“No economy can succeed without a high-quality workforce, particularly in an age of globalization and technical change.” – Ben Bernanke The hotel industry has long faced a variety of workforce struggles, many of which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and shifts in the labor market. However, one of the most prevalent challenges is the rising costs of labor, which must be confronted. Labor expenses typically represent a significant portion of a hotelier’s operating budget and can erode profit margins and reduce net operating income (NOI) as they increase. Failure to address escala ..read more

Cover your bases for a better bottom line by JACQUELINE VILLAMIL In the current climate of fierce competition, innovative strategies are essential to drive demand and maximize revenue. One such strategy involves the adoption of a holistic hotel marketing approach designed to enhance brand awareness as well as boost occupancy, rates, and revenue. A holistic marketing approach involves a 360-degree view of all hotel marketing operations to identify improvement areas and growth opportunities. The clue is in the name – the holistic approach probes into the efficiency and interdependency of all mar ..read more

ATTENTION AAHOA MEMBERS: CLAIM YOUR SHARE OF THE $5.54B SETTLEMENT WITH VISA/MASTERCARD! A lawsuit alleging excessive fees charged to business owners by Visa and Mastercard has recently been settled. Businesses that accepted Visa and Mastercard credit cards from 2004 to 2019 could potentially receive a portion of a $5.54 billion settlement. Claims are due June 30, 2024. Learn more at AAHOA.com/Settlement. STAY ON TOP OF AAHOA EVENTS AAHOACON24 may be in the rearview mirror, but AAHOA has lots of events coming up – from Charity Golf Tournaments to Town Halls to Hotel Owner Conferences & Tr ..read more

The SLPS Gaam Volleyball Tournament & National Expo scores big in networking opportunities by JODI SCOTT AAHOA was honored to return as a sponsor of the Surti Leuva Patidar Samaj (SLPS) Gaam Volleyball Tournament & National Expo 2024, held earlier this spring in Dallas, TX. AAHOA took part to educate people on the importance of advocacy and representation in the hospitality industry. The all-day volleyball tournament featured 252 teams from across the United States, representing their Gaam (village) from Surat, India. Some 7,500 people took part including players, spectators, and vendo ..read more

Overcoming the rise in fake IDs by TERRY SLATTERY While the hospitality industry may not typically be thought of as the primary target for fraudsters, the hotel business confronts a crucial challenge of staying ahead in the relentless race against fake ID fraud. Hotels, regardless of their size, face significant risks from revenue loss and reputational damage due to identity theft and the use of fake IDs. These risks encompass various challenges, including credit card chargebacks for room costs, sophisticated points fraud rings, and the potential misuse of hotel spaces for individuals operatin ..read more

Hospitality can expect improved 2024, but an unsettled economy keeps the pressure on by STEFAN BURKEY There’s a  lot for the hospitality industry to look forward to throughout 2024, as spending on business travel is expected to finally surpass 2019 levels and the surge in leisure trips is a positive indication. But even so, hospitality businesses should stay cautious. An unsettled economic environment, aggravated by an unsettled political environment in an election year, will keep the pressure on profits. That’s especially likely if inflation doesn’t relent and continues to damper travel ..read more

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 14 – AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) was honored to participate in a White House reception celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel and President & CEO Laura Lee Blake represented AAHOA at the event. U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris made remarks at the reception, a significant event that underscores the government’s recognition of the AANHPI community. The reception took place in the historic Rose Garden. Last month, the White House Initiative ..read more

PART OF AN ONGOING SERIES EXPLORING THE (SOMETIMES) LIGHTER SIDE OF A LIFE SPENT WORKING IN A HOTEL. READ EARLIER INSTALLMENTS HERE. by DEVEN MATTHEWS “I just want to confirm we are all set for the meeting tomorrow. It should be under the last name Harris.” Meetings and events can be a daily part of a hotel’s operation. Most hotels offer some kind of meeting space based on the size of the property. Meetings could range from small, executive meetings for five to 10 people up to large events for 2,000-plus. Needs and requirements differ based on the scope and nature of the individual meetin ..read more

Leadership and the independent hotelier by RAVI B. PATEL An integral component of the hospitality industry is its robust system of vastly different options for guests and properties alike. Despite this wide array of possibilities, as the industry grows and the day-to-day grind continues, it can be challenging for hoteliers to break out of the day-to-day grind, step back, and identify areas of improvement where the overall experience – for staff and guest – is elevated. Within the independent sector, however, taking stock of operational challenges and then implementing new procedures might feel ..read more

Examining the power of a spend analysis in the hotel industry by VIGNESH MANI During a much-needed respite between meetings, calls, and planning sessions, Sophia – an always-hustling businesswoman – sat in a cozy café, sipping lattes with a friend. The pair’s conversation wandered, eventually landing on a thought-provoking question: “How often do we undergo health physicals?” Her friend’s swift reply echoed wisdom: “Just like normal physicals, annual health physicals are crucial for our well-being.” This answer lingered, prompting parallels to the business world. Indeed, businesses are living ..read more