At the request of ISHAE, AH&LEF funded a grant to conduct a lodging tax study, which was conducted by STR Analytics and RRC Associates, with assistance from ISHAE’s Lodging Tax Taskforce. The study results show:
• The total tax rate for 182 cities across the U.S.
• Break down by state, multi-county, county, city, sub-city, and sales tax.
• The total lodging tax collections in 2011 for 23 states.
• Tax rates and total room revenue data for the top 25 markets.
• Terminology utilized by each state for their respective lodging taxes.
• Tax use table, which describes which percentage of the tax goes toward tourism related purposes versus governmental purposes.
AH&LA members can download a copy of the U.S. Lodging Tax Study via the Members Only section of the AH&LA Website, www.ahla.com. Nonmembers can purchase the study for $450 by calling AH&LA's Information Center at (888) 743-2515. |
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Considered the lodging industry's most thorough piece, this study is conducted approximately every two years to track the size, scope, and emerging trends of the lodging industry. Owners and general managers are questioned on more than 120 topics, including types of in-room amenities, security and technology features, food and beverage options, number of beds, green initiatives, pet friendly, frequency of renovation activity, and wireless technology. AH&LA members may download a free copy from the Members Only section of the AH&LA Website, www.ahla.com.
Nonmembers can purchase the entire survey for $1,500 or request individual datapoints for $300 each through AH&LA's Information Center.
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AH&LEF funded a new comprehensive guide addressing recent changes to the Accessibility Guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA). The guide helps hoteliers review their compliance obligations to determine if and what changes are necessary, including accessible use in and around a property, guestroom design, recreational facilities, auxiliary aids and services, and modification of policies and procedures.
The ADA Guide for Lodging Owners & Operators may be purchased via the Educational Institute for $49 for members and $99 for nonmembers by clicking here. AH&LA members can download a free copy via the members only section of the AH&LA Website.
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Just released by AH&LA and STR, and published by the HSMAI Foundation, “Distribution Channel Analysis: a Guide for Hotels,” discusses the effects of channel mix on profitability and what the industry can expect in the near term in the distribution landscape. AH&LEF was one of several funders of this first of a kind study.
The most comprehensive analysis made to date of the hotel industry's use of distribution channels, this report assists hotels in determining their optimal channel mix. Based on interviews with hundreds of industry executives and data from more than 25,000 hotels and 100 brands representing more than three million hotel rooms, executive summary findings include: prices, price elasticity, and demand; individual channel profiles; and marketing and distribution
strategy.
AH&LA members can download through the members only website at www.ahla.com.
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Two grants totaling $50,000 were made to the Convention Industry Council for the Economic Significance Study of Meetings to the U.S. Economy. Highlights of the findings include: the U.S. meetings industry directly supports 1.7 million jobs, a $106 billion contribution to GDP, $263 billion in spending, $60 billion in labor revenue, $14.3 billion in federal tax revenue, and $11.3 billion in state and local tax. The study, conducted by PwC US, spanned more than a year in research and analysis and is the first-ever study of the size and score of its kind. The research quantifies the economic contributions made by the 1.8 million meetings, trade shows, conventions, congresses, incentive events, and other meetings that take place across the country. Details on the study and the 14 leading membership organizations which formed the research alliance can be found at www.meetingsmeanbusiness.com.
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At the request of AH&LA’s Multicultural and Diversity Council, the foundation funded a study to quantify the travel and spending power of the top five multicultural groups – African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics, Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT), and females. The study provides a snapshot of the size and potential economic impact for hoteliers who target these important segments. Additionally, it also sheds light differences in media usage, leisure travel activities, and attitudes toward travel among the five groups. Accompanying case studies of hotels that have been successful in attracting and serving the market give tips on how to most effectively market to each of the groups. AH&LA members may download a free copy from the Members Only section of the AH&LA Website, www.ahla.com.
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Considered the lodging industry's most thorough piece, this study is conducted approximately every two years to track the size, scope, and emerging trends of the lodging industry. Owners and general managers are questioned on more than 120 topics, including types of in-room amenities, security and technology features, food and beverage options, number of beds, green initiatives, pet friendly, frequency of renovation activity, and wireless technology. AH&LA members may download a free copy from the Members Only section of the AH&LA Website, www.ahla.com.
Non Members can purchase the entire survey for $1,500 or request individual datapoints for $300 each through AH&LA's Information Center.
