Woman Own The Room by Wyndham — Photo by Wyndham

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across nearly 95 countries – announced today the addition of two new women hoteliers as part of the brand's "Women Own the Room" initiative, on the heels of last month's first two signed agreements. Designed to advance and empower women entrepreneurs to break through the predominantly male-dominated hotel industry, the "Women Own the Room" program provides assistance with financial solutions, personalized operational support, and networking and educational opportunities. These impressive new program members will be opening new hotels in Dover, Del. and Warrenton, Va.

"Women want to own and develop hotels – the momentum we're seeing proves it – they've just lacked trusted partners and advocates who will help guide them in their pursuits," said Lisa Checchio, Chief Marketing Officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. "The mentorship opportunities and resources Women Own the Room provides are invaluable and will better inspire and prepare future generations of women hoteliers."

Wyndham celebrated its first "Women Own the Room" signed agreements with new owner Trusha Patel in January 2022 for the debut of two new La Quinta and Hawthorn Suites dual-branded hotels in Texas. The two new women entrepreneurs announced as members are:

  • Hetal Christian, just opened a Wyndham Garden hotel in Dover, Del. Christian looks forward to the expanded development and operational support the program provides as she expands her portfolio into the profitable upper midscale segment.
  • Neha Jadhav, will open a La Quinta and Hawthorn Suites dual-branded hotel in Warrenton, Va. This new hotel will be her first new construction project.

While the tourism and hospitality industry workforce is comprised of 70% women, only 10% of development roles are held by them. "Women Own the Room" helps to clear the path for women eager to make their mark on the hospitality industry and aims to amend the lack of female representation in hotel ownership, real estate, and investment funding roles. With Wyndham's longstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion – including gender diversity, women's economic empowerment and advancing women entrepreneurs – this program is a natural progression of the hotel brand's efforts to create a level playing field within the hospitality industry.

In addition to extensive mentorship and networking opportunities, the program offers a development incentive program that provides meaningful Wyndham financing, discounts on initial fees and complimentary first-year operating services to support the success of hotels developed by women.

"There are so many paths available to take in hospitality. A new construction project provides me with new challenges, but also new barriers that Women Own the Room is helping me break through," said Neha Jadhav. "Wyndham has helped me navigate this new territory, provided me with the necessary tools for future success, and given me the opportunity to share my experiences with other women hoteliers. I'm proud to help pave the way for others and look forward to supporting more women pursue their dream of hotel ownership."

To get involved and stay up-to-date on the Women Own the Room's upcoming events, visit www.womenowntheroombywyndham.com. Developers interested in collaborating with Wyndham can visit Wyndhamdevelopment.com or contact the Wyndham Franchise Development team by email at [email protected].

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world's largest hotel franchising company by the number of properties, with approximately 9,200 hotels across over 95 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 872,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 24 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel®, La Quinta®, Baymont®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, Trademark Collection® and Wyndham®. The Company's award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers over 106 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.

The Company may use its website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Disclosures of this nature will be included on the Company's website in the Investors section, which can currently be accessed at www.investor.wyndhamhotels.com. Accordingly, investors should monitor this section of the Company's website in addition to following the Company's press releases, filings submitted with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any public conference calls or webcasts.

About Wyndham Rewards

Named the number one hotel rewards program by readers of USA TODAY, Wyndham Rewards® is the world's most generous rewards program with more than 50,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals worldwide.

Designed for the everyday traveller, members earn a guaranteed 1,000 points with every qualified stay and may redeem points for a wide range of rewards, including free nights at any of the approximately 9,100 hotels or tens of thousands of vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally through affiliation with Wyndham Destinations and others. Wyndham Rewards has over 103 million enrolled members globally. Join for free today at www.wyndhamrewards.com. You've earned this. ®

Scott Carman
Wyndham