Cover Story
Championing Capitol Hill
AAHOA Elevates Hotel Owners’ Voices in Washington, D.C. By AAHOA Staff Hotel owners from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. on September 16 and 17 for AAHOA’s Fall National Advocacy Conference (FNAC). There, they met directly with lawmakers to discuss the key federal issues impacting the hospitality industry. This year’s FNAC, which was the largest to date, focused on increasing access to capital through SBA loan programs, boosting international tourism by repealing the Visa Integrity Fee, and restoring Brand USA funding. By engaging lawmakers…
Featured
Guiding Light
Women Hoteliers Step Into Their Power at HerOwnership 2025 By Jodi Scott and Olivia Story At the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, women hoteliers and entrepreneurs from across the country came together for AAHOA’s 4th Annual HerOwnership Conference on September 11–12. The two-day event, which carried the theme Guiding Light: Leading with Strength, Shining with Purpose, delivered…
Make It Personal
Travelers Expect Individualized Interactions and Experiences By Cathleen Draper Picture this: You check into your hotel, expecting a short interaction at the front desk and the handoff of a room key. But the front desk attendant greets you by name, confirms you’d like a robe, and offers a coupon for the exact spa you visited during your…
Lighting the Way Home
The Story of Diwali By Jerona Duthie Every autumn, when evenings arrive sooner and the air feels crisp with a cool breeze, India and much of the world come alive in a glow of countless lights. Balconies sparkle, streets blaze with color, and fireworks paint the night sky in thunderous bursts. This is Diwali, the Festival of…
Columns
The Power of Our Voice
How AAHOA advocacy is shaping the future of hospitality By Jodi Scott This month, hundreds of AAHOA Members took their seat at the table in Washington, D.C., for the Fall National Advocacy Conference (FNAC). For two days, America’s hotel owners met with lawmakers, sharing their real-world experiences and driving home the importance of policies supporting…
The Future of Hotel Security
Technology’s role in protecting guests and staff By Rakhi Voria In hospitality, trust is everything. Guests don’t simply reserve a room – they rely on hotels to protect their safety, their belongings, and the people they travel with. That’s why safety must be more than a policy; it has to be woven into every part…
How to Listen Better
Four powerful tips to improve workplace communication By Jason Lauritsen Leadership isn’t just about speaking, it’s about listening. And not just hearing words, but truly understanding, engaging, and responding in a way that fosters trust and connection. In today’s workplaces, where distractions are everywhere and meaningful conversations can feel rare, the ability to listen actively…