Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Survey: Employee background checks up for hotels

The trend follows Trump's immigration crackdown

US Hotel Employee Background Checks

U.S. hotel hiring managers requested 36 percent more background checks in the first half of 2025 than a year earlier, according to Hireology.

iStock

Summary:

  • U.S. hotels increased background checks by 36 percent in early 2025.
  • The trend follows President Trump’s immigration policies impacting seasonal labor.
  • Immigrants making up a third of the travel workforce.

U.S. HOTEL HIRING managers requested 36 percent more background checks in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year, according to Hireology. The move follows President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and proposed visa fee hikes affecting seasonal labor.


Trump sought to end temporary legal status for hundreds of thousands of migrants in the U.S. and vowed to deport millions of undocumented people in the country, Reuters reported. Hireology said in a blog post that background checks were a cornerstone of any effective hiring strategy.

"They ensure that candidates meet the qualifications for the role, protect your organization from potential risks and help you build a safe, compliant, and high-performing workforce,” the hiring platform said. “Negligent hiring can have serious consequences, from legal liabilities to reputational damage.”

At least one-third of workers employed or supported by the U.S. travel industry are immigrants, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Meanwhile, hotels directly employed more than 2.15 million people in 2024, according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

Total hires across 1,000 hotels rose by 22 percent, reaching more than 8,000 workers, Reuters reported, citing Hireology report.

Increases in the most in-demand roles such as front desk associates, housekeepers and cooks were flat or grew slightly year-over-year. About 34 percent of housekeepers and 24 percent of cooks are foreign-born, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Tourism Economics.

A $250 Visa Integrity Fee in Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is drawing criticism from groups that rely on J-1 and other seasonal worker visas, who warn the sometimes-refundable charge could shrink the summer workforce supporting U.S. beach towns and resorts.

More for you

BWH Hotels expands with AI-driven strategy and outdoor lodging focus

BWH sticks to growth plan despite headwinds

Summary:

  • BWH Hotels is staying the course on long-term growth, investing in AI and developer support.
  • A new insurance program has saved some BWH hoteliers $50,000 to $60,000 annually.
  • It aims to reach 5,150 hotels in five years, with 300 deals signed last year and 200-plus in the pipeline.

BWH HOTELS IS maintaining its long-term growth strategy despite market uncertainties, with President and CEO Larry Cuculic citing momentum across core markets. The company is investing in AI, supporting developers and focusing on long-term goals.

Keep ReadingShow less
Marriott
Photo Credit: Marriott

Marriott closes $355M acquisition of citizenM

Summary:

  • Marriott International completed its $355 million acquisition of citizenM, a Netherlands-based select-service brand.
  • Integration into Marriott’s systems is underway.
  • Founded in 2008 by Rattan Chadha, citizenM targets travelers seeking smart room design, shared spaces.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL COMPLETED its $355 million acquisition of citizenM, a Netherlands-based select-service brand founded by Rattan Chadha, as announced in April. CitizenM’s portfolio includes 37 hotels with 8,789 rooms across more than 20 cities in the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hilton

Hilton posts unit growth as Q2 RevPAR slips

Summary:

  • Hilton reported 7.5 percent net unit growth in the second quarter while systemwide RevPAR declined 0.5 percent year-over-year.
  • Net income and adjusted EBITDA for the first half of 2025 were $742 million and $1.8 billion, up from $690 million and $1.67 billion YoY.
  • For the third quarter of 2025, Hilton expects systemwide RevPAR to be flat to slightly down.

HILTON WORDLWIDE HOLDINGS reported 7.5 percent net unit growth in the second quarter of 2025, however systemwide RevPAR declined 0.5 percent year-over-year. The company said economic fluctuations are being felt but not hindering performance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Group loan
Photo credit: Peachtree Group

Peachtree backs $42M loan for AFC deal

Summary:

  • Peachtree provided a $42 million floating-rate loan to Banyan Street Capital for the acquisition and repositioning of Atlanta Financial Center in Buckhead.
  • The deal delivers capital at a reset basis, with comps pricing 98 percent higher, reflecting strong collateral and execution.
  • It recently launched a $250 million fund to invest in hotel and commercial assets mispriced from market illiquidity.

PEACHTREE GROUP PROVIDED its first mortgage loan to Banyan Street Capital for the acquisition and repositioning of the 914,774-square-foot Atlanta Financial Center in Buckhead, Georgia. Peachtree said the office sector is at an inflection point, similar to the retail segment previously.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump’s Proposed Visa Fee Threatens Seasonal Hospitality Workforce

Report: Trump visa fee sparks summer staffing fears

Summary:

  • Trump’s proposed $250 Visa Integrity Fee faces pushback from groups relying on seasonal J-1 workers from Latin America and Asia.
  • J-1 visa holders often work as housekeepers, amusement park staff, and lifeguards from pre-season through Labor Day; more than 300,000 use the visa annually.
  • DHS and the State Department have not clarified how the fee will be implemented or who qualifies for a refund.

A $250 VISA Integrity Fee in President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is drawing criticism from groups that rely on seasonal workers from Latin America and Asia on J-1 and other visas, Newsweek reported. The organizations warn the cost, though sometimes refundable, could reduce the summer workforce that supports U.S. beach towns and resorts.

Keep ReadingShow less