Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

AAHOA recognizes World Day Against Trafficking

The U.N. event raises awareness about human trafficking around the world

THURSDAY WAS WORLD Day Against Trafficking in Persons and some hoteliers took time to recognize the event. Human trafficking is a major issue for the hotel industry even as it struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The day is sponsored annually by the United Nations General Assembly, which declared the day in 2013. It is meant to “raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights.”


Far from diminishing the need for the observation, the COVID-19 pandemic highlights its importance, Secretary General António Guterres said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated many global inequalities, created new obstacles on the path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and left millions of people at greater risk of being trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labor, forced marriage and other crimes,” Guterres said. “Women and girls already account for more than 70 per cent of detected human trafficking victims, and today are among the hardest hit by the pandemic.  With previous downturns showing that women face a harder time getting paid jobs back in the aftermath of crisis, vigilance is especially important at this time.”

Hotels have a particular role to play in fighting human trafficking, said Cecil Staton, AAHOA president and CEO, in a statement Thursday.

“As a society, we have a moral obligation to protect the most vulnerable amongst us. That is why, when human traffickers seek to exploit the powerless and defenseless in our communities, America’s hoteliers are stepping up to put a stop to it. Human trafficking is a terrible crime. AAHOA stands with victims and all those working to end trafficking,” Staton said. “Thousands of hotel owners and their employees are educating themselves about trafficking identification and prevention through AAHOA’s Human Trafficking Awareness Trainings. These free online trainings, developed in partnership with Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) and Polaris, help hoteliers and hospitality employees understand trafficking, identify the signs, and respond to potential trafficking situations. We are proud to partner with the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign as well as AHLA’s No Room for Trafficking campaign. The hospitality industry is united in keeping traffickers out of our hotels and our communities. Together, we can save lives and end this despicable practice.”

Last year AAHOA, the American Hotel & Lodging Association and several hotel companies also recognized National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Jan. 11, part of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month for the month of January.

More for you

IHG Hotels reports 3% RevPAR growth in 2024, driven by strong demand, exceptional service, and enhanced guest experiences

IHG saw 3 percent RevPAR growth in 2024

How IHG’s Service Excellence Fuels RevPAR Growth in 2024

IHG HOTELS & RESORTS reported global RevPAR growth of 3 percent for 2024 and 4.6 percent in the fourth quarter, with the Americas rising 2.5 percent and 4.6 percent for the year and quarter, respectively. The company acquired Germany-based lifestyle hotel brand Ruby for about $116 million, aiming for global expansion, including the Americas.

It opened 371 hotels globally in 2024, up 24 percent, and added 714 to the pipeline, a 34 percent increase, including 16,832 rooms opened and 26,552 signed in the Americas, IHG said in a statement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lallani and Fan receiving the CLIC Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in hospitality service and leadership

Lallani, Fan win CLIC’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Lallani & Fan Recognized for Lifetime Excellence in Hospitality at CLIC

Dorraine Lallani, senior director of asset management at Westmont Hospitality Group, and Joseph Fan, president of Brighton Management, will receive a lifetime achievement award from the California Lodging Investment Conference. They will be honored at the Westin Long Beach on March 5 to 6.

Lallani, former senior vice president at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, specializes in hotel acquisitions, due diligence, franchise relations and asset dispositions. Fan founded Brighton Management in 1994, serving Los Angeles, San Diego and Northern California, CLIC said in a statement.

Keep ReadingShow less
AAHOA’s 2nd HYPE Conference in Mexico City—hospitality leaders networking, sharing expert insights, and elevating service excellence

AAHOA hosts second HYPE conference in Mexico City

AAHOA’s 2nd HYPE Conference in Mexico City: Elevating Hospitality Excellence & Networking Opportunities

AAHOA HOSTED ITS second annual “HYPE – Helping Young Professionals Evolve” conference in Mexico City on Feb. 6 to 7, marking its first international event. Ritesh Agarwal, founder and Group CEO of OYO, and Rahul Patel, managing partner at Patel Gaines, PLLC, were the keynote speakers, addressing around 240 participants.

The conference featured panel discussions on leadership, capital access strategies, multifamily housing opportunities, emerging technologies and insights for independent properties in competitive markets, AAHOA said in a statement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Host Hotels CEO Jim Risoleo at the Bharat Shah Leadership Series

Host Hotels' Risoleo to headline Bharat Shah Series

Jim Risoleo to Exchange Hospitality Insights at Bharat Shah Leadership Series

James Risoleo, president and CEO of Host Hotels & Resorts, will join Mit Shah, CEO of Noble Investment Group, for the Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series at The Hunter Hotel Investment Conference on March 20. The series, honoring Bharat Shah, is presented in partnership with Noble Investment Group and Georgia State University's Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration.

The annual leadership series provides a platform for leaders to share stories of faith and perseverance in pursuing the American dream, Hunter said in a statement.

Keep ReadingShow less