Hotel Initiatives Empowering Women in Ownership

In the vibrant world of hospitality, where every guest experience is crafted with care and attention to detail, the role of women is indispensable. Despite their significant contributions, women remain underrepresented in hotel ownership and leadership positions. Recognizing this gap, several hotel chains have launched initiatives aimed at empowering women to step into ownership roles and thrive in the competitive landscape of the hospitality industry. Let's explore these initiatives and the statistics and research that underscore the need for greater gender diversity in hotel ownership.

Choice Hotels: Hertels Program

Choice Hotels, a leader in hotel franchising, introduced the Hertels Program to support women entrepreneurs interested in hotel ownership. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, while women make up nearly half of the global workforce in the travel and tourism industry, they hold only 33% of senior management positions. Moreover, research from Catalyst reveals that women own only 1 in 5 businesses in the accommodation and food services sector in the United States.

The Hertels Program aims to address these disparities by providing women with tailored resources, mentorship opportunities, and financing options to navigate the complexities of hotel ownership. By fostering a supportive environment for female hoteliers, Choice Hotels seeks to increase the representation of women in hotel ownership and drive positive change in the industry.

Wyndham Hotels: Women Own the Room

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts launched the Women Own the Room initiative to empower women in hotel ownership. According to a study by Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, women represent only 12.8% of hotel owners in the United States. This underrepresentation underscores the need for initiatives like Women Own the Room to create pathways for women to enter and excel in hotel ownership.

Through this program, Wyndham Hotels offers financial incentives, training workshops, and networking events tailored to female entrepreneurs. By providing women with the resources and support they need to succeed, Wyndham Hotels aims to increase the representation of women in hotel ownership and drive positive change in the industry.

IHG: Lift Program

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) launched the Lift Program to support women leaders in the hospitality industry. According to McKinsey & Company, companies with gender-diverse executive teams are 21% more likely to outperform their peers in terms of profitability. Despite this, women hold only 23% of board seats and 15% of executive officer positions in the hospitality sector.

The Lift Program aims to address these disparities by providing aspiring female executives with access to leadership development workshops, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement resources. IHG recognizes the importance of gender diversity in driving innovation and success in the hospitality industry and is committed to nurturing the next generation of female leaders.

Red Roof Inn: She Leads

Red Roof Inn launched the She Leads initiative to champion women's leadership and entrepreneurship in the hospitality sector. According to a study by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, women make up only 17% of hotel general managers and 8% of hotel owners in the United States. This underrepresentation highlights the need for initiatives like She Leads to provide women with the support and resources they need to succeed in hotel ownership and leadership roles.

Through the She Leads initiative, Red Roof Inn offers comprehensive training, operational support, and marketing assistance to aspiring female hoteliers. By equipping women with the skills and resources they need to thrive, Red Roof Inn aims to increase gender diversity in hotel ownership and create opportunities for women to excel in the hospitality industry.

In conclusion, hotel initiatives like Choice Hotels' Hertels Program, Wyndham Hotels' Women Own the Room, IHG's Lift Program, and Red Roof Inn's She Leads are instrumental in empowering women to break barriers and succeed in hotel ownership and leadership roles. By providing women with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive, these initiatives are driving positive change and creating a more inclusive and equitable hospitality industry for all.

References:

1. McKinsey & Company - Women in the Workplace 2021 Report

2. Catalyst - Quick Take: Women-Owned Businesses

3. Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration - Study on Women in Hotel Ownership

4. McKinsey & Company - Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters

5. American Hotel & Lodging Association - Women in Lodging: Mind the Gap

See you on the 28th :)

Davonne Reaves is a powerhouse serial entrepreneur. On the 5th and 28th of each month she shares articles on hotel ownership, crowdfunding, life and more. Her journey to successful business owner began when she founded The Vonne Group, the company for hotel consulting and asset management. On top of that, Davonne is a co-owner of three hotels, founding and leading her very own innovative commercial real estate crowdfunding platform called Vesterr and co-hosting hospitality podcast NextGen in Lodging. As tireless leader and mother of her son Jamir, it should come as no surprise she often finds exciting opportunities in hospitality.

Every month, she chooses two key dates to keep her readers happy: the 5th and 28th. On these general occasions, she delves into a variety of topics related to living life, such as tips for owning a hotel, different crowdfunding options, and lifestyle advice.

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