Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced a new program on August 4th that aims to encourage and empower women entrepreneurs interested in hotel ownership.
Women Own the Room, which is intended to serve as a resource to overcome common barriers women face in hotel development, is based on the pillars of providing comprehensive financial solutions; Offer personalized operational guidance and support; and building an inclusive community for networking and education.
“As the hospitality industry rejuvenates and emerges from one of the most difficult periods in history, we all have a unique opportunity to develop and nurture diversity in the hospitality industry to help our industry thrive. At Wyndham – where diversity, equality and inclusion are cornerstones of our culture – we see the opportunity to do our part by helping to open more doors to women in our industry, ”said Chip Ohlsson, chief development officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
“Programs like this move the industry forward.
– Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO, American Hotel and Lodging Foundation
From this fall, Wyndham. based in Parsippany will launch a series of events that will include topics such as why the time is right for women to step into hotel development, how to choose locations, and conduct feasibility assessments. It also offers guidance and tips on funding, and features personal stories from hotel developers who have successfully gone out of style.
“Wyndham is also committed to helping female owners secure funding through our network of debt and equity partners and will continue to explore and implement new and creative ways to support female hoteliers by leveraging our balance sheet,” said Michele Allen, Chief Financial Officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Along with these educational and networking events, and a commitment to using its balance sheet to support female hotel owners, Wyndham is also launching a development incentive program that provides meaningful Wyndham funding as well as additional or expanded first year operational services to support hotel success Women developed.
“Bringing more women entrepreneurs into the hospitality industry is great for women and great for our industry. Our industry is stronger with a multitude of people with different backgrounds and perspectives. Programs like this move the industry forward, ”said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Foundation.
