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Travel & Tourism

Crowded House: Examining AOPs in the Age of Brand Proliferation

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 5, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 — The hospitality industry has become increasingly crowded as brand companies continue expanding through mergers, acquisitions, and organic growth. While this expansion provides hotel owners and consumers with more choices, it also brings an unintended consequence: multiple brands within the same company often share similar room counts, amenities, and price points, leading to internal competition. Despite this overlap, such competition may not necessarily violate the area of protection (AOP) provisions in franchise or management agreements. As a result, hotel owners face potential revenue reductions, raising questions about the effectiveness of AOPs in shielding them from intra-company competition.

The Role and Limitations of AOPs

Tightening Budgets Reshape Meetings & Events Industry in 2025

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 5, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 — The latest Q4 2024 Meetings & Events Pulse Survey from Global DMC Partners (GDP) reveals a tightening of budgets within the meetings and events industry. The survey, which gathered 127 responses from industry professionals across various regions, highlights key trends affecting planners and suppliers, including rising costs, sustainability integration, DEI efforts, and the increasing adoption of AI.

Generational Workforce Trends in MICE
The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) workforce is currently dominated by Generation X (50%), followed by Baby Boomers (25%) and Millennials (23%). This generational mix offers a balance of experience and fresh perspectives, shaping the evolving landscape of event planning.

DerbySoft Acquires AI Automation Platform Arise to Elevate Travel Industry Efficiency

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 5, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 – DerbySoft has announced its acquisition of artificial intelligence products from Arise, an AI automation platform specializing in streamlining travel agent–hotel communication and commission reconciliation. This strategic move is set to enhance DerbySoft's capabilities in providing seamless transactions between travel management companies (TMCs) and hotel chains.

NYU SPS, Marriott Foundation Establish Workforce Apprenticeship Fund

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 5, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 – The NYU School of Professional Studies (NYU SPS) and The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation (JWASM Foundation) have announced the establishment of The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Workforce Apprenticeship Fund. With a $5-million investment, this initiative will enable the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center for Hospitality to develop and implement a pioneering apprenticeship program aimed at preparing students for careers in the hospitality industry.

Expanding Educational and Career Opportunities in Hospitality

Trinity Investments Promotes Craig Lovett to Managing Director, Development

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 5, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 – Trinity Investments, a U.S.-based hospitality-focused real estate investor, has announced the promotion of Craig Lovett to Managing Director, Development. Lovett, who joined the company in 2017 as Vice President, Development, previously held the position of Senior Vice President, Development, since 2022.

A Proven Leader in Hospitality Development
Lovett will continue to oversee the planning, design, and construction of Trinity’s acquisitions and existing portfolio. Since joining the company, he has played a pivotal role in repositioning Trinity’s properties and has successfully managed over $750 million in capital projects across the portfolio.

Greg Nurse Joins Remington Hospitality as EVP, Operations

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 5, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 – Remington Hospitality, a leading hotel management company, has announced the addition of Greg Nurse as Executive Vice President (EVP) of Operations. The company has also welcomed David Hiatt as Vice President (VP) of Operations, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth.

Strategic Leadership to Drive Operational Excellence

“We’re extremely excited to welcome Greg and David to the Remington Hospitality team,” said Jason Reader, COO, Remington Hospitality. “Their expertise, leadership, and alignment with our mission will play a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening our partnerships with owners and brands moving forward.”

A Buying Guide for Hotel Pillows – What You Need to Know

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 5, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025

Pillows can make or break a good night’s sleep. That’s why many hotel guests lug their favorite pillows in the car, on a train, or even on an airplane—anything to ensure a comfortable rest. Intentional, guest-centric pillow purchasing can ensure that repeat customers feel no need to “BYO pillow.”

Our hotel pillow buying guide below will help you balance your guests’ needs with your hotel’s as you shop for pillows that will deliver restful sleep.

1. Consider Different Types of Sleepers

According to the Sleep Foundation, adults sleep on their backs 38% of the time, on their sides 54% of the time, and on their stomachs 7% of the time. Different sleeping positions require different support. Consider the needs of all hotel sleepers to ensure every guest has an enjoyable stay.

Kevin Carey Named AHLA Foundation President/CEO

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 5, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has announced the appointment of Kevin Carey as the president and CEO of the AHLA Foundation. Carey, who will continue serving as AHLA's Chief Operating Officer (COO), succeeds Anna Blue, who stepped down in February.

An Industry Veteran Takes the Helm
Kevin Carey brings extensive experience to the role, having spent more than 25 years with American Express, where he led global business groups before joining AHLA. His appointment reflects a strategic effort to build on the foundation’s recent momentum and further strengthen its mission.

TAV Technologies Pioneers AI-Driven Airport Solutions for Enhanced Efficiency

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 4, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 4, 2025 – TAV Technologies is leading the charge in transforming airport operations through the integration of cutting-edge AI solutions, designed to optimize efficiency and significantly improve passenger experiences.

AI Revolutionizing Airport Management

The landscape of airport operations is undergoing a profound shift, with artificial intelligence emerging as a pivotal force. TAV Technologies is at the forefront of this evolution, seamlessly integrating AI innovations into its comprehensive suite of airport management solutions. This strategic approach is aimed at streamlining processes and creating a smoother, more efficient experience for both airport staff and passengers.

Aero-genius: The Intelligent AI Assistant

AI-Driven Solutions Revolutionize Airport Turnarounds, Saving Millions

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 4, 2025 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – March 4, 2025 – Assaia is set to demonstrate its transformative AI-driven solutions at the upcoming Passenger Terminal Expo 2025, revealing how cutting-edge technology is reshaping airport turnaround management. By leveraging the power of computer vision, Assaia is poised to bring unprecedented visibility and control to the intricate processes of airport turnaround operations. This innovation promises to significantly reduce delays, enhance operational efficiency, boost profitability for both airports and airlines, and ultimately ensure passengers reach their destinations on time.

The Impact of AI on Turnaround Efficiency