The safety of our guests and team members around the world is a top priority. We have provided the thousands of independently owned and operated franchised hotels in our network and our managed and owned properties worldwide with helpful guidelines and safety information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detailing how to identify COVID-19 symptoms and mitigate its transmission. We have also partnered with third parties, including Ecolab and other suppliers, to provide our hotels with access to industry-standard cleaning and disinfecting supplies and have made training available to support our franchisees and our managed and owned hotels in achieving the highest standards of cleanliness, disinfection and hygiene.
Our mission is to make hotel travel possible for all, and that becomes especially important during times of uncertainty. Our cancellation policies for direct bookings are among the most flexible in the hotel industry, with thousands of our hotels honoring no-fee cancellations up to 6 p.m. on the day of arrival.
We have enhanced our policies as follows:
Guests traveling with new or existing direct bookings for stays in any of our hotels through June 30, 2020 will have their cancellation or change penalties waived if the request is received at least 24 hours (or less if permitted by the hotel’s policy) prior to arrival.
Guests who are prohibited from traveling to their booked hotel under applicable law will have their cancellation or change penalties waived on direct bookings.
For new or existing direct bookings with arrivals after June 30, 2020, all of our properties are required to accommodate non-cancellable rate reservation changes if the request is received at least 48 hours prior to arrival and the same number of room nights or more are booked for a future stay.
We are pausing the expiration of any Wyndham Rewards points until September 30, 2020 and have extended current Wyndham Rewards Member Levels (status) for all members globally through the end of 2021.
We are committed to, and actively exploring, additional steps that we can take to help all Wyndham Rewards members globally, which will include relaxed Member Level earning requirements, among other options. Due to rapidly evolving circumstances, it’s too soon to share specifics, however, we will do so as soon as possible.
Please note that the cancellation policies above do not apply to any Group booking, such as conferences, meetings, or events. For guests with Group reservations, please review the terms and conditions for the booking and/or contact the group planner for more information.
For bookings made by a travel agent or online booking platform, guests are advised to contact the agent or booking platform directly. Please consult travel advisories and information made available by the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of State. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and adapt our policies accordingly.
Additionally, due to the current situation with coronavirus, our hotels are implementing new processes to protect the safety of our guests and team members. This may result in a reduction in certain services and amenities that are normally available at our hotels. Those traveling to hotels located in areas that are allowing only “essential travelers,” are required to comply with all guidelines and restrictions and may be required to provide identification establishing that they are “essential travelers.” If guests have questions or concerns, we ask them to please contact the hotel directly.
Global hotel company’s culture of integrity, ethical business practices and focus on social responsibility and sustainability are the foundation of its commanding presence in the lodging industry
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (February 25, 2020) – With a commitment to acting with integrity and a mission to making hotel travel possible for all, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) has been recognized as one of the 2020 World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute. This distinction marks the second time the Company has been by named to the list by Ethisphere, a leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is one of only two companies recognized in the lodging and hospitality segment for 2020.
“Our ethics and values-driven culture guide how we serve our guests, partners, communities and each other every day,” said Paul Cash, general counsel and chief compliance officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Wyndham’s core values of integrity, accountability, inclusivity, caring and fun are reflected in our compliance, social responsibility and sustainability programs, helping us to make smart and ethical decisions, which contribute to the bottom line.”
The World’s Most Ethical Companies designation recognizes those companies which align principle with action, work tirelessly to make trust part of their corporate DNA, and in doing so, shape future industry standards by introducing tomorrow’s best practices today.
“Our ethical business practices foster great experiences and brand loyalty for our guests and for Wyndham Rewards members, as well as our Wyndham Hotels & Resorts team members,” added Samantha Vaughan, group vice president, corporate compliance and chief privacy officer.
Maintaining a strong focus on ethical practices is part of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ robust social responsibility commitment. Some of the Company’s activities and accomplishments include:
Creating a diverse and inclusive place to work and do business through its values-driven culture of ethics and integrity;
Working to protect human rights by providing team members, hotel owners and franchisees training and awareness tools to identify human trafficking in partnership with Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST), Polaris Project and ECPAT-USA; and
Implementing the Wyndham Green Certification Program, a progressive five-level property certification program focusing on sets of actions addressing energy, water and operational efficiencies as well as other industry best practices.
The World’s Most Ethical Company assessment is based upon the Ethisphere Institute’s Ethics Quotient® (EQ) framework which offers a quantitative way to assess a company’s performance in an objective, consistent and standardized way. The information collected provides a comprehensive sampling of definitive criteria of core competencies, rather than all aspects of corporate governance, risk, sustainability, compliance and ethics. Scores are generated in five key categories: ethics and compliance program (35%), corporate citizenship and responsibility (20%), culture of ethics (20%), governance (15%) and leadership and reputation (10%).
