AAHOA urges vigilance against ongoing hospitality cyberattacks
Three recent cyberattacks underscore the hotel industry's ongoing vulnerability
By Vishnu Rageev RSep 26, 2023
AAHOA IS URGING hotels to adopt cybersecurity measures to prevent incidents similar to the recent cyberattacks on MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment. Following the ransomware attack on IHG Hotels & Resorts last year, which cost hotel owners between $30,000 and $75,000 each, AAHOA called for clear lines of communication to protect franchisees who bore the brunt of revenue losses from bookings missed due to the disruptions.
In July, Choice Hotels International confirmed a data breach impacting guest information in its Radisson Hotels Americas chain, originating from a file-transfer system hack, according to AAHOA and media reports.
The association said that most impacted franchisees are small business owners, unable to absorb unexpected booking losses. This challenge is amplified by ongoing issues like staffing shortages, which further hinder their recovery efforts. It further emphasized that with franchisor support, hoteliers can improve the guest experience and reduce the risk of disruptive incidents.
"A surge in three major cyberattacks in the past year underscores that the hotel industry remains a continuous target for hackers," said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO. "Recent reports highlight a common tactic where hackers impersonate an employee of the victim company, deceiving IT helpdesk or internal staff into providing duplicate access. With hackers displaying increasing sophistication, both franchisors and hoteliers must elevate their vigilance to safeguard sensitive information.”
Blake said heightened attentiveness and surveillance also protect the prestige and reputation of the hotels that owners have dedicated themselves to building and upholding.
In August, AAHOA emphasized the growing significance of artificial intelligence in both society and the hotel industry. The association underscored AI's capacity to boost operational efficiency and lower costs, placing a strong emphasis on ethical implementation. Citing research from the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston and Morgan Stanley, AAHOA supported the integration of AI in hotels to enhance the guest experience.
Sonesta launched Americas Best Value Studios, an extended-stay version of ABVI.
The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping.
The brand meets demand for longer-term, value-focused stays.
SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS Corp. launched Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta, an extended-stay version of its franchised brand, Americas Best Value Inn. The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping, optional fitness center and lobby market along with standard brand requirements.
The brand aims to address the growing demand for longer-term, value-driven accommodations, Sonesta said in a statement.
"Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta represents a strategic evolution of our trusted Americas Best Value Inn brand," Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s executive vice president and president of franchise development, said. "We are expanding our offerings to directly address the increasing demand within the extended-stay segment, providing a practical solution for travelers seeking longer-term lodging at value. This new brand type allows our local franchised owner-operators to tap into a growing market while maintaining the community-focused experience that Americas Best Value Inn is known for."
ABVI has a majority presence in secondary and tertiary markets, the statement said.
The extended-stay brand’s operational model features a front desk, bi-weekly housekeeping, on-site laundry and pet-friendly accommodations, Sonesta said. Guests can also earn or redeem points through the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.
In August, Sonesta named Stayntouch its preferred property management system after a two-year review of its ability to support the company’s franchise model. The company operates more than 1,100 properties with more than 100,000 rooms across 13 brands on three continents.
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