. Lisa also led the creation of the industry’s first-ever program dedicated to women’s advancement in hotel ownership, Women Own the Room, which recently celebrated 15 open hotels, more than 50 signings, and a community of more than 550 members.
Lisa Checchio
“Lisa’s leadership and expertise spanning marketing, consumer engagement, digital commerce, global sales, and more has helped us better fulfill Wyndham’s mission to make hotel travel possible for all,” said Ballotti. “We are grateful for her significant contributions to Wyndham and the broader hotel industry and will miss her many talents.”
About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company by the number of properties, with approximately 9,200 hotels across over 95 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 872,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 25 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel®, La Quinta®, Baymont®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn®, Trademark Collection® and Wyndham®. The Company’s award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers over 106 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.
SOURCE Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Third-party hotel management company is recognized for fostering a workplace culture where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered
GREENVILLE, S.C. – April 9, 2024 – What earns a hotel company the best-place-to-work designation? For employees of Hospitality America, it is “culture and coworkers,” “flexible scheduling,” and “respect, understanding and value given to my work” that enabled the third-party hotel management company to win the coveted “Top Workplaces 2024” award, co-sponsored by USA Today and Energage™. The Top Workplaces USA awards recognize midsize and large organizations with operations in multiple markets. Employers with at least 150 employees are eligible. Hospitality America participated in the Hotel Sector/Private Ownership category with 500 to 999 employees. Winners were identified solely based on employee feedback gathered through the Energage employee engagement survey.
“Earning this award is a testament to our collective dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace culture where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered,” said Hospitality America President and CEO Ben Campbell. “Our people are the core to our success. What makes this achievement even more special is that this award is based on the sentiment provided by our PEACH employees – people who are Passionate, Excellent, Adaptable, Community minded, and Humble in the workplace. These core principles guide how our associates work, who they work with, and how we achieve success for our partners, team members, and guests.”
Employee Feedback Says it All
Through the Engagement Survey, employees were asked to rank 23 statements including: “At Hospitality America we do things efficiently and well,” and “My job makes me feel like I’m part of something meaningful” with an opportunity to provide additional comments such as “What does Hospitality America do efficiently and well?” and “What do you find most meaningful about working at Hospitality America?”
Here are just a few of the employee responses:
“Earning the Top Workplaces 2024 award speaks volumes about the incredible team we have assembled,” Campbell said. “It reflects our employees’ hard work, dedication, and the positive impact they make daily. Whether people are on the frontlines delivering exceptional service, behind the scenes ensuring our operations run smoothly or leading with vision and integrity, they are the heartbeat of our company.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each team member for their continued contributions and for making Hospitality America not just a company but a Top Workplace,” he added. “Their passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence make us stand out.”
About Hospitality America
Hospitality America is a leading third-party hotel development and management company and a preferred partner of Hilton and Marriott. The company optimizes the hospitality experience through proprietary methodologies that align people, processes, and results, driving exceptional performance for our guests, team members, and partners. Hospitality America’s clients include REITs, private equity firms and major developers. For more information, please visit www.hospitalityamerica.com or connect with Hospitality America on LinkedIn.
Click here for state-by-state hotel tax revenue projections
Click here for state-by-state hotel wages and salary projections
Click here for state-by-state hotel guest spending projections
Click here for state-by-state hotel employment projections
WASHINGTON (April 8, 2024) – America’s hotels are projected to generate record levels of federal, state, and local tax revenue this year while paying employees historic totals of wages, salaries, and other compensation, according to state-by-state projections released today by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
The data show hotels are projected to generate a total of nearly $83.4 billion in tax revenue in 2024. The 10 states projected to generate the highest hotel tax revenue in 2024 are:
Hotels are projected to pay a record high total of wages, salaries, and compensation in 2024 – $123.4 billion compared to $118.0 billion in 2023. The 10 states projected to pay the highest amounts of hotel wages in 2024 are:
Nominal hotel guest spending on lodging, transportation, food and beverage, retail, and other expenses is expected to reach $758.6 billion in 2024, up nearly 5% from 2023 and almost 24% above 2019 levels. The 10 states projected to see the most hotel guest spending in 2024 are:
And while hotels are expected to hire about 45,000 new employees this year, according to the analysis, hotels will still fall about 225,000 jobs short of the nearly 2.37 million people that were employed in 2019.
The 10 states expected to have the highest hotel employment levels in 2024 are:
The nationwide workforce shortage is making it difficult to hire new staff even as hotels are paying near-historic average wages and offering more benefits and flexibility than ever before. In February 2024, national average hotel wages were $23.84 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As of February, there were 8.8 million job openings in the United States and only 6.5 million unemployed people to fill those jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and there are currently more than 80,000 hotel jobs open in the U.S., according to Indeed.
“Historic projections for wage and tax revenue totals point to a strong 2024 for hoteliers. But our industry is facing significant obstacles to growth. These include the ongoing nationwide labor shortage, stubborn inflation, and a federal regulatory agenda that threatens future economic expansion,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “AHLA will continue to fight for solutions to these pressing challenges so hoteliers can focus on what they do best: serving guests.”
For more information, see AHLA’s 2024 State of the Hotel Industry Report.
About AHLA
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.
