Hotel Vikas is the next generation magazine for American Hospitality industry specifically created for senior Hotel CEOs and decision makers.

AAHOA responds to Choice's Wyndham acquisition efforts

AAHOA “highly concerned” about proposed merger. AAHOA, the world’s largest hotel owners association, has released a statement on Choice Hotels International proposing a full slate of board members for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and also in response to a Reuters story published on January 22: “While we respect opinions and viewpoints from every side of the issue, the individuals nominated by Choice Hotels and quoted by Reuters do not speak for AAHOA, and they do not represent AAHOA’s viewpoint,” said AAHOA President and CEO Laura Lee Blake. “AAHOA remains highly concerned about the significant impact this proposed merger will have on the industry, and we strive to always represent the best interests of our members.

In response to a recent survey, our AAHOA members have raised the alarms that a hostile takeover by Choice Hotels will limit competitiveness, dilute the merged brands in this segment, and decrease the value offered to guests. AAHOA remains resolute in highlighting these grave concerns of its hotelier franchisee members, since they are the stakeholders who have the most at stake if a merger were to occur.” AAHOA said the reported the following results from the survey of its members: Nearly 80% of respondents with either a Choice Hotels or Wyndham property said a merger will have a negative impact on their businesses. And nearly 70% of respondents with either a Choice Hotels or Wyndham property said it is unlikely, or very unlikely, they will consider being a licensee if the Choice Hotels takeover occurs. AAHOA said its member-owners represent roughly two-thirds of all Wyndham and Choice franchise hotels.