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High performance hotels are designed, constructed, and operated sustainably, using energy, water, materials, and land efficiently. But are sustainable hotels financially feasible? Yes, and they are the future of the hospitality industry. This solid analysis of sustainable hospitality development presents eight detailed case studies of successful, sustainable hotel projects representing a cross-section of hotel types: mid-size, conference center, and luxury (small and large) branded and independent properties. The final report is posted on the Members Only section of AH&LA's Website for members to print for free.
To purchase a copy of the report, Click Here or call 1-800-752-4567 or 1-517-372-8800
Product # 00610TXT01ENGE
Member $79.95
Non-Member $106.95
A CD is also available to purchase, Click Here.
CD Product # 00610CDR01ENGE
Member $43.95
Non-Member $73.95
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An update of the two previous room tax studies in 1997 and 2003, the 2008 Room Taxes and Economic Impact of the Lodging Industry was conducted by the original researcher, Charles W. de Seve, Ph.D. of American Economics Group. The full impact of tax changes on sales, jobs, and government revenue was researched. The report features state-by-state tables describing the economic benefits of tourism expenditures and one summary table of the various combinations of bed taxes found in each state, which shows the state and local occupancy tax rates and the state and local sales and tax rate where it applies to lodging. The final report is posted on the Members Only section of AH&LA's Website for members to print for free.
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The AH&LA Technology Committee surveyed AH&LA member hotels to determine the technology systems and issues that are important to them. The results showed an overwhelming agreement that IT is important for increasing employee efficiency, customer satisfaction and generating revenue. According to respondents, Wi-Fi services were, by far, the IT system that they believe customers care most about followed by in-room entertainment systems and airline check-in kiosks. IT system security was also seen as a large concern with two-thirds of the respondents naming it as one of the important issues in the near future. Click here to download a copy of the report.
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At the request of the International Society of Hotel Association Executives (ISHAE), the Foundation provided funding to collect information on the value of goods, services, and money donated by hotels throughout the nation and to the various communities in which they reside. The project, entitled The Quiet Good, was conducted by Virginia Tech and surveyed hotels both at the property and corporate levels as well as reviewed lodging-related foundation tax records. The total value of contributions nationwide at the property level totaled $815 million in 2005, which represented 3.6% of total industry profits of $22.6 billion. With contributions at the corporate level estimated at $8.6 million and $53.2 million from lodging-related foundations, the grand total for 2005 is $877 million. Click here to download a copy of the report.
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The AH&LA Technology Committee requested funds in 2002 to create a Hotel Technology 101 Series. The primers can be downloaded for free from AH&LA’s Members Only section on its Website. Additionally, copies can be ordered for $10 for AH&LA members and $20 for nonmembers through EI at (800) 752-4567 or www.ahlei.org. To date the following primers have been released:
Creating an Accessible Web Presence for the Lodging Industry
Teaches hoteliers how to ensure their online strategy meets the needs of disabled travelers, while increasing business, boosting customer loyalty, and complying with the law.
Principles of Privacy
Provides a descriptive overview of the nature of practicing privacy in today's hospitality industry, including actionable recommendations and checklists. (Updated June 2009)
Computer System Failure Planning
Deals with the why's and how's of maintaining service levels in your hotel during a failure of key hotel systems. (Updated June 2009)
Strategies and Tactics in System Selection
Describes an overview of the range of strategies and tactics that one can employ when selecting computer and communication systems for a hotel or hotel company. (Updated June 2009)
Food & Beverage Systems
Provides an overview of various aspects of technology used in F&B operations, both in the front of the house and in back including point-of-sale system fundamentals & trends, table management applications that can drive increased revenue, gift cards and loyalty programs, hardware & cabling requirements, interfaces, inventory & purchasing systems, and centralized applications. (Updated June 2009)
Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliance Manual for Hotels
A “how to” guide on complying with PCI Data Security Standards which are a set of standards developed by the credit card industry for technology and business processes essential for securing credit card data from misuse and abuse.
Technology Security Primer: The Fundamentals of Systems & Security Maintenance
Reviews the main threats to your information and offers practical guidelines to making your systems as secure as is reasonable without interfering with daily routine.
An Introduction to Hotel Systems – Fundamentals & Glossary
Describes operational areas of a typical property, systems currently available to manage each one, and the way they interact.
e-Commerce: Frequently Asked Questions
Provides an overview of e-commerce, e-procurement, e-distribution, and Websites, as well as answers to basic e-commerce questions.