About the Ethisphere Institute
The Ethisphere® Institute is the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that fuel corporate character, marketplace trust and business success. Ethisphere has deep expertise in measuring and defining core ethics standards using data-driven insights that help companies enhance corporate character and measure and improve culture. Ethisphere honors superior achievement through its World’s Most Ethical Companies recognition program and provides a community of industry experts with the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance (BELA). More information about Ethisphere can be found at: https://ethisphere.com.
About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company by the number of properties, with approximately 9,300 hotels across approximately 90 countries on six continents. Through its network of over 831,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 20 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel Inn & Suites®, La Quinta®, Baymont®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, The Trademark Collection® and Wyndham®. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also a leading provider of hotel management services, with approximately 400 properties under management. The Company’s award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers approximately 81 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.
Company Increases Dividend 10% and Provides Full-Year 2020 Projections
PARSIPPANY, N.J., February 13, 2020 – Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) today announced results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2019. Highlights include:
Diluted earnings per share for the quarter increased 58% to $0.68 and was unchanged for the full-year at $1.62; adjusted diluted EPS grew 40% to $0.81 for the quarter and 21% to $3.28 for the full-year.
Net income increased 49% to $64 million for the quarter, and decreased 3% to $157 million for the full-year; adjusted net income increased 35% to $77 million for the quarter, and 17% to $317 million for the full-year.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 22% to $153 million for the quarter, and 21% to $613 million for the full-year.
System-wide rooms grew 3% year-over-year, including S. rooms growth of 1% and international rooms growth of 6%.
The Company’s development pipeline grew 7% year-over-year to 193,000
S. RevPAR declined 3% compared to the prior-year quarter, and international RevPAR remained unchanged compared to the prior-year quarter in constant currency.
Returned over $100 million to shareholders in the quarter, through share repurchases and dividends, and over $350 million for the full-year 2019.
“We finished 2019 with another solid quarter, capping off a year in which we delivered rooms growth, earnings growth and free cash flow that were in line with our expectations despite headwinds from a soft RevPAR environment. We achieved these results through consistent execution, careful expense management and disciplined capital allocation,” said Geoffrey A. Ballotti, chief executive officer. “As we enter 2020, we are confident in the strength and resilience of our business and remain focused on executing every day to deliver exceptional value for our hotel owners, hotel guests and shareholders.”
Fourth Quarter 2019 Operating Results
Revenues decreased 7% to $492 million, compared to $527 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. The decline reflects lower pass-through cost-reimbursement revenues, which are inconsequential to adjusted EBITDA, in the Company’s hotel management business. Excluding cost-reimbursements, revenue grew 2% reflecting growth in royalties and franchise fees, higher license fees, and an increase in marketing, reservation and loyalty fees, partially offset by lower other revenues.
Net income increased 49% to $64 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, compared to $43 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2018. Fourth quarter 2019 results include costs primarily related to a restructuring charge focused on enhancing the Company’s organizational efficiency and rationalizing its operations, transaction-related expenses associated with the integration of La Quinta and separation-related expenses associated with the Company’s spin-off. Fourth quarter 2018 results include costs primarily related to separation-related expenses associated with the Company’s spin-off.
Adjusted net income increased 35% to $77 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, compared to $57 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2018. Fourth quarter adjusted net income benefited from the growth in revenues (excluding cost-reimbursement revenues), as well as lower marketing expenses due to timing and increased synergies from the integration of La Quinta. Full reconciliations of GAAP results to the Company’s non-GAAP adjusted measures for all reported periods appear in the tables to this press release.
Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA was $153 million, compared to $125 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, an increase of 22%. The increase in adjusted EBITDA primarily reflects the growth in revenues (excluding cost-reimbursement revenues), as well as, lower marketing expenses due to timing and increased synergies from the integration of La Quinta.
Full-Year 2019 Operating Results
Revenues increased 10% to $2,053 million, compared to $1,868 million in 2018. Results reflect $267 million of incremental revenues from La Quinta and $115 million of lower cost-reimbursement revenues in the Company’s hotel management business, which have no impact on adjusted EBITDA. Excluding the impact of these items, revenues increased 3% primarily due to higher license fees, an increase in marketing, reservation and loyalty fees and higher other revenues, partially offset by a $20 million reduction to revenues related to the Company’s agreement with CorePoint Lodging.
