Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

AAHOA holds 3rd annual HerOwnership conference in California

AAHOA holds 3rd annual HerOwnership conference in California

AAHOA holds 3rd annual HerOwnership conference in California

AAHOA's THIRD ANNUAL 2024 HerOwnership Conference, held in Redondo Beach, California on Sept. 12 to 13, brought together 300 women hoteliers to discuss executive presence, hotel ownership, and mental health. The two-day event encouraged attendees to connect, lead and succeed in an industry where their leadership is essential.

"The hospitality industry stands out because women comprise most of the workforce," said Miraj Patel, AAHOA’s chairman. "They are not only the backbone of our families but also our industry and association. Women make up about 40 percent of our membership today—a significant and growing presence shaping our organization's future. As we celebrate our 35th anniversary and reflect on our growth, we see how women members have been crucial to our association's development and success."


Keynote speakers included:

  • Neeti Dewan, author, speaker, and CEO, who spoke on "Mindset Makeover: Personal and Business Growth Strategies of Top Women Hoteliers."
  • Raji Brar, co-founder of the Bakersfield Sikh Women's Association and COO of Countryside, who spoke on "Building Bridges: The Power of Women in Political Engagement."

"Women in hospitality are making a significant impact, and nowhere is that more evident than at HerOwnership," said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA's president and CEO. "Their leadership and vision are ushering in a new era for the industry. These women provide exceptional service, make meaningful community contributions, expand their portfolios, and shatter barriers."

The event featured breakout sessions on the conference's core pillars and two pre-conference masterclasses, including one by Kalibri Labs on commercial strategy and another by Gauthier Murphy & Houghtaling on insurance essentials, AAHOA said in a statement. The Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina team hosted the event.

"The energy and unity of women hoteliers from across the country were truly inspiring," said Shetal Zina Patel, AAHOA’s director of women hoteliers in the western division. "HerOwnership is not just about breaking barriers; it's about creating lasting change—ensuring that future generations of women in our industry are equipped to lead with confidence."

AAHOA is planning regional HerOwnership events across the U.S. to build on the conference's momentum and continue empowering women in hospitality, the statement said.

"Being surrounded by remarkable women in hospitality, all eager to learn and support each other, is truly empowering," said Purnima Patel, Women Hoteliers Director, Eastern Division. "The HerOwnership Conference is not just an event but a movement. We're creating spaces for women to thrive, grow, and own their success."

The Los Angeles City Council recently declared Sept. 4 as "AAHOA Day" to recognize members' contributions as entrepreneurs, job creators, and community contributors in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

More for you

U.S. Hotel Construction Hits 20-Quarter Low in June

CoStar: Hotel construction drops in June

Summary:

  • U.S. hotel rooms under construction fell year over year for the sixth straight month in June, hitting a 20-quarter low, CoStar reported.
  • About 138,922 rooms were under construction, down 11.9 percent from June 2024; the luxury segment had 6,443 rooms, up 4.1 percent year over year.
  • Lodging Econometrics recently said Dallas led all U.S. markets in hotel construction pipelines at the end of the first quarter, with 203 projects and 24,496 rooms.

THE NUMBER OF U.S. hotel rooms under construction declined year over year for the sixth straight month in June, reaching a 20-quarter low, according to CoStar. Additionally, more than half of all rooms under development are in the South, mostly outside the top 25 markets.

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. travelers using mobile devices to book independent boutique hotel stays with personalized offers and smart tech in 2025

Study: Personalization boosts independent hotel bookings

Summary:

  • Around 95 percent of U.S. travelers are more likely to book independent hotels with personalized offers, according to TakeUp.
  • 59 percent plan more travel in 2025, with 78 percent favoring weekend getaways and 65 percent domestic trips.
  • Top booking deterrents are few reviews at 39 percent, unclear cleanliness or quality at 38 percent and inflexible cancellations at 29 percent.

PERSONALIZED OFFERS BASED on interests would make 95 percent of U.S. travelers more likely to book at an independent hotel, according to TakeUp, a revenue management platform for independent hotels. About 85 percent are open to technologies such as smart check-in, recommendations and AI-based pricing.

Keep ReadingShow less
Chart showing decline in U.S. extended-stay hotel occupancy and RevPAR in May 2025

Report: May fifth month for drop in extended-stay occupancy

Summary:

  • Extended-stay occupancy fell 2.2 percent in May, the fifth straight monthly decline; ADR and RevPAR also dropped for a second consecutive month.
  • May marked 44 straight months of supply growth for the segment at 4 percent or less, with annual growth below the 4.9 percent long-term average.
  • Extended-stay room revenues rose 0.5 percent, while total industry revenue grew 0.9 percent, led by segments with little extended-stay supply.

EXTENDED-STAY HOTEL occupancy fell 2.2 percent in May, the fifth consecutive monthly decline, exceeding the 0.7 percent drop reported for all hotels by STR/CoStar, according to The Highland Group. Extended-stay occupancy was 10.5 percentage points above the total hotel industry, at the lower end of the long-term average premium range.

Keep ReadingShow less
Auro Hotels Showcases India Culture at TCMU Exhibit

Auro unveils 'India Cultural Corner' for children

Summary:

  • Auro Hotels opened the India Cultural Corner, where children can check in and explore Indian culture at The Children's Museum of the Upstate.
  • Families can engage with community art, activities and storytelling about daily life in India.
  • The exhibit runs through May 2026, offering interactive learning on Indian culture.

AURO HOTELS RECENTLY opened the India Cultural Corner at The Children's Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina, offering a look into Indian stories for American families. The exhibition, held at The Grand Geo Hotel and running through May 2026, includes a hotel desk where children can check in and explore Indian culture through interactive activities.

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. Firms Lose $2.4 Trillion by Skimping on Business Travel

Report: Business travel gaps cost U.S. firms $2.4T

Summary:

  • U.S. companies risk losing more than $2.4 trillion in sales due to underinvestment in business travel, says GBTA.
  • An 8.3 percent T&E increase could drive a 6 percent sales gain, despite post-COVID virtual meeting tools.
  • Current T&E spending is $294 billion—$24 billion short of the $319.1 billion needed for peak profitability.

U.S. COMPANIES ARE missing more than $2.4 trillion in potential sales due to underinvestment in business travel, according to a Global Business Travel Association report. Despite a post-pandemic rebound, travel and entertainment spending remains $66 billion below 2019 levels.

Keep ReadingShow less