Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Hilton, American Express providing 20K rooms for L.A. wildfire relief

The hotel company is working with a local nonprofit to house displaced residents

Hilton, American Express providing 20K rooms for L.A. wildfire relief

HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS and American Express are offering 20,000 complimentary hotel room nights to those impacted by the recent wildfires across the greater Los Angeles area. Hilton is working with local nonprofit 211 LA to provide rooms for wildfire-displaced individuals already seeking aid through the organization.

Individuals in need of rooms can apply online, the companies said in a joint statement.


“All natural disasters take a toll on our people and communities, and this one weighs particularly heavy given our long history in California,” said Christopher Nassetta, Hilton's president and CEO. “In times like these, our founder’s belief that hospitality can be a force for good carries even greater meaning and makes our responsibility to those we serve even more urgent. We are actively in touch with all hotels in the area and are incredibly grateful to our team members who have already gone above and beyond to support the community and each other.”

Hilton has operated more than 70 years in Los Angeles and located its headquarters in the city 40 years ago.

Stephen Squeri, American Express chairman and CEO, said they are partnering with Hilton to provide shelter for those displaced and first responders battling the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

“Our thoughts go out to everyone who has been affected by this devastating natural disaster, and we are committed to supporting the immediate relief and long-term rebuilding efforts in impacted communities,” he said.

Hilton and American Express have a history of providing accommodation to individuals and families in need, the statement said. The duo offered 2 million rooms over the last five years to individuals, families and first responders affected by crises.

Additionally, Hilton and The Hilton Global Foundation are supporting first responders fighting fires in the Los Angeles area with contributions to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the International Association of Fire Fighters Foundation. Hilton Honors members can donate points to support the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and other nonprofit organizations.

Hilton team members across 80 Los Angeles-area hotels have worked around the clock since the start of this tragedy to ensure guest safety and provide discounted hotel rooms to support the community.

The hotel industry has been supporting wildfire recovery efforts in Los Angeles County, where fires have destroyed thousands of structures and claimed at least 24 lives.

More for you

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
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
U.S. holiday travel 2025 trends

Report: U.S. consumers’ holiday travel intent dips

Summary:

  • U.S. holiday travel is down to 44 percent, led by Millennials and Gen Z.
  • Younger consumers are cost-conscious while older generations show steadier travel intent.
  • 76 percent of Millennials are likely to use AI for travel recommendations.

NEARLY 44 PERCENT of U.S. consumers plan to travel during the 2025 holiday season, down from 46 percent last year, according to PwC. Millennials and Gen Z lead travel intent at 55 percent each, while Gen X sits at 39 percent and Baby Boomers at 26 percent.

Keep ReadingShow less
Report: Global RevPAR to rise 3–5 percent in 2025

Report: Global RevPAR to rise 3–5 percent in 2025

Summary:

  • Global hotel RevPAR is projected to grow 3 to 5 percent in 2025, JLL reports.
  • Hotel RevPAR rose 4 percent in 2024, with demand at 4.8 billion room nights.
  • London, New York and Tokyo are expected to lead investor interest in 2025.

GLOBAL HOTEL REVPAR is projected to grow 3 to 5 percent in 2025, with investment volume up 15 to 25 percent, driven by loan maturities, deferred capital spending and private equity fund expirations, according to JLL. Leisure travel is expected to decline as consumer savings tighten, while group, corporate and international travel increase, supporting RevPAR growth.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hotel data challenges report highlighting AI and automation opportunities in hospitality

Survey: Data gaps hinder hotel growth

Summary:

  • Fragmented systems, poor integration limit hotels’ data access, according to a survey.
  • Most hotel professionals use data daily but struggle to access it for revenue and operations.
  • AI and automation could provide dynamic pricing, personalization and efficiency.

FRAGMENTED SYSTEMS, INACCURATE information and limited integration remain barriers to hotels seeking better data access to improve guest experiences and revenue, according to a newly released survey. Although most hotel professionals use data daily, the survey found 49 percent struggle to access what they need for revenue and operational decisions.

Keep ReadingShow less