Net income was $157 million, or $1.62 per diluted share, compared to $162 million, or $1.62 per diluted share, in 2018. Full-year 2019 results reflect separation-related, transaction-related, impairment, contract-termination and restructuring expenses. Prior-year results included separation-related and transaction-related expenses associated with the Company’s spin-off and acquisition of La Quinta.
Adjusted net income was $317 million, or $3.28 per diluted share, compared to $270 million, or $2.71 per diluted share, in 2018. Full-year adjusted net income benefited from revenue growth, as well as incremental adjusted net income and increased synergies from the acquisition and integration of La Quinta, partially offset by higher interest expense. Full reconciliations of GAAP results to the Company’s non-GAAP adjusted measures for all reported periods appear in the tables to this press release.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 21% to $613 million, compared to $507 million in 2018. Results are consistent with the Company’s recent projection of adjusted EBITDA of $610 million to $615 million for the full year. Excluding $63 million of incremental EBITDA from La Quinta and $17 million of incremental synergies, adjusted EBITDA increased 6%, primarily reflecting the growth in revenues.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s hotel system consisted of approximately 9,300 properties and over 831,000 rooms, a 3% year-over-year increase. The Company’s development pipeline consisted of 1,500 hotels and approximately 193,000 rooms, a 7% year-over-year room increase or 2% sequentially. Approximately 57% of the Company’s development pipeline is international and 70% is new construction.
Fourth Quarter 2019 Business Segment Information
The following discussion of fourth quarter operating results focuses on revenue and adjusted EBITDA for each of the Company’s segments.
Revenues increased 2% compared to fourth quarter 2018, due to growth in royalties and franchise fees, higher license fees, and an increase in marketing, reservation and loyalty fees, partially offset by lower other revenues. Adjusted EBITDA grew 24% to $151 million, reflecting the growth in revenues, lower marketing expenses and increased synergies from the integration of La Quinta.
Revenues decreased $39 million compared to the prior-year period, due to lower cost-reimbursement revenues, which have no impact on adjusted EBITDA. The decline in cost-reimbursement revenues is primarily due to a change in the way the Company is required to account for certain costs at a portion of its managed hotels. Absent cost-reimbursements, revenues increased $3 million primarily related to management contract termination fees. Adjusted EBITDA increased $3 million compared to the prior-year quarter primarily reflecting the management contract termination fees.
Other Items
Share Repurchases and Dividend Payments – The Company repurchased approximately 1.3 million shares of its common stock for $75 million in the fourth quarter. The Company paid common stock dividends of $27 million, or $0.29 per share, in the fourth quarter. For the full-year, the Company repurchased approximately 4.5 million shares of stock, or 5% of shares outstanding, for $244 million and paid $112 million, or $1.16 per share in dividends.
Dividend Increase – The Company’s Board of Directors authorized a 10% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to 32 cents from 29 cents per share, beginning with the dividend that is expected to be declared in the first quarter of 2020.
Restructuring Charge – The Company recorded a restructuring charge of $8 million during the fourth quarter for actions focused on enhancing organizational efficiency and rationalizing its operations.
Outlook
The Company provided the following outlook for full-year 2020, excluding any potential impact from the Coronavirus:
Revenues of $1.89 billion to $1.93 billion driven by lower cost-reimbursement revenues, which have no impact on adjusted EBITDA. Excluding cost-reimbursement revenues, the Company expects revenues of $1.46 billion to $1.49 billion.
Adjusted net income of $329 million to $339 million.
Adjusted EBITDA of $635 million to $645 million, as illustrated below.
Adjusted diluted EPS of $3.48 to $3.58, based on an adjusted diluted share count of 94.6 million that excludes future share repurchases.
Rooms growth of 2% to 4%, including an expected (0.7%) adverse impact from the loss of rooms that were previously covered by unprofitable hotel-management guarantees.
RevPAR of flat to down (2%) in constant currency, including an expected (0.7%) adverse impact from the loss of rooms that were previously covered by unprofitable hotel-management guarantees.
The Company views its year-over-year growth in adjusted EBITDA as follows (in millions):
More detailed projections are available in Table 6 of this press release. The Company is providing outlook for net income and EPS only on a non-GAAP basis because it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the occurrence or amount of potential adjustments that may arise in the future. Details regarding potential impacts from the Coronavirus will be provided on the Company’s conference call.
Conference Call Information
Wyndham Hotels will hold a conference call with investors to discuss the Company’s results and outlook on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Listeners can access the webcast live through the Company’s website at www.investor.wyndhamhotels.com. The conference call may also be accessed by dialing 877 876-9173 and providing the passcode “Wyndham”. Listeners are urