Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Payne named BWH Hotels board chairman

Payne has owned and operated six BWH Hotels properties since 1982

Payne named BWH Hotels board chairman

THE BWH HOTELS board of directors recently named Phil Payne as chairman. In addition, the board elected Steve Wahrlich as vice chairperson and Viral "Victor" Patel as secretary-treasurer.

"I am pleased to announce Phil Payne as the new chairperson of the Board," said Larry Cuculic, BWH Hotels president and CEO. "Phil, a trusted and valued member of our organization for over four decades, brings extensive experience with BWH Hotels and essential knowledge of the hospitality industry, making him the ideal individual to serve in this role for the upcoming year.”


Payne has owned and operated six BWH Hotels properties since 1982, BWH said in a statement. Additionally, during his ownership, Payne served as managing member of Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn, Best Western Governor for Western New Mexico and as a member of the brand’s Reservation & Technology Advisory Committee.

"I'm honored to serve as Board chairperson for BWH Hotels," said Payne. "Since joining Best Western in 1982, my commitment has been to make our brand the industry’s friendliest for hoteliers. This involves providing top-notch support, technology solutions, and driving superior revenue while ensuring we exceed guest expectations.”

Meanwhile, Patel was elected to the Best Western Hotels & Resorts Board of Directors in 2021, representing hotel owners in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada. He presently owns and operates the Best Western Corbin Inn in Kentucky.

BWH Hotels oversees three hotel companies: WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels. The global enterprise comprises about 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories, featuring 19 brands spanning diverse chain scale segments from economy to luxury.

BWH recently announced collaborations with Green Key Global and Tesla Motors to enhance sustainability initiatives. In July, Joelle Park was appointed as BWH Hotels' senior vice president and chief marketing officer.

More for you

G6 Hospitality Launches 24/7 Guest Support From August 1
Photo credit: G6 Hospitality

G6 launching 24x7 guest support on Aug. 1

Summary:

  • G6 Hospitality will launch 24x7 guest support on Aug. 1, expanding the current 18-hour window.
  • Escalations from phone, email and social media will be handled promptly by trained staff.
  • The service supports G6’s tech and service investments, including the AI-powered My6 app.

G6 HOSPITALITY, PARENT of Motel 6 and Studio 6, will launch a 24x7 customer support service for guests starting Aug. 1. The service extends the previous 18-hour window to full-day availability via phone, email and social media.

Keep ReadingShow less
Auro Hotels Showcases India Culture at TCMU Exhibit

Auro unveils 'India Cultural Corner' for children

Summary:

  • Auro Hotels opened the India Cultural Corner, where children can check in and explore Indian culture at The Children's Museum of the Upstate.
  • Families can engage with community art, activities and storytelling about daily life in India.
  • The exhibit runs through May 2026, offering interactive learning on Indian culture.

AURO HOTELS RECENTLY opened the India Cultural Corner at The Children's Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina, offering a look into Indian stories for American families. The exhibition, held at The Grand Geo Hotel and running through May 2026, includes a hotel desk where children can check in and explore Indian culture through interactive activities.

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. Firms Lose $2.4 Trillion by Skimping on Business Travel

Report: Business travel gaps cost U.S. firms $2.4T

Summary:

  • U.S. companies risk losing more than $2.4 trillion in sales due to underinvestment in business travel, says GBTA.
  • An 8.3 percent T&E increase could drive a 6 percent sales gain, despite post-COVID virtual meeting tools.
  • Current T&E spending is $294 billion—$24 billion short of the $319.1 billion needed for peak profitability.

U.S. COMPANIES ARE missing more than $2.4 trillion in potential sales due to underinvestment in business travel, according to a Global Business Travel Association report. Despite a post-pandemic rebound, travel and entertainment spending remains $66 billion below 2019 levels.

Keep ReadingShow less
AI threats in hospitality

Study: Cyberattacks on hotels to surge

Summary:

  • Around 66 percent of hotel IT and security executives expect more cyberattacks this summer, and 50 percent anticipate greater severity, according to VikingCloud.
  • Guest-facing systems most at risk include POS and payment technology at 72 percent, guest WiFi at 56 percent and front desk systems at 34 percent.
  • About 48 percent of executives lack confidence in their staff’s ability to detect and respond to AI-driven attacks and deepfakes.

APPROXIMATELY 66 PERCENT of hotel IT and security executives expect an increase in cyberattack frequency and 50 percent anticipate greater severity during the summer travel season, according to cybersecurity firm VikingCloud. In summer 2024, 82 percent of North American hotels experienced a cyberattack and 58 percent were targeted five or more times.

Keep ReadingShow less
Newly renovated Marriott Saddle Brook hotel in New Jersey, now managed by Stonebridge Cos.

Stonebridge to manage Marriott in Saddle Brook, NJ

Summary:

  • Stonebridge Cos. has added the Marriott Saddle Brook in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, to its full-service portfolio.
  • The renovated property is owned by Victory Worldwide LLC, led by CEO Anil Monga.
  • Located 20 miles from New York City, it is near the Meadowlands Sports Complex, Garden State Plaza and Hackensack University Medical Center.

STONEBRIDGE COS. RECENTLY added the 244-room Marriott Saddle Brook in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, to its full-service managed portfolio. The property is owned by Victory Worldwide LLC, led by CEO Anil Monga.

Keep ReadingShow less