The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to welcome CDR, a global Talent Advisory firm specialising in luxury hospitality and destination real estate, as its newest Global Member.
The Colony House Motor Lodge, one of Roanoke’s most distinctive mid-century modern landmarks, announced the appointment of Joy Barlow as general manager. Barlow will oversee all operations at the 67-room boutique property, which officially reopened in August 2025 following a multi-million-dollar restoration that preserved its iconic Googie-style architecture while introducing modern hospitality amenities.
ORLANDO - INNclusivity, a visionary, innovative approach to hotel training and hiring, is transforming the lives of adults with developmental disabilities and providing exceptional benefits to participating hotels. A rapidly expanding non-profit organization, unique to the hospitality industry, INNclusivity provides this often-neglected group with opportunities that offer gainful employment, newfound capabilities and a place in the workforce, while setting goals for a more secure and productive future. Founded by veteran hospitality executive Mike Schugt, INNclusivity partners with vocational schools and local hotels to identify potential workers, provide training and find suitable jobs within the hospitality industry. INNclusivity has expanded from its Orlando headquarters where four properties are part of the program, to hotels in Atlanta, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and San Francisco. In Fall, 2025, the organization will take its singular concept to Europe, expanding to Germany.
The HOTEL Yearbook invites forward-thinking hospitality leaders, analysts, consultants, and innovators from around the world to contribute to its highly anticipated 2026 Annual Edition, themed: "Converging Forces – The Future is Hybrid by Design."
Property leaders! Don’t miss the chance for your team to learn from Gil Mulders, Founder of The Talent Network and expert in customer-centric leadership, and with hands-on experience in renowned hotel brands such as Hilton and Crowne Plaza. An excellent coach, he previously served as Head of Learning, Europe, at IHG Hotels & Resorts. He will provide your team with the tools they need to deliver exceptional service.
As the world’s best hospitality workplace, Hilton is constantly searching for new ways to support the growth and advancement of its team members around the world. Hilton Cares, launched in partnership with the Hilton Global Foundation and Scholarship America, is a scholarship program for the 2025-2026 academic year designed to create opportunities for growth and advancement for current and aspiring students. Hilton is proud to award scholarships to 63 community members and 27 Hilton team members. The program was launched to recognize Hilton’s achievement as the No. 1 world’s best workplace in the world in 2023.
Leading UK charity Hospitality Action has announced a strategic partnership with Montgomery Group, the country’s longest-running independent events organiser.
Today, state legislators and leaders from the hospitality industry convened to urge passage of House Bill 1286, which would require short-term rental operators—in addition to hotels and other lodging establishments—across Pennsylvania to provide human trafficking awareness training to employees. The legislation, introduced by State Representative Regina Young (D-HD185) and co-sponsored by Representatives Robert Leadbeter, Eric Nelson, and Tarik Khan, is currently pending before the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can fill needed jobs in the hotel industry when provided support and resources from businesses, according to new research by a team of faculty and doctoral students in the Penn State School of Hospitality Management.
Hotel Equities (HE), a best-in-class hospitality operator and developer, announced today that its Founder, Fred Cerrone, has decided to retire effective November 22, 2025, concluding an extraordinary 58-year career in the hospitality industry. As Founder and Chairman Emeritus, he remains an enduring influence and guiding presence for the firm.
European hotel group MEININGER Hotels and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) have entered into a strategic partnership to jointly promote international student mobility. ESNcard holders now receive exclusive discounts when booking through the official MEININGER website, giving them access to affordable short-term accommodation across all group properties. MEININGER currently operates 36 hotels in 26 European cities, with additional openings in the pipeline.
Henri Giscard d'Estaing, Chairman of Club Med since 2002, has been ousted from his position at the head of the group by Fosun, its Chinese shareholder since 2015.
The Egyptian Hotels Association (EHA) is investing in a skilled workforce to boost Egypt's hotel sector, announcing a major two-years partnership with Sommet Education, world leader in hospitality education. This agreement, including Sommet Education renowned Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches, was signed in the presence of H.E. the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy.
Marriott International (Nasdaq: MAR) today announced that after 26 years with the company, Leeny Oberg, Marriott’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Development, has decided to retire effective March 31, 2026. Two long-time Marriott veterans have been named her successors. Next year, Jen Mason will become the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Shawn Hill will take on the role of Chief Development Officer.
HHM Hotels today announced a bold restructuring of its leadership team, introducing a wave of strategic promotions and appointments across operations and commercial divisions. These moves are designed to accelerate performance, elevate owner relations, and prepare the organization for the next chapter of growth.
U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement on the Senate’s confirmation of Bryan Bedford to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, is proud to celebrate the first anniversary of the Preferred NextGen Leadership Council (PNLC), a forward-thinking initiative offering insights into the future of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment through the leadership of the next generation of decision makers. Marking a successful inaugural year – with its innovative approach and strategic importance – the PNLC addresses the rapidly changing dynamics of the industry by empowering and nurturing the next generation of leaders through education, mentorship, community, and purpose. Designed to accelerate professional growth, expand influence, and equip talent with the tools needed for long-term success, the PNLC represents the future of the industry through the vision, insights, and innovation of its members.
Accessible business travel isn’t just about equality: It’s about sustainability for the entire global business travel industry. As knowledge about accessibility expands, the gap between the needs of disabled travelers and a seamless experience are becoming more and more obvious. And modern technology is making it easier and easier to create adaptive solutions for travelers with needs outside the norm.
Appellation – the culinary-first hotel brand co-founded by renowned American chef Charlie Palmer and former Four Seasons Americas President Christopher Hunsberger – proudly announces the appointment of a seasoned team of hospitality professionals who will deliver the brand’s signature experience at Appellation Healdsburg, opening late summer 2025. The resort celebrates the region’s seasonal bounty through food, wellness, and meaningful connections, anchored by on-site culinary gardens and two signature Charlie Palmer dining concepts.
Hilton (NYSE: HLT), Asia’s fastest-growing hospitality company, has once again been recognized as India's #1 Company to Work For by Great Place to Work. This marks the third consecutive year Hilton has achieved this honor, making it the only hospitality company in India to achieve this distinction. It reflects the company’s consistent leadership in fostering a culture of purpose, wellbeing, inclusion and growth.