Where did the week go, Round-Up Readers?

It is half term (school break) here in London and President's Weekend in the US, so hopefully you’re managing to have a bit of fun. I saw a hilarious show on Friday, which happened to be closing night, but the creators hinted it will come back which is why I am telling you about it. Gwyneth Goes Skiing, is a campy spoof that’s loosely based on the actress’s “ski crash trial,” which played out in a Park City, Utah last March… and the guy who portrays Paltrow is great! You can see clips on Sky News. So good to have a laugh!

BIG NEWS…hertelier is coming to Miami!! Rumor has it that Miami has more female hotel general managers than any other city, and we want to find out what makes Miami a city of opportunity for women in hospitality. Come for cocktails and conversation, I would love to meet you and hear YOUR story! Big thanks to our partners Expedia Group and The Hotels Network for their support. See below and sign up here!!

Business, Women, and Random Trends:
 

• ‘Having a Child is Becoming a Luxury’: Childcare Costs Plunge Parents Into Debt New figures in the UK reveal the number of parents falling into debt to cover childcare costs has rocketed by a third in just 12 months. Around the world, rising inflation is pushing child care costs up to unprecedented levels. Average day care fees went up 6 per cent in 2023 from the previous year, according to ECA International, while in the US, costs jumped by 9 per cent. Which is why we love IHG's program with Busy Bees!
   

•  How I Got Scammed Out of $50,000 This is an unbelievable personal account from a finance columnist for New York Magazine and the New York Times about how she ended up handing $50K in cash to a stranger in an SUV. Scammers are so clever, it can happen to anyone, please read!
   

• How AI is Disrupting the Luxury Experience Although AI offers new avenues for creativity and efficiency, maintaining the human touch is essential to luxury’s appeal. Interesting read from expert Daniel Langer
   

•  There's a Name for Paralyzing Fear: Catastrophizing If your mind tends to drift to worst-case scenarios, that's OK--as long as you don't let those fears hold you back. Inc. offers advice on how to deal with fear with help from the 4-hour work week guy, Tim Ferriss.

Travel & Hospitality:

• Earnings Calls for Major Hotel Companies! TL;DR version: 2023 was a strong year, most brands are growing, particularly in luxury and extended-stay, limited service.

  • Marriott and Hilton: 12 Takeaways From Their Annual Reports Hilton noted its workforce worldwide is 43% women. Its corporate leadership was approximately 42% women and its hotel leadership was 24% women. making progress!

  • Wyndham Grew Despite Having to Fend Off Choice Merger

  • Hyatt Releases Upbeat Hotel Metrics, But Delays Conference Call
     

• How Female Chefs Are Sparkling in Istanbul Women, long expected to cook for their families at home, have emerged as stars in Istanbul’s male-dominated food scene. The New York Times offers a tour of the restaurants where they are quietly defining the city’s cuisine. Fun fact: women make up less than 25% of professional chefs globally.
   

• Latest in Wellness Travel: The Menopause Retreat I missed this from the NYT last year, so sharing now. A growing number of spas and resorts are offering programs that target the changes of perimenopause and menopause. The biggest benefit may be the chance to bond with other women going through the same thing.
   

• 9 Hotel Room Hacks You Didn’t Know You Needed A fun read as traveler and hotelier, the WaPo rounds-up tips trending on social media. Which reminds us, of our article from Stephanie Leger, Solo Travel Safety: Insider Tips from a Female Hotelier and Road Warrior.

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. 
 

• Why is Acceptance so Hard to Accept? Columnist Nancy Mendelson unpacks the difference between acceptance and acquiescence...and why sometimes we need to just... let it go.
   

• A New Women's Innovation Council Aims to Pioneer Change in Hospitality

  Have you heard about the new Women's Innovation Council? The aim is create progress for the tech end of hospitality through collaboration. Learn how to get involved from Georgine Muntz, CEO, Visual Matirx!
   

• Celebrating Black Women Making History: read our popular interview with Valerie Ferguson, head of resort operations for Disney!

Podcasts to Download!

• Giving thanks is the theme of Brian Proctor's "Tuesday's Thanks" podcast. We love his interview this week with Melissa Maher, CEO of Pinnacle Enterprises, have a listen!

Hey, don't forget: if you love reading the Round-Up, please forward this email to a friend or colleague! They can see past issues and sign up by clicking here.

Thank you for reading!

Em