WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS launched the “Accelerator Circle”, a community platform for diverse hoteliers, offering BOLD and Women Own the Room franchisees access to Wyndham's network through quarterly virtual meetups. These sessions focus on accelerating hotel openings, maximizing performance and reinforcing the company's commitment to diversity, Wyndham said in a statement.
“Navigating hotel ownership isn’t easy, with many owners facing the same challenges over and over,” said Galen Barrett, Wyndham’s vice president of strategic franchise initiatives. “Wyndham’s Accelerator Circle connects a dynamic community for Black and women entrepreneurs who haven’t always had the support of our industry. It’s a space for owners to exchange knowledge, learn from seasoned pros, and the expected result? A more diverse industry with a new wave of empowered, savvy owners.”
Wyndham’s BOLD and Women Own the Room focus on building a supportive community to enhance diversity in hospitality, while Accelerator Circle connects owners to foster shared learning and growth within an engaged network, the statement said. The initiatives have resulted in more than 90 hotel deals with Black and women hoteliers, with more than 20 hotels currently operating across the U.S.
Owner first approach
Accelerator Circle sessions will launch this fall, covering topics raised by franchisees, such as securing financing, hotel renovations, development and operations, the statement said. Led by Wyndham team members, outside experts and fellow owners, these sessions will facilitate peer-to-peer discussions and provide insights into the challenges owners face.
The first discussion will be led by WaterWalk CEO Mimi Oliver on optimizing relationships with franchisors, Wyndham said. A granddaughter of extended-stay pioneer Jack DeBoer, Oliver has overseen the development, opening, and operations of numerous hotels and raised more than $100 million in equity for the company.
She became WaterWalk's CEO in September 2020.
“Hotel ownership is challenging, and I've seen firsthand how valuable it is to have a circle of supporters to navigate those difficulties and drive success,” Oliver said. “I was drawn to Wyndham because of their dedication to increasing diversity in hospitality, and Accelerator Circle is one meaningful way I can give back to inspire future generations, especially those who might not see a clear path, to join our fantastic industry.”
Future sessions will feature topics such as fundraising, construction and renovation and creating optimal staffing models, the statement said.
Wyndham reported a net income of $86 million for the second quarter ending June 30, with a 7 percent year-over-year increase in its global pipeline, including a 5 percent rise in the U.S.
In September, Wyndham's "Registry Collection" debuted in the U.S. with the renovated Mining Exchange hotel in Colorado Springs, a 128-room property managed by Practice Hospitality, led by CEO Bashar Wali.
Also in September, Super 8 by Wyndham launched its Innov8te 2.0 design package, the latest iteration of its program developed with owners and design experts, featuring updated color schemes, new furniture, bedding, flooring, and improved operational efficiency.
