US: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has opened more than 15 hotels and has more than 50 signings with its Women Own the Room initiative.
According to data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Castell Project, while women make up nearly 60 per cent of the workforce in hospitality, they hold only one leadership spot for every 10 men.
The programme, which has been running for two years, has helped prospective women hotel owners climb to more than 550.
Those who are part of the programme can benefit from financial solutions, personalised operational support and a community that promotes networking and education.
Galen Barrett, VP, strategic franchise initiatives, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said: “For decades, the hotel industry has been complacent in allowing women to remain on the sidelines of hotel ownership and in turn, has missed out on the opportunity to strengthen itself through greater diversity.
“Women Own the Room and the subsequent programs it has inspired throughout the industry are finally changing the narrative and Wyndham is proud to lead the way.”
Christina Lambert, one of the programme’s founding members, joined the hotel industry in 2020 after a successful career in the arts.
She joined forces with Wyndham after the hotel group offered one-on-one renovation support (including key money) through Women Own the Room.
Today Lambert’s hotel — a 50-room Travelodge by Wyndham – has revenues up more than 29 per cent over the last two years, and her 49-room Baymont by Wyndham is up more than 26 per cent year-over-year.
Lambert said: “Wyndham has played a pivotal role in my success as a first-time hotelier, which I credit not just to the accessibility and responsiveness of leadership, but their willingness to work with me on an individual basis to help my hotels thrive.”
Wyndham franchisees also benefit from the Wyndham Advantage, which helps hoteliers with marketing and distribution.
The group has invested more than $275 million in technology over the last five years, and new owners have access to new technology, including next-gen property and revenue management systems, as well as the 106 million member base from Wyndham Rewards.
Lambert added: “Through Women Own the Room, Wyndham is actively investing in women and in doing so, they’re changing the face of the hotel industry.”
We heard experts discussing women in the hotel sector at the Icons of Inclusion event earlier this week. See more below.
Icons of Inclusion: Calls for industry to adapt and embrace diversity
Image supplied by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts