Press Releases

AHLA announces appointment of Rosanna Maietta as President & CEO

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) announced today that Rosanna Maietta has been selected to serve as the association’s next president & CEO, effective Nov. 14. Maietta is a talented executive with a global career marked by success working alongside boards and leading teams to high performance. Over the span of her career, she has achieved exceptional success in public affairs, strategic planning, association management, team building, and leadership.

UN Tourism Celebrates Excellence and Innovation at Qatar Tourism Awards

The second edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards welcomed around 1,200 applications from businesses and individuals working in the sector. The different categories and sub-categories were designed to reflect the diversity of Qatar's growing tourism sector. Between 2019 and 2024, international arrivals to Qatar grew by 147%, with the sector also a growing hub for tourism innovation and investments.

It's A Wrap! 2024 HFTP Annual Convention

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) HFTP hosted its signature education and membership event, the 2024 Annual Convention, at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, Conn., from October 23-25, 2024. The convention brought together 300 club and hotel industry experts, thought leaders, and members to explore the latest trends, share insights, and foster professional connections. This year’s event offered a dynamic blend of educational sessions, inspiring speakers, interactive panels, a tabletop exhibition, networking opportunities, and engaging social activities. Tailored to address the evolving challenges in the hospitality industry, sessions focused on best practices, fraud prevention, emerging technologies, employee retention, financial reporting, legislative updates, and more.

María Quintero of HVS Middle East & Africa is the 2024 Recipient of the ISHC Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting

The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) has named María Quintero of HVS Middle East & Africa as the recipient of the annual Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting. María was honored at the ISHC annual conference held 26-28 September at the St. Regis Dubai, The Palm. As the winner, María received a one-year associate membership to ISHC to further professional relationships and experience all that the Society has to offer through planned events and networking with top hospitality industry consultants from around the globe.

Stella Blythe Receives 2024 Rising Star Award Asia Pacific

The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), in partnership with the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) awarded Stella Blythe, Director, Hotels and Hospitality, Asia at CBRE, with the Rising Star Award Asia Pacific during the HICAP event on 17 October 2024.

Trilogy Hotels marks its entry into the NT, inking a major deal to operate three hotels

Building on its strong growth, independent hotel management company Trilogy Hotels, has set its sights on the Darwin market, announcing today a significant partnership with the notable local family-run DCOH Group. This important deal will see Trilogy take charge of 417 rooms across three hotels, including Novotel Darwin CBD, Frontier Hotel Darwin and Smith Hotel Darwin.

Newport Expands Portfolio with Management Acquisition of Two Altoona, Pennsylvania Hotels

Newport is proud to announce the acquisition of management responsibilities for the Wingate by Wyndham Altoona Downtown/Medical Center and Microtel by Wyndham Altoona, effective October 1, 2024. This strategic addition to Newport’s portfolio reflects the company’s commitment to delivering unparalleled hospitality experiences and investing in properties that offer value to both business and leisure travelers.

Valor Hospitality To Manage First Property in Saudi Arabia

Valor Hospitality Partners a leading global full-service hotel management company, is proud to announce the signing of its Lifestyle property in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the city of Abha, the capital of the Aseer region. The upscale Hijla Hotel, owned by Mr. Mohammed Manaa Almounis and Mr. Samir Muhammad Al Qahtani, and Kayan Almusanada company, in collaboration with the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), is slated to open its doors in the 2nd semester of 2025. This new venture represents a significant milestone for Valor Hospitality Partners to expand its portfolio in Saudi Arabia.