Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Kong to receive inaugural Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award

The presentation will be at AHLA Foundation fundraising gala and ALIS

Kong to receive inaugural Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award

DAVID KONG, THE recently retired president and CEO of Best Western Hotel Group, is the inaugural recipient of the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award. The award, sponsored by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the American Hotel & Lodging Foundation and The BHN Group, is named after the late Arne Sorenson, the former president and CEO of Marriott International who passed away in February.

Kong will be recognized during the AHLA Foundation’s fundraising gala, the Night of a Thousand Stars on Jan. 23, as well as during the 21st Annual Americas Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles on Jan. 25, according to a press release from AHLA.


The award will be presented annually to a senior-level executive in the lodging industry to recognize their leadership and community engagement. Nominations are reviewed by AHLA’s executive committee and representatives from ALIS.

“Like Arne, David is an industry icon—an amazing leader and among the most respected people in our industry,” said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO. “The story of David’s career trajectory, from dishwasher to CEO, is inspiring to us all—as is his commitment to the next generation of hotel leaders and the communities we serve. It has been a joy to work with David, and I can think of no better way to honor him at the conclusion of his illustrious career than with this award.”

Kong’s career in hospitality began when he immigrated to the U.S. from Hong Kong as a young adult, with no money, job, or connections to offer support, according to AHLA. He started as a dishwasher and busboy and rose the role at Best Western he held for nearly 20 years. Kong also held leadership positions with KPMG Consulting, Hyatt Hotels, Omni International and Hilton Hotels.

Sorenson was a leading voice for the hospitality industry, Kong said at the time of Sorenson’s death from pancreatic cancer.

“I have always admired him as a transformative leader and I have no doubt that his contributions to our industry will be celebrated for years to come,” Kong said at the time. “Arne touched many lives, including my own, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”

Kong also has had an impact on the industry, said Jeff Higley, president of The BHN Group.

“The humanity-meets-business crossroads that Arne and David built their leadership styles around are more important than ever, so it’s an honor to acknowledge Arne’s legacy by having David as the inaugural recipient of this award,” Higley said. “The impact of embracing a people-centric approach by prominently addressing key social issues serves as an agent of change far beyond the boundaries of the hotel industry. We should all be proud of the impact that Arne and David have contributed by being kind, thoughtful and forward-looking leaders.”

Kong’s accomplishments that led to selection for the award, according to AHLA, include creating Best Western’s “Today’s Women in Leadership Forum” to promote the work of women in the industry; working with the AHLA Foundation to provide scholarships to hospitality students; spearheading BWH Hotel Group’s Future Leaders Group that provides networking, training, career counseling and exposure to young people interested in careers in hospitality; and advocating for hoteliers during the pandemic.

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