Dear Round-Up Readers,

So much news this week, go grab a coffee!

Off the back of last week's US banking meltdown, this week began with UBS buying Credit Suisse. The other big business headlines: TikTok on the hot seat in Washington, more US bank troubles, and the Fed raised interest rates to keep fighting inflation.

Many of you gathered in Atlanta for the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference! Be sure to read our recap from correspondent Stacy Silver.

Wonderful seeing women in the spotlight in March! Lodging has been posting interviews daily with female hotel leaders, and I was honored to be included in the "2023's Most Influential Women in Travel" by Travel Pulse, along with quite a few women we have featured, as well as being interviewed by Machinelab Ventures. Big week!

For those observing Ramadan, have a blessed month. To learn more about the Muslim tradition, read this…and a  big shoutout to Emma Banks and Niki Walsh from Hilton F&B in EMEA for spearheading a new initiative, Green Ramadan, which aims to reduce food waste during the month.

Thank you to Extended Stay America for sponsoring the Round-Up.  Here we go!

 
Business, Women, and Random Trends: 

Keeping this section short, because the travel section is packed this week!! 

•  The World's Top Three Happiest Countries are Led by Women Coincidence or something else? Here is what the rankings are based on: income, health, having someone to count on, having a sense of freedom to make key life decisions, generosity, and finally, the “absence of corruption.” Speaking of the happiest country, Finland is doing a fun tourism promo.
   

• Affordable Childcare is Possible according to the World Economic Forum. A global commitment to affordable and accessible childcare does not just benefit parents — it is a commitment to shared prosperity and a major opportunity.
   

• Adding a ‘scary hour’ to your morning routine could be the secret to more productivity and focus Jump on the TikTok bandwagon and slot in a "scary hour"––a dedicated 60 minutes where you hack away at tasks you've been avoiding. (Paywall in Fortune) but you can search #scaryhour on TikTok for free. I'm going to try this, who's with me? Tips: carve out time for 100% of focus. No meetings, no email, and no admin. 

Travel & Hospitality news:

• Amex Reports Travel Trends for 2023 Based on data obtained through an online poll conducted by Morning Consult between February 3rd – 11th from a sample of 1,000 travelers from Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico, UK, and 2,000 travelers in the US with incomes over $70K. Lots of interesting takeaways, you can download the full report, and themes include set-jetting, culinary-driven travel, unique experiences, and more.
   

• TrendHawk Report: more predictions, this time from travel PR specialists, Hawkins/FINN, who say "personal well-being, playful adventure, lingering travel, and global curiosity are all having a (welcome) moment." Also interesting observations about influencer marketing. Download 2023 report here.
   

• What Happened to the Woman in the Hotel Room Next Door? The New York Times (paywall) reports. An incident in the middle of the night prompts a writer to ask what is being done to prevent sex trafficking, taking a look at the AHLA programs and more. Important read.
   

• Say Goodbye to Daily Hotel Room Cleaning The New York Times (paywall) reports that the pandemic put a pause on hotels’ guaranteed once-a-day cleanings. Many hotels are making the change permanent, even (gasp!) saying guests prefer it. The comments section is pretty spicy! What is your hotel doing?
   

• Work Travel Is Suddenly a Lot More Work Expensive fares and tighter budgets add difficulty to planning business trips. Worth checking out the comments!! Bottom line–airfares are higher and harder to book, read more in WSJ (paywall).
   

• 6 Hotels in the US that Influenced Women's History Conde Nast Traveler profiles hotels from Philadelphia's Guild House to The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, that have strong feminine links.
   

•  The 'Airbnbust' proves the Wild West days of online vacation rentals are over While this will be music to some hoteliers' ears, do you think it is a blip or a shift? Read more in Insider.
   

• Ennismore founder accused of ‘sabotage’ in rival hotel deal Sydell Group sues Ennismore founder Sharan Pasricha for allegedly interfering in the sale of billionaire Ron Burkle’s stake. A rare chance to read the FT as if it were a gossip rag! (paywall)
   

• Travel sector mulls green future but tourists reluctant to pay Reuters takes a look at sustainable travel off the back of ITB in Berlin. Younger travelers are more interested in sustainable travel.
   

• Interesting collab: Saks Partners with Inspirato Shoppers at Saks now can buy a trip with their resort wear, or a full subscription to luxe-travel service Inspirato.
   

• The new standard of hotel tech Ally of the Month, Mr. January, Stuart Grief gives his hot takes on developments in hotel tech in advance of his talk next month at the MEWS conference in Amsterdam. ChatGPT/AI, Social Commerce, QR-codes, and more!

On hertelier this week:

Big welcome to our new subscribers! The story in Forbes, How Women Are Changing The Hotel Industry, keeps bringing new readers! Super excited to have you here. 
 

• ESG with a Heart and Purpose: Interview with Marina MacDonald, CMO, Red Roof What does it take to create and execute a comprehensive ESG program? Red Roof CMO Marina MacDonald shares her best advice. Also, can you handle the cuteness of Canine Companion, Redi?
   

• On the Scene at Hunter Hotel Investment Conference: Sheila Johnson Gives Inspiring Keynote Correspondent Stacy Silver reports from Atlanta.
   

• Culinary Game-Changer Elizabeth Blau Puts Equality on the Menu Credited with turning Las Vegas from buffets to fine dining, Elizabeth Blau is a legendary leader in F&B, and she's bringing women with her! Read about her new restaurant in Dallas and the Women in Hospitality initiative she created.
   

• How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Job Interview Career coach Kathy Hubler is back with more excellent job search advice! Check out her tips for boosting your chances for an interview.

Listen UP! Videos + Podcasts to Download NOW

•  IHG CEO Keith Barr was interviewed on a cool UK show, "My Duvet Flip," with youth leader Jack Parsons. The show is about what motivates leaders to get out of bed in the morning. Keith speaks about his career journey, personal challenges, and how he has faced them. Great advice and a really charming show!
   

• WSJ Women at Work Forum: great videos of interviews from this event with Nancy Pelosi, comedienne Samantha Bee, and more. (Paywall.)
   

• Should the Government Pay for Your Bad Climate Decisions? A few days ago, the Biden administration released a report warning that a warming planet posed severe economic challenges for the United States, which would require the federal government to reassess its spending priorities. Highly recommend you listen to The Daily podcast on this important topic.

Tickets are selling out! She Has a Deal pitch competition is coming soon! The two-day pitch event with education and networking sessions is April 27-28, the awards luncheon is on April 28th, buy tickets here.

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Thank you for reading! Have a great week!

Em