Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

AHLA Foundation raises $1M for workforce development

This year’s event highlighted the industry's commitment to LA's recovery

AHLA Foundation workforce development
The American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation raised more than $1 million at its Night of a Thousand Stars gala, with proceeds funding workforce development for hotel employees.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association Foundation recently raised more than $1 million at its annual Night of a Thousand Stars gala, gathering more than 400 industry leaders at the Beverly Hilton. Proceeds will fund workforce development for hotel employees.

This year’s event highlighted the industry's commitment to Los Angeles' recovery, with donations to the Red Cross and LA Fire Department Foundation following recent wildfires, the AHLA Foundation said in a statement.


AHLA and the foundation also pledged $10,000 for disaster relief and will match up to $25,000 in member donations.

“Night of a Thousand Stars is a tribute to the talent driving hospitality forward and fueling a stronger future for our industry,” said Anna Blue, AHLA Foundation’s president. “Through the foundation’s workforce development programs, we are not just opening doors but creating pathways for individuals to build meaningful, life-changing careers in this industry.”

Each year, Night of a Thousand Stars honors industry excellence with five awards: young professionals, student achievement, women empowering women, and the lodging employee of the year, the statement said.

Rosanna Maietta, AHLA’s president and CEO, said the event is an opportunity to celebrate the people who make hospitality what it is.

“One of the things I’ve always loved about this industry is the way it loves its people,” she said. “Their stories are powerful. They are the heart of our industry and the reason the AHLA Foundation’s work is so important to advancing careers.”

AHLA’s 2025 Stars of the Industry winners:

  • North Star: Lodging Employee of the Year – Melvin De La Cruz, assistant to director of HR, The Park Vista, a DoubleTree by Hilton
  • ForWard: Paving the Way Award – Whitney Bergmann, general manager, Best Western Plus Grant Creek Inn
  • Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader – Nicole Harker, front office manager, Amara Resort & Spa
  • Scholar of the Year – Devin Grady, student, Anne Arundel Community College; accountant, Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center
  • Hotel Hero – Jessica Dunnihoo, executive housekeeper, Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center

The event was supported by presenting sponsors including Encore, Guest Supply, Hilton and Hilton Supply Management, along with industry leaders. Jon Bortz, president and CEO of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, and his wife Ellen Bortz began the giving with a $100,000 donation.

In November, the AHLA Foundation awarded $944,000 in scholarships to 369 students enrolled in hospitality programs across 88 colleges nationwide. To date, the Foundation has disbursed over $16 million in scholarships, supporting thousands of future industry leaders.

More for you

Global Hotel Rates to Stay Stable in 2026

Report: Global hotel rates steady despite uncertainty

Summary:

  • Global hotel rates are expected to remain stable through 2026, according to AMEX GBT.
  • New York is a key business travel and meetings destination.
  • India is likely to be a focus for travel programs during 2026 negotiations.

GLOBAL HOTEL RATES are expected to remain stable through 2026, as geopolitical tensions and potential U.S. tariffs limit demand and constrain price increases, according to American Express Global Business Travel. New York remains a popular destination for business travel and meetings.

AMEX GBT’s Hotel Monitor 2026, an annual forecast of global hotel rates in business travel destinations, identified India as a key market, with hotel rates and occupancy set to rise.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump reviewing 55 million us visas
Getty Images

Trump reviewing 55 million visas

Summary:

  • The Trump administration says it is reviewing more than 55 million visa holders.
  • Reviews cover a wide range of visas for law enforcement and overstay violations.
  • The administration also suspended worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION is reviewing more than 55 million people who hold valid U.S. visas for potential violations. It is expanding a policy of “continuous vetting” that could result in revocation and deportation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Funds Rio Las Vegas Renovations | $176M CPACE Loan
Photo credit: Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Peachtree originates retroactive CPACE loan for Rio Vegas

Summary:

  • Peachtree Group originated a $176.5 million retroactive CPACE loan for a Las Vegas property.
  • The deal closed in under 60 days and ranks among the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.
  • The company promotes retroactive CPACE funding for commercial real estate development.

PEACHTREE GROUP ORIGINATED a $176.5 million retroactive Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy loan for Dreamscape Cos.’s Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The deal, completed in under 60 days, is its largest credit transaction and one of the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spark Acquires Home2 Suites Wayne, New Jersey
Photo Credit: Hunter Hotels

Spark acquires Wayne, N.J., Home2 Suites

Summary:

  • Spark acquired the 120-key Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne in Wayne, New Jersey.
  • Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the transaction with DC Hospitality Group affiliates.
  • The 2020-built hotel is near William Paterson University and less than 20 miles from Manhattan.

SPARK GHC RECENTLY acquired the 120-key Home2 Suites by Hilton Wayne in Wayne, New Jersey, from affiliates of DC Hospitality Group. Hunter Hotel Advisors facilitated the deal for an undisclosed amount.

Keep ReadingShow less
Global hotel construction pipeline reaches record 15,871 projects in Q2 2025, with U.S. and Dallas leading growth
Photo Credit: iStock

Report: Global pipeline hits 15,871 projects

Summary:

  • Global pipeline hit a record 15,871 projects with 2.4 million rooms in Q2.
  • The U.S. leads with 6,280 projects; Dallas tops cities with 199.
  • Nearly 2,900 hotels are expected to open worldwide by the end of 2025.

THE GLOBAL HOTEL pipeline reached 15,871 projects, up 3 percent year-over-year, and 2,436,225 rooms, up 2 percent, according to Lodging Econometrics. Most were upper midscale and upscale, LE reported.

Keep ReadingShow less