Hoteliers are facing a declining workforce and need to implement new strategies beyond offering higher wages to hire and retain workers. Hotels should consider utilizing recruitment agencies, offering sign-on bonuses, creating an inclusive and welcoming work environment and developing management training programs to encourage internal leadership.

Choice Hotels International reaffirmed its commitment to boosting hotel ownership opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs through its Supporting Ownership Access & Representation development seminar and networking event, while also empowering female entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry with its second annual HERtels by Choice Hotels luncheon. "For over 20 years, Choice has seen success and the direct impact of this program, having proudly awarded over 370 franchise agreements to diverse participants since the program started,” said Choice in a statement.

The Redline Venice Hotel honors the area's often-overlooked Black history, integrating the stories of the Red Car trolley line, Venice's Black pioneer Arthur Reese and the local skate culture into its design, while its name pays homage to an era of racial discrimination in housing. "I think to celebrate Black history in a space where people aren't looking for it is really special," said Director of Guest Experience Destinee Sales.

Construction is expected to begin in the fall and take about two years on the planned Ho-Chunk Nation casino in Beloit, Wis., city officials say. New renderings reveal a major casino, convention center and 18-story hotel in a project expected to create 3,000 construction jobs.

David Bansmer, Robert J. Guidry and Guidry Land Partners have acquired the dual-branded Courtyard New Orleans Warehouse Arts District and SpringHill Suites New Orleans Warehouse Arts District for $73 million, with the sale arranged by Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Real Estate Services and Hospitality Real Estate Consultants. The 410-room property will be managed by InterMountain Management.

City officials in Burlington, Vt., have proposed increasing the local occupancy tax on hotels from 2% to 4% to help reduce a budget deficit of $4 million. Hans van Wees, general manager at Hotel Vermont, expressed concern that the higher tax, on top of a 9% state occupancy tax, might discourage visitors from coming to the area.