Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

AHLA, HSMAI Americas form partnership to advance hospitality industry

Also, AHLA announces inaugural Technology Acceleration Award

AHLA, HSMAI Americas form partnership to advance hospitality industry

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Americas have formed a partnership that will more closely align the two associations to benefit their respective members and advance the hospitality industry, AHLA said in a statement. Also, AHLA and its technology committee, HTNG, announced the inaugural AHLA Technology Acceleration Award, a new program to recognize companies that are advancing innovation in hospitality technology.

According to the statement, the partnership will create linkages to the industry’s sales, marketing, and revenue optimization professionals for AHLA, while expanding HSMAI’s organizational reach by aligning it with America’s largest hotel association.


Under the new agreement, effective April 25, AHLA will provide HSMAI with opportunities to participate in AHLA’s On the Road events, and HSMAI will promote the events to its members and local chapters. AHLA and HSMAI will also promote each other’s events, campaigns, and education and certification programs, and have reciprocal participation in distribution-focused committees.

As per the agreement, AHLA and HSMAI will further explore opportunities to align the work of both organizations’ foundations to address industry-wide initiatives on workforce and promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. AHLA and HSMAI leadership will meet regularly to discuss and coordinate key strategic industry issues and shared objectives, the agreement noted.

AHLA said the AHLA-HSMAI partnership expands upon a relationship the two organizations started early last year, when HSMAI became a content partner for AHLA’s On The Road state hotel conference series, offering innovative and exclusive revenue generation insights at On The Road events.

“This partnership is a big win for AHLA, HSMAI, and our respective members,” said Kevin Carey, AHLA senior executive vice president and chief operating officer. “HSMAI is the leading organization of hospitality sales, marketing, and revenue optimization professionals, and AHLA members will now have more exposure and access to HSMAI’s insights and capabilities. We are always strongest as an industry when we speak with ‘one voice’ and support each other. This relationship advances that objective significantly.”

“We look forward to working with AHLA to enhance the value we provide our members in the United States and the industry,” said Robert Gilbert, HSMAI president and CEO. “As HSMAI approaches its 100th anniversary, we welcome the many opportunities we have together with AHLA to move the industry forward with a shared commitment to grow business for hotels and their partners.”

The new agreement with HSMAI is one in a series of recent AHLA partnerships that are enabling the organization to better serve its members and keep the hotel industry moving forward, AHLA added.

In August 2022, AHLA entered into a partnership with Questex to produce the industry-leading technology and operations trade show, The Hospitality Show. The association also formed a10-year agreement with HFTP to produce the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry in December 2022.

In June 2022, it also forged an alliance with the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) to grow the hotel and hospitality industry workforce.

Accelerating advancement

The AHLA Technology Acceleration Award program will be held annually, and winners of this year’s event will be announced at The Hospitality Show, which takes place June 27 to 29 at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, AHLA said in a statement.

According to the statement, the award will be held annually and recognize companies that have taken specific steps to further advance innovation in hospitality. This year, the award will showcase companies that have adopted HTNG Express, a new solution that shortens the process for post-booking hotel property management system integrations from months to just days.

To qualify for the award, companies must implement HTNG Express, submit an award application by June 1, and provide a virtual demonstration, the statement added.

“AHLA’s Technology Acceleration Award will do more than just recognize and celebrate hospitality innovation. The award will help drive industry advancement year after year,” said Mike Blake AHLA chief technology officer.Given that The Hospitality Show is our industry’s premier technology and operations event, there is no better forum in which to recognize this year’s winners.”

More for you

Howard Johnson 100th anniversary

HoJo marks centennial with throwback

Summary:

  • Howard Johnson is marking its 100th anniversary with fried clam–shaped soaps.
  • The soaps pay homage to an iconic HoJo menu item.
  • Available at select hotels and for online purchase starting Oct. 3.

HOWARD JOHNSON BY Wyndham marks a century with one of its most famous menu items, the fried clam strip. The brand is introducing limited-edition HoJo’s Original Fried Clam Soap, available at select Howard Johnson hotels across the U.S. and for online purchase beginning Oct. 3.

Keep ReadingShow less
American Franchise Act announced in U.S. Congress to protect hotel franchising and jobs

House unveils act to boost franchise business

Summary:

  • House introduces AFA to boost franchise model and hotel operations.
  • The act establishes a joint employer standard.
  • AHLA backs the bill, urging swift adoption.

THE HOUSE Of Representatives introduced the American Franchise Act, aimed at supporting the U.S. franchising sector, including 36,000 franchised hotels and 3 million workers nationwide. The American Hotel & Lodging Association, backed the bill, urging swift adoption to boost the franchise model and clarify joint employer standards.

Keep ReadingShow less
Noble Investment Group Mobile Alabama

Noble breaks ground on StudioRes in Mobile, AL

Summary:

  • Noble broke ground on StudioRes Mobile Alabama at McGowin Park.
  • The 10th StudioRes expands Noble’s long-term accommodations platform.
  • Noble recently acquired 16 WoodSpring Suites properties through two portfolio transactions.

NOBLE INVESTMENT GROUP broke ground on StudioRes Mobile Alabama at McGowin Park, a retail center in Mobile, Alabama. It is Noble’s 10th property under Marriott International’s extended stay StudioRes brand.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Boxer Boston hotel sold by Hersha Hotels to Eurostars Hotels for $23.6 million
Photo Credit: The Boxer Boston

Hersha sells ‘Boxer Boston’ to Eurostars

Summary:

  • Hersha Hotels & Resorts sold The Boxer Boston to Eurostars Hotels.
  • The company acquired the property in 2012 for $12.6 million.
  • The property now sold for $23.6 million.

HERSHA HOTELS & RESORTS sold The Boxer Boston, an 80-room hotel in Boston’s West End, to Eurostars Hotels, part of Spain’s Grupo Hotusa. The company, which reportedly acquired the property in 2012 for $12.6 million, received $23.6 million for it.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Group Inc. 5000 2025

Peachtree receives two recognitions

Summary:

  • Peachtree recognized by Inc. and the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
  • Named to the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the third year.
  • Chronicle’s Pacesetter Awards recognize metro Atlanta’s fastest-growing companies.

PEACHTREE GROUP ENTERED the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the third consecutive year. The company also won the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Awards as one of the city’s fastest-growing private companies.

Keep ReadingShow less