LODGING Staff - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 113

2 min

AHLA Advocates for Human Trafficking Recognition Training in Massachusetts

🔑 Since 2019, AHLA Foundation's No Room for Trafficking initiative completed over 2.2 million training sessions for hotel workers to identify and report trafficking. Massachusetts aims to mandate human trafficking training for all hotel employees through S.1729/HD.1764. Senator Mark C. Montigny and Representative Thomas P. Walsh, alongside AHLA Foundation, MLA, and advocacy groups, push for legislated training to help workers spot and respond to trafficking, addressing a prevalent issue in the state and hospitality industry.

2 min

Extended Success

👨 Mimi Oliver's hospitality roots trace back to her grandfather, Jack DeBoer, creator of the Residence Inn brand and four other extended-stay brands. After a stint in finance and commercial real estate in New York, Oliver joined DeBoer in Wichita launching WaterWalk, his fifth extended-stay brand. Nearly a decade later, Oliver remains in the hospitality industry, cherishing her grandfather's lessons like "keeping it simple" and "control the controllables." She optimistically views diversity and inclusion as essential for hospitality innovation and guest experience enhancement, not just trends. Oliver acknowledges progress in elevating women to leadership within the industry and advocates for continued focus on mentorship, leadership training, and networking for women to further this advancement.

4 min

Aimbridge Expands Board of Managers Following Balance Sheet Restructure

💰 Aimbridge Hospitality, based in Plano, Texas, expanded its Board of Managers with four new appointments - Glenn Alba, Rich Gomel, Carrie McIntyre, and Emanuel (Manny) Pearlman - following a balance sheet restructuring. CEO Craig S. Smith, alongside Steve Joyce, anticipates leveraging the board's expertise in hospitality, real estate, and finance. Aimbridge converted over $1 billion of debt into equity and received $100 million in new capital, setting the company to invest in strategy and performance growth. The new board members bring decades of experience from companies like Blackstone Real Estate, Two Sigma Real Estate, VIRIDIS Fund Solutions, and Liberation Investment Group.

3 min

IHG Opens First Branded Net Zero Carbon Hotel

🌱 IHG Hotels & Resorts opened voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, the UK's first branded net zero carbon hotel, in partnership with Zeal Hotels and Valor Hospitality. Designed to run on renewable and solar energy, this hotel at Exeter Science Park features 142 rooms, a mini gym, gardens, a meeting space, and 12 EV charging points. The Solarlab vertical photovoltaic panels are used for the first time in the UK as rainscreen cladding. Materials such as Ecocrete, which emits up to 85% less CO2 than traditional concrete, were used for sustainable construction. The hotel supports responsible dining with locally-sourced ingredients and follows the Passivhaus standard to drastically reduce energy usage.

2 min

Red Roof RIDE and SHE Ownership Programs Add 30 Representatives

🏠 Since 2023, Red Roof has added over 30 women and representatives from underserved markets to its franchise ownership community through RIDE (Road to Inclusivity and Diversity in Entrepreneurship) and SHE, initiatives supporting diversity and women in hospitality. RIDE connects potential owners with lenders and partners, while SHE provides resources and thought leadership. Dimple Patel progressed from a front desk worker to part owner and general manager of the Red Roof Inn in Walton, Kentucky, exemplifying the success of these programs.

2 min

Aiming Higher

🏨 Jenna Fishel started in hospitality as a front desk agent, drawn by fast-paced environments and operational efficiencies. Mentored by her father and inspired by the Castell Leadership program, she learned about women's career tendencies and aspired to higher leadership roles. Fishel is optimistic about diversity in hospitality, noting 55% of First Hospitality's general managers are diverse and over 50% of their Future Leaders program candidates are women. Progress for women in leadership is noted, with more moving into top roles at major hotel management companies.

2 min

Having a Positive Impact

🏨 Monica Salter, part of OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group, expressed her commitment to ESG initiatives—aiming to preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism for future generations. Mentored by Joan Bennet of Bennet Group PR, Salter learned the importance of preparation, confidence, and trust in one's abilities. Inspired by her mother, a successful photographer, she values hard work and perseverance. Salter is optimistic about increasing diversity in hospitality leadership, especially with more women and diverse individuals assuming key roles. She advocates for supporting working mothers with childcare to enhance women's leadership opportunities. With progress being made, Salter envisions a future of inclusive hospitality leadership mirroring the diversity of communities.

2 min

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Brand Increases Revenue Year-Over-Year

🏨 NORTH BETHESDA, Maryland—Choice Hotels International, Inc. improved Country Inn & Suites by Radisson's performance with a 19-point RevPAR Index increase, 20% rise in direct online contribution, and higher group and business traveler revenue year-over-year since its combination with Radisson Hotels Americas two years ago. 38 new Country Inn & Suites were added to the pipeline. In 2023, a guestroom redesign resulted in 84% of guests potentially returning. The company launched ChoiceConnect, a mobile-friendly owner’s portal, and partnered with the Bridge for financing solutions.

2 min

Homewood Suites by Hilton Eatontown Completes Renovation

🏨 In Eatontown, New Jersey, the 131-suite Homewood Suites by Hilton announced a $5 million renovation completed by Avion Hospitality and owned by Highline Hospitality Partners. The renovation updated guest suites, public spaces, and amenities, including new furnishings, flooring, kitchen amenities, and technology, along with a revitalized fitness center and outdoor spaces. The hotel offers all-suite accommodations, complete with fully equipped kitchens, near the Jersey Shore, corporate hubs, and Monmouth University.

2 min

AutoCamp Sequoia Becomes Brand’s Fourth Californian Hotel

🏕 AutoCamp announced the opening of AutoCamp Sequoia in THREE RIVERS, California, offering 85 accommodations close to Sequoia National Park (15 minutes away) and Kings Canyon National Park (90 minutes away). The site features Airstream Suites, Cabins, BaseCamp Suites, and Bunk Rooms, with the Bunk Rooms designed for families and groups, sleeping up to six guests. The 3,350-square-foot Clubhouse includes lounge areas, games, and a bar, complemented by amenities such as a heated outdoor pool and adventure activities. The Kitchen serves locally sourced cuisine, and the General Store offers snacks, beer, wine, and merchandise. AutoCamp Sequoia also caters to events with spaces like The Clubhouse, The Ponderosa Lawn, The Cedar Room, and The Pine Room available for various gatherings.

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