Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Choice launches direct pay program for corporate guests

The new system allows users to manage and pay bills for multiple hotel stays

Choice launches direct pay program for corporate guests

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL is implementing “Choice Direct Pay,” a system that allows corporate customers to make reservations for their employees and guests at multiple Choice hotels. The new system then bills the companies directly through a single, centralized invoice.

Choice Direct Pay also would provide weekly consolidated invoicing so corporate travelers can pay for all stays at one time. Users can download and manage their invoice data through an individualized online portal, and centralized customer support can help with the enrollment process, check the status of payments and invoices and resolve issues with charges.


The program also allows users to add project costs and department codes to bills to further simplify the reconciliation process. They also can access to existing negotiated and chainwide rates and search for participating hotels, as well as adjust their stay dates.

"From the flagship Comfort brand and the upscale Cambria Hotels, beloved by modern travelers, to our growing lineup of extended stay offerings, ensuring today's business travelers have access to the right accommodations in the right markets for their corporate travel is key," said Chad Fletcher, Choice’s vice president for global sales. "Fundamental to this approach is equipping travel managers with the tools and resources they need to better serve these corporate clients. Choice Direct Pay streamlines what has traditionally been an onerous process across the industry, further underscoring Choice's commitment to building on its leading value proposition for guests and corporate customers alike."

More than 5,000 domestic properties will be part of Choice Direct Pay. The new system is based on current technology developed by Choice, including its Virtual Pay and the Group Management Platform. The former allows travel managers to book stays for their guests without needing a personal credit card, and the Group Management Platform is an online reservation solution focused on group travel.

Last week, Choice completed its acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas for $675 million. The transaction includes Radisson’s franchise business, operations and intellectual property. The merger, which was announced in June, will add Radisson’s nine brands to Choice, bringing it to 624 hotels.

More for you

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
Olympic Wage ordinance 2028
Photo credit: Unite Here Local 11

Petition fails to stop L.A. hotels wage increase

Summary:

  • Failed petition clears way for Los Angeles “Olympic Wage” to reach $30 by 2028.
  • L.A. Alliance referendum fell 9,000 signatures short.
  • AAHOA calls ruling a setback for hotel owners.

A PETITION FOR a referendum on Los Angeles’s proposed “Olympic Wage” ordinance, requiring a $30 minimum wage for hospitality workers by the 2028 Olympic Games, lacked sufficient signatures, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar. The ordinance will take effect, raising hotel worker wages from the current $22.50 to $25 next year, $27.50 in 2027 and $30 in 2028.

Keep ReadingShow less
TBO acquires Classic Vacations

India's TBO to buy U.S. Classic Vacations for $125M

Summary:

  • India-based TBO will acquire U.S. wholesaler Classic Vacations for up to $125 million.
  • The deal combines TBO’s distribution platform with Classic’s advisor network.
  • Classic will remain independent while integrating TBO’s global inventory and digital tools.

TRAVEL BOUTIQUE ONLINE, an Indian travel distribution platform, will acquire U.S. travel wholesaler Classic Vacations LLC from Phoenix-based The Najafi Cos., entering the North American market. The deal is valued at up to $125 million.

Keep ReadingShow less
AHLA Foundation expands hospitality education

AHLA Foundation expands hospitality education

Summary:

  • AHLA Foundation is partnering with ICHRIE and ACPHA to support hospitality education.
  • The collaborations align academic programs with industry workforce needs.
  • It will provide data, faculty development, and student engagement opportunities.

THE AHLA FOUNDATION, International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education and the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration work to expand education opportunities for students pursuing hospitality careers. The alliances aim to provide data, faculty development and student engagement opportunities.

Keep ReadingShow less
PRISM rebrand by OYO parent company

OYO’s parent, Oravel, rebrands as PRISM

Summary:

  • OYO’s parent firm, Oravel, rebranded as PRISM to reflect its global hospitality portfolio.
  • The rebrand emphasizes the group’s focus on technology and growth.
  • It added 150+ hotels to its U.S. portfolio in H1 2025, with 150 more planned by year-end.

ORAVEL STAYS LTD, the parent company of OYO, rebranded as PRISM to reflect its global presence and diversified portfolio. The new identity brings budget stays, hotels, vacation homes, extended living, co-working and event spaces under one structure.

Keep ReadingShow less