Hotel Technology Infrastructure
Provides an overview of cabling infrastructure requirements for a broad range of property-level hotel technology applications including voice and data in guestrooms and public spaces, administrative voice and data, Property Management Systems, Point of Sale Systems, video (free-to-guest, pay-for-view, and interactive), locking systems, high-speed Internet access, and more.
Tech Primer: Revenue Management
Recognizes revenue-yield management practices and provides some basic concepts, definitions, and terms that can be used as a baseline for the implementation and communication of revenue management in a hotel that does not have an automated system.
Tech Primer: Telecommunications in the Hospitality Industry
Provides information to help managers manage their telecommunications department effectively.
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Released in 2004, the publication is part of a series created by the American Association of Higher Education that explores the relationship between individual academic disciplines and experimental learning. A teaching method called "service learning," which is a form of experimental learning that connects the activity at hand to civic engagement, is discussed, as well as numerous examples of how the hospitality industry is involved with service to the local community. Jointly funded by AH&LEF and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Foundation has a limited number of copies to distribute to AH&LA members while supplies last. Please contact the Foundation at (202) 289-3181 or mpoinelli@ahlef.org.
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In 2000, the AH&LA Condominium Committee requested funding to document and quantify the condominium segment of the lodging industry. A pilot study was conducted by Edward A. Merritt, Ph.D., from California State Polytechnic University, to provide a definition of the condominium membership segment and outline a methodology and database template to collect information. In 2001, a pilot database of all units in California was completed. Subsequent studies were conducted in 2002 for Hawaii, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Alabama, and Mississippi. While these subsequent studies were conducted by various researchers, the results have been compiled in a summary. Click here to download the PowerPoint presentation.
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The Foundation funded a grant at the request of AH&LA’s Multicultural & Diversity Advisory Council to update its 1994 turnover and diversity study. The study, conducted by the University of Houston’s Hospitality Industry Diversity Institute, provides a snapshot of diversity among lodging line-level, supervisory, and managerial employees and expands upon past research to better quantify the bottom line impact of diversity on the lodging industry. Click here to download a copy of the report.
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Recognizing the growing need for the lodging industry to be better equipped in accommodating service animals at their properties, the California Hotel & Lodging Association (CH&LA) submitted a grant proposal to fund the development of an educational video in 1999. Many individuals in the hospitality industry are not aware of the nature and extent of the various state and federal laws requiring them to accommodate disabled individuals with service animals. Click here to access CH&LA’s Website for additional information and to view the video.
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This research project was funded by contributions to the AH&LEF Annual Giving Campaign. When polled, donors expressed the most interest in a research project on technology or the Internet. After issuing a call for grant abstracts in 2000, the AH&LEF Research and Project Funding Committee selected a study submitted by Miyoung Jeong, Ph.D., from Iowa State University, which evaluates lodging Websites to identify values that those sites are likely to provide to their customers. The results, released in 2001, offer insights for lodging marketers on consumer behavior. A complimentary copy is available to AH&LA members while supplies last. Please contact the Foundation at (202) 289-3181 or mpoinelli@ahlef.org.
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Requested by the AH&LA Millennium Occupancy Revenue Effort Task Force, this study was commissioned in 2001 to determine how the industry can better target travelers who stay with family rather than at lodging properties. The conclusions showed that a significant segment of visitors could be converted to staying in hotels, representing up to 60 million room nights. To download study results, click here.
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This study, the 1999 doctoral thesis of John W. O'Neill at Johnson & Wales University, provides the industry with an understanding of the primary factors impacting perceptions of strategic issues in order to obtain a greater awareness of both the functionality and dysfunctionality of decision-making processes. To download study results, click here.
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In 1998, the Foundation approved a grant to conduct a follow-up survey of its 1997 turnover and diversity publication to determine an understanding of the job titles and positions held by employees. The study, conducted by Robert H. Woods, Ph.D., of Purdue University, consisted of a sample of 27 companies. More than 10 questionnaires were returned with responses that included information on a total of 5,547 lodging managers. To download study results, click here.
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This publication, written by Mark A. Bonn, Ph.D., outlines a model program for ensuring the safety and shelter of hotel guests during hurricane disasters. Anticipating that those states bordering the areas susceptible to hurricanes would be most interested in this publication, the Foundation made copies available to the appropriate AH&LA partner state associations for distribution to their member properties in 1998. A complimentary copy is available to AH&LA members while supplies last. Please contact the Foundation at (202) 289-3181 or mpoinelli@ahlef.org.
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