Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

HFTP conference goes virtual

Safety concerns led to decision to move hospitality event into cyberspace

FOLLOWING A TREND set by other large hospitality conferences in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals’ "Best of HFTP" in-person event, scheduled for October, will instead be part of the virtual "Cyber HITEC."

The in-person events, including HITEC San Antonio, HFTP Annual Convention and Club Forum, were scheduled for Oct. 26-29 in San Antonio, Texas. Concern for attendee safety and the fact that many global travel restrictions remain in place were factors in the decision to take the event online.


"Health and safety have always been our top priority and continued uncertainty around the COVID 19 pandemic makes it prudent to forgo the in-person events ahead of critical deadlines for both attendees and exhibitors planning to participate," said Frank Wolfe, HFTP’s CEO. "We arrived at this decision thoughtfully after hearing from many sources including our exhibitors and attendees who shared industry concerns."

The online program will be available Oct. 27 to Nov. 25. Along with education sessions, it will feature keynote presentations, a networking lounge and a marketplace of technology providers. The HFTP Annual Convention will also be held under the Cyber HITEC banner and attendees will have the opportunity to attend education sessions for both events.

"With Cyber HITEC, we will be able to do things we have not done in the past. It will prove to be an excellent experience for attendees," said Justin Taillon, chairman of the HITEC San Antonio Advisory Council.

HSMAI and its Revenue Optimization Advisory Board also are developing an interactive format for the event. HFTP's "invitation only" Club Forum will be held virtually on Oct. 26. Information about credits, registration for Cyber HITEC and invitations for the Club Forum will be no later than July 25. Check www.hftp.org and www.hitec.org for the latest information.

In June, STR announced its Hotel Data Conference in August would include more online events and reduced time for in-person activities. AAHOA also announced that its 2020 Convention & Trade Show will be virtual instead of in-person.

More for you

Marriott Outdoor Collection

Marriott unveils 'Outdoor Collection'

Summary:

  • Marriott launches Outdoor Collection and Bonvoy Outdoors platform.
  • First two brands are Postcard Cabins and Trailborn Hotels.
  • Platform features 450+ hotels, 50,000 homes and activities.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL RECENTLY launched the brand “Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy” and introduced “Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors,” a digital platform that lets travelers plan trips by destination or activity. The first two brands in the Outdoor Collection are Postcard Cabins and Trailborn Hotels.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree adds six hotels to its third-party management platform
Photo credit: Peachtree Group

Peachtree picked to manage six hotels

Summary:

  • Peachtree adds six hotels to third-party platform.
  • Five are owned by La Posada Group, one by Decatur Properties.
  • Third-party portfolio totals 42 hotels.

PEACHTREE GROUP’S HOSPITALITY management division added six hotels to its third-party management platform. Five are owned by La Posada Group LLC and one by Decatur Properties Holdings.

Keep ReadingShow less
AHLA Foundation scholarships

AHLA Foundation awards $710K in scholarships

Summary:

  • AHLA Foundation distributed $710,000 in scholarships to 246 students.
  • Nearly 90 percent of recipients come from underrepresented communities.
  • The foundation funds students pursuing education and careers in the lodging sector.

AHLA FOUNDATION DISTRIBUTED $710,000 in academic scholarships to 246 students at 64 schools nationwide for the 2025–2026 academic year. Nearly 90 percent of recipients are from underrepresented communities, reflecting the foundation’s focus on expanding access to hospitality careers.

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. government shutdown
Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Congressional deadlock shutters government

Summary:

  • The U.S. government shut down at midnight after Congress failed to agree on funding.
  • About 750,000 federal employees will be furloughed daily, costing $400 million.
  • Key immigration and labor programs are halted.

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT shut down at midnight after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on funding. Disputes over healthcare subsidies and spending priorities left both sides unwilling to accept responsibility.

Keep ReadingShow less
WTTC travel report

WTTC: U.S. tops travel sector with $2.6T GDP

Summary:

  • The U.S. led global travel and tourism in 2024 with $2.6 trillion in GDP, WTTC reported.
  • India retained ninth place with $249.3 billion in GDP.
  • The sector supported 357 million jobs in 2024, rising to 371 million in 2025.

THE U.S. LED global travel and tourism in 2024, contributing $2.6 trillion to GDP, mainly from domestic demand, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. Europe accounted for five of the top 10 destinations, while India ranked 9th.

Keep ReadingShow less