The association said the updated guide is part of ongoing hotel safety efforts
By Vishnu Rageev RNov 15, 2024
THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association and its technology committee, Hospitality Technology Next Generation, recently released an updated Staff Alert Device Buyer’s Guide to help hoteliers choose personal safety devices for staff and guest safety. The guide is the latest in a line of hotel industry employee and guest safety efforts, AHLA said in a statement.
“Hospitality starts with maintaining a safe environment for guests and employees. Through various AHLA and AHLA Foundation safety initiatives, America’s hotels are focused on doing just that,” said Kevin Carey, AHLA’s interim president and CEO. “Our updated employee safety device guide and comparison matrix will help hoteliers across the nation select the best devices to ensure the safety of nearly two million hotel employees.”
The guide, first launched in 2019 and compiled by HTNG’s Staff Alert Technology Workgroup, covers devices with features like location tracking, communication options and AI-driven emergency response systems.
Safe Stay initiative during COVID-19, promoting health practices for guests and staff.
5-Star Promise, a commitment to improving policies, training, and resources, including safety devices for employees and guests.
No Room For Trafficking initiative by the AHLA Foundation, providing anti-trafficking training for hotel employees nationwide, totaling more than 8 million sessions and $3.7 million in contributions to support trafficking survivors.
AHLA’s advocacy for hotel safety legislation includes:
HOTEL Act, which encourages federal workers to stay at properties with anti-trafficking training.
AHLA’s Safety & Security Committee, comprising hotel safety experts, supports guest and employee safety by sharing the latest techniques and best practices with members, the statement said. The HTNG Staff Alert Workgroup, with more than 90 global members from hospitality companies and tech vendors, is one of several AHLA-member HTNG workgroups addressing industry challenges and advancing technology.
In July, AHLA launched the Hospitality Law Database, giving hoteliers quick access to state and local laws affecting hotel operations. This platform helps hotel owners, managers, HR professionals, and attorneys navigate the evolving legal landscape.
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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