Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Marriott, Hyatt stop operations in Russia over Ukraine invasion

AAHOA launches #HospitalityHelps initiative to help refugees from the war

Marriott, Hyatt stop operations in Russia over Ukraine invasion

MAJOR U.S. HOTELS firms Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Hyatt Hotels Corp. announced that they are ceasing operations in Russia due to its ongoing invasion in Ukraine. Also, AAHOA issued a statement condemning the war.

The hotel companies also emphasized their efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their employees and guests in both Ukraine and neighboring countries who face these 'unconscionable challenges'.


"We have made the decision, effective immediately, to close our corporate office in Moscow, and pause the opening of upcoming hotels and all future hotel development and investment in Russia,” Marriott said in a statement. “We have been closely monitoring the deteriorating situation in Ukraine, Russia and neighboring countries, and remain in regular contact with our teams on the ground, as we work to comply with sanctions and applicable laws. Our hotels in Russia are owned by third parties and we continue to evaluate the ability for these hotels to remain open."

Marriott has earmarked $1million to their associate relief fund to support them during the crisis.

"At this time, we have decided to suspend our development activities and any new investments in Russia, effective immediately. We will continue to support our colleagues in Russia as they continue to care for hotel guests. They, like our entire global Hyatt family, are committed to the spirit of hospitality – to show care when people need it most and provide a place to stay and gather – something more important than ever in times of crisis," Hyatt said in a statement. "We will continue to evaluate our existing management agreements with the third-party entities that own Hyatt hotels in Russia, while complying with applicable sanctions and U.S. government directives, and keeping our purpose of care at the center of any decision we make."

ENEWS COVID 03 21 22 Ukraine Marriott Hyatt AAHOA Zelensky addresses UN Ukrainian President Zelenskyy virtually addressed the U.S. Congress March 16, asking for help fighting the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photo by J. Scott Applewhite-Pool/Getty Images

The company added that it will provide refugee accommodation across Europe, sending supplies to the people of Ukraine, job transfers for Hyatt colleagues and a relief fund for our Hyatt colleagues in need of basic necessities, relocation support and care.

AAHOA also plans to lend a hand to victims of the war.

“Seeing the news, with images and videos of Ukrainian people in bomb shelters, fleeing their homes, and crowding train stations to get to safety, is incredibly upsetting,” AAHOA Chairman Vinay Patel said. “And I know AAHOA Members also are in shock and disbelief about this premeditated war, which is undoubtedly bringing incredible human suffering to the innocent people of Ukraine.”

AAHOA launched #HospitalityHelps initiative to provide temporary hotel accommodation to Ukrainian residents who are forced to leave their homes as a result of the war. It is currently connecting families on the run from in Ukraine with hotel owners across the world providing free hotel stays.

“The hospitality industry has always been one to step up in times of need. The #HospitalityHelps initiative is a true testament to what can be accomplished when we work together to help those who are suffering," Patel said. “At the end of the day, people just need to feel safe. They need a roof over their heads and a place to call home while their country is experiencing extreme unrest. This is the very foundation of the hotel industry and what hotel owners  strive to do each and every day: provide solace and peace for those who need rest and a safe place to stay.”

More for you

Peachtree Group's Residence Inn by Marriott under construction in downtown San Antonio, topping out milestone reached, June 2025

Peachtree tops out San Antonio Residence Inn

Peachtree Hotel to Open in Summer 2026 with 117 Extended-Stay Rooms

PEACHTREE GROUP HELD a “topping out” for its Residence Inn by Marriott in downtown San Antonio, Texas, marking completion of the structural phase of the 10-story, 117-room hotel. The property, co-developed with Austin-based Merritt Development Group, is scheduled to open in summer 2026.

The extended-stay hotel will be owned by Peachtree and managed by its hospitality management division, the company said in a statement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Air India plane crash 2025
Photo by Sam PANTHAKY / AFP

Air India reducing flights after deadly crash

AIR INDIA WILL reduce international service on widebody aircraft by 15 percent through at least mid-July, according to media reports. The decision comes less than a week after the June 12 crash of an Air India airliner carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members in Ahmedabad, India, that killed 246 but left one survivor among the passengers.

The airline said the reduced service due to the safety inspection of aircraft and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted operations, resulting in 83 flight cancellations over the past six days, according to ABC News. Passengers can either reschedule their flights at no additional cost or receive a full refund.

Keep ReadingShow less
hihotels executive team honored for long-term service and loyalty in hospitality

Hihotels recognizes eight company leaders

EIGHT LEADERS OF hihotels by Hospitality International, Inc. are being recognized by the company for their combined 121 years of service. The company was established in 1982 as an alternative to other, established brands.

The honorees include Paul Vakharia, hihotels’ senior director of franchise development for the Northeast Region who has been with the company for 25 years. Chhaya Patel, franchise development coordinator, also has been with the company for 25 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
ICE Raid Resumes in Hotels & Farms After DHS Reversal
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

Reuters: ICE resumes hotel immigration raids

ICE Reverses Decision to Pause Raids on Key Industries

U.S. IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS have reversed enforcement limits at hotels, farms, restaurants and food processing plants days after issuing them, following conflicting statements by President Donald Trump, according to Reuters. ICE leadership told field office heads on Monday it would withdraw last week's directive that paused raids on those businesses.

ICE officials were told a daily quota of 3,000 arrests—10 times the average last year under former President Joe Biden—would remain in effect, two former officials said in the report. ICE field office heads raised concerns they could not meet the quota without raids at the previously exempted businesses, Reuters reported, citing a source.

However, it was not clear why the directive was reversed.

Keep ReadingShow less
San Francisco museum to open Indo-American hotelier exhibit in 2026 honoring Indian American pioneers
Photo courtesy of Beth LaBerge/KQED

Tenderloin Museum plans Indian hotelier exhibit

What is the Indo-American Hotelier Exhibit in San Francisco?

THE TENDERLOIN MUSEUM in San Francisco is launching the Indo-American Hotelier History Exhibit, the first permanent U.S. exhibition of its kind. The exhibit, opening in 2026 as part of the museum’s expansion, will document Indian immigrants’ role in the U.S. hospitality industry, beginning in San Francisco’s Tenderloin.

It will document the role of Indian immigrants in the U.S. hospitality industry, beginning in San Francisco’s Tenderloin, AAHOA said in a statement.

Keep ReadingShow less