Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

AAHOA highlights hotel industry's role in comments for NTTISP

The association says eliminating ‘hassle factor’ would improve national transportation network

AAHOA highlights hotel industry's role in comments for NTTISP

AAHOA HIGHLIGHTED USING transportation infrastructure to support long-distance travel and tourism in response to the U.S. Department of Transportation's request for comment on the National Travel and Tourism Infrastructure Strategic Plan. The association urged USDOT to prioritize policies that invest in infrastructure investments including road networks, airports and hotels, AAHOA said in a statement.

USDOT sought comments to update its Strategic Plan, a response to the 2015 Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act mandate. The NTTISP assesses the national transportation network's condition and performance, identifies congestion and travel barriers, and devises strategies to enhance crucial travel infrastructure. AAHOA also emphasized in its comment stimulating demand, improving digital connectivity, supporting sustainable transportation options, facilitating financing for industry stakeholders, and promoting better coordination.


“Implementing these policy recommendations can bolster the travel and tourism industry's recovery by leveraging infrastructure investments in and through hotels," AAHOA commented. "These measures will enhance traveler confidence, improve connectivity, promote sustainability, provide financial support, and foster collaboration among stakeholders, ultimately driving the industry's resurgence after the COVID-19 pandemic."

Going hassle-free is key

In its comment, AAHOA said one key component of improving the performance of the national transportation network is eliminating the “hassle factor” for travelers. This means addressing difficulties, inconveniences, or frustrations that travelers may encounter during long-distance travel and tourism.

“To minimize the hassle factor during hotel stays, hotels are adopting measures to enhance the guest experience and streamline processes,” AAHOA said. “These include seamless check-in and check-out, improved communications and services, and enhanced information and accessibility.”

"We urge the Department of Transportation to recognize the value of partnerships with the hotel industry in updating the National Travel and Tourism Infrastructure Strategic Plan," said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO. "We appreciate the opportunity to ensure all stakeholders in our national transportation network have a voice in this essential conversation, encouraging greater travel and tourism."

"Hotels and transportation infrastructure are vital in supporting long-distance travel and tourism, which should be defined as 50 miles or more from home to the destination," said Bharat Patel, AAHOA chairman. "By leveraging partnership opportunities, hotels and transportation can effectively support travel and tourism. AAHOA members are prepared to assist the Department of Transportation in its crucial efforts to enhance vital travel infrastructure."

AAHOA members, who own 60 percent of U.S. hotels, contribute $368.4 billion yearly to the economy, as per Oxford Economics. This emphasizes the significance of America's travel infrastructure for the economy.

Last week, AAHOA announced its support for the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act amid hotel workforce shortages. AAHOA leaders recently met with members of the Critical Labor Coalition and U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, the lead sponsor from Pennsylvania. The act proposes a market-driven visa system to help employers hire workers for hard-to-fill positions while prioritizing U.S. workers.

More for you

Olympic Wage ordinance 2028
Photo credit: Unite Here Local 11

Petition fails to stop L.A. hotels wage increase

Summary:

  • Failed petition clears way for Los Angeles “Olympic Wage” to reach $30 by 2028.
  • L.A. Alliance referendum fell 9,000 signatures short.
  • AAHOA calls ruling a setback for hotel owners.

A PETITION FOR a referendum on Los Angeles’s proposed “Olympic Wage” ordinance, requiring a $30 minimum wage for hospitality workers by the 2028 Olympic Games, lacked sufficient signatures, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar. The ordinance will take effect, raising hotel worker wages from the current $22.50 to $25 next year, $27.50 in 2027 and $30 in 2028.

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. holiday travel 2025 trends

Report: U.S. consumers’ holiday travel intent dips

Summary:

  • U.S. holiday travel is down to 44 percent, led by Millennials and Gen Z.
  • Younger consumers are cost-conscious while older generations show steadier travel intent.
  • 76 percent of Millennials are likely to use AI for travel recommendations.

NEARLY 44 PERCENT of U.S. consumers plan to travel during the 2025 holiday season, down from 46 percent last year, according to PwC. Millennials and Gen Z lead travel intent at 55 percent each, while Gen X sits at 39 percent and Baby Boomers at 26 percent.

Keep ReadingShow less
Report: Global RevPAR to rise 3–5 percent in 2025

Report: Global RevPAR to rise 3–5 percent in 2025

Summary:

  • Global hotel RevPAR is projected to grow 3 to 5 percent in 2025, JLL reports.
  • Hotel RevPAR rose 4 percent in 2024, with demand at 4.8 billion room nights.
  • London, New York and Tokyo are expected to lead investor interest in 2025.

GLOBAL HOTEL REVPAR is projected to grow 3 to 5 percent in 2025, with investment volume up 15 to 25 percent, driven by loan maturities, deferred capital spending and private equity fund expirations, according to JLL. Leisure travel is expected to decline as consumer savings tighten, while group, corporate and international travel increase, supporting RevPAR growth.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hotel data challenges report highlighting AI and automation opportunities in hospitality

Survey: Data gaps hinder hotel growth

Summary:

  • Fragmented systems, poor integration limit hotels’ data access, according to a survey.
  • Most hotel professionals use data daily but struggle to access it for revenue and operations.
  • AI and automation could provide dynamic pricing, personalization and efficiency.

FRAGMENTED SYSTEMS, INACCURATE information and limited integration remain barriers to hotels seeking better data access to improve guest experiences and revenue, according to a newly released survey. Although most hotel professionals use data daily, the survey found 49 percent struggle to access what they need for revenue and operational decisions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hyatt Way partnership

Hyatt taps Way for unified guest platform

Summary:

  • Hyatt partners with Way to unify guest experiences on one platform.
  • Members can earn and redeem points on experiences booked through Hyatt websites.
  • Way’s technology supports translation, payments and data insights for Hyatt.

HYATT HOTELS CORP. is working with Austin-based startup Way to consolidate ancillary services, loyalty experiences and on-property programming on one platform across its global portfolio. The collaboration integrates Way’s system into Hyatt.com, the World of Hyatt app, property websites and FIND Experiences to create a centralized booking platform.

Keep ReadingShow less