AHLA Foundation awards $500,000 in NRFT Survivor Fund grants
The NRFT Survivor Fund represents hospitality's inaugural grants against human trafficking
By Vishnu Rageev RJul 19, 2023
THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association Foundation has announced $500,000 in inaugural grants for the ‘No Room for Trafficking’ Survivor Fund grants to four community-based organizations dedicated to serving human trafficking survivors.
The 2023 NRFT Survivor Fund grant recipients will offer resources to enhance survivors' stability and self-sufficiency, including childcare, housing, transportation, career training, and employment opportunities, AHLA Foundation said in a statement.
Launched in 2022, the NRFT Survivor Fund extends support to trafficking survivors in the hospitality sector, and has grown significantly to reach $3.4 million, AHLA Foundation said. The foundation is matching NRFT Survivor Fund contributions up to $5 million, aiming for a total of $10 million in contributions by the end of 2023.
“The No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund shows unprecedented alignment by the industry in the fight against trafficking and provides crucial support to survivors on their path forward,” said Anna Blue, president of the AHLA Foundation. “By investing in organizations leading on the front lines of survivor support, the collective impact of the industry can help break the trafficking cycle and make a positive difference in the lives of survivors.”
During the NRFT Summit at the Park Hyatt in Washington, D.C., the NRFT Advisory Council announced the grants. The event showcased the hotel industry's anti-trafficking efforts and featured a keynote address from US Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Cindy Dyer, the statement said.
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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