Organizations form new website to encourage hotel ownership

TWO ORGANIZATIONS FOCUSED on promoting the careers of women in the hospitality industry are teaming up to form a new means to that end. The Castell Project and the She Has A Deal contest that provides its winner a chance at hotel ownership are creating Fortuna’s Table to connect prospective hotel owners to the knowledge, guidance and networking they need to achieve their goal.

Modeled after business incubators will use public relations and social media to open access to new markets for potential hotel owners, according to the Castell Project. Experts and sponsors will share their knowledge on the project’s website, which is in the works and also will provide round tables and virtual meetings with peers and experts.

“Both organizations are focused on women reaching the upper echelons of the hospitality industry. Fortuna’s Table is a truly collaborative endeavor to help women and minorities reach leadership and ownership in the industry,” said Peggy Berg, chair, Castell Project, Inc.  “She Has a Deal will provide its pitch competition participants with the additional resources of Fortuna, while Castell will offer women pursuing leadership the opportunity to evaluate hotel ownership both through the resources on Fortuna and through access to She Has a Deal’s structured masterclasses.  It’s truly a win-win.”

Tracy Prigmore, founder of real estate investment firm TLTsolutions, began the She’s Got A Deal competition in 2018 after realizing during her own quest to become a hotel owner that most other hoteliers are men. Vinay Patel, AAHOA vice chairman and president of Fairbrook Hotels in Chantilly, Virginia, is on the advisory board for “She Has a Deal.”

“The investment side of the business needs to be more diverse and inclusive,” Prigmore said.  “For women to participate fully in leadership, more women need to have access to ownership. We look forward to making additional announcements regarding our programs in the coming weeks as this initiative builds.”