SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 26, 2025 - As travelers increasingly rely on devices like e-bikes, laptops, and mobile phones during their journeys, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) have teamed up to launch a powerful new suite of safety resources aimed at protecting guests and staff from the rising threat of lithium battery fires.
With lithium-based batteries now a part of everyday life, these new tools come at just the right time. Hotels are seeing an uptick in incidents, particularly from micro-mobility devices like e-scooters and e-bikes. In fact, according to data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), more than 50% of lithium-related hotel fires between 2020 and 2024 involved these popular modes of transportation.
Recognizing the urgency, AHLA President and CEO Rosanna Maietta explained, “The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority and that’s why we are continuously updating protocols and guidance to address new and emerging risks. Lithium battery fire incidents are on the rise and can pose significant risks without the proper education and procedures. Our new tools will help hoteliers take practical steps to protect guests and employees, while staying ahead of this growing issue.”
The newly launched toolkit is designed to be both comprehensive and easy to implement. It includes a best practices guide for charging and disposing of lithium-based batteries, an executive summary overview, a hotel industry-focused briefing video, a key card insert template for guest education, an emergency response checklist, and a printable Safe Stay one-pager that can be posted throughout hotel properties.
These resources were developed with the deep expertise of over 25 hoteliers, vendors, and subject matter experts collaborating through an HTNG workgroup. Their goal? To offer real-world, actionable guidance that helps hotels manage lithium battery safety proactively and effectively.
For travelers, the toolkit also provides practical advice on how to stay safe when using their devices in hotels. It’s a win-win: guests get peace of mind, and hotels strengthen their commitment to guest wellbeing.
AHLA is encouraging all its members to take advantage of these resources immediately. Safe handling protocols like temperature regulation, on-site monitoring, and proper storage of lithium batteries are strongly advised, along with thorough staff training on emergency response procedures.
In a world where we carry more tech than ever before, initiatives like this align perfectly with the growing consumer demand for safer, smarter travel experiences. As travelers continue to prioritize safety, convenience, and comfort, proactive steps like these help build trust and loyalty.
For more details on the new lithium battery safety resources and to access the toolkit, visit the official AHLA website at www.ahla.com.
Stay safe, travel smart, and enjoy every journey!