The group formed a strategic alliance with the Association Mexicana Hoteles y Moteles and plans a joint fall meeting.

A survey at the annual GM conference for Chesapeake Hospitality reveals cautious optimism for the industry.

According to the research, the 10,000 AAHOA members own 20,156 hotels comprising 1.8-million guestrooms and a property value of $128.7 billion.

The Hay-Adams in Washington, D.C., has become the first hotel in the world to receive the Luxury Eco Certification from Sustainable Travel International.

U.S. Travel Assn. president and CEO Roger Dow says policies for international travelers to the U.S. are appropriate within the resources available, but that the security screening processes are not efficient or effective.

The event will take place this year on Sept. 9, and will feature appointments with individual members of Congress and talks from legislators.

The African American presence in the hospitality industry has grown tremendously. At the International African American Hotel Ownership and Multicultural Tourism Summit, speakers encouraged blacks in the audience to continue pressing for a larger presence. BY SENIOR EDITOR JASON Q. FREED

The Hospitality Technology Strategic Initiatives Council—spearheaded by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals and Hotel Technology Next Generation—addresses pressing industry needs as they relate to hospitality technology. The council works to identify industry initiatives, find the best possible homes for these initiatives and reduce duplicated efforts.

AH&LA encourages hoteliers to stay informed and to develop strategies and precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of employees and guests.

Survey results from Meeting Professionals International reveal down attendance and reduced budgets for business meetings in 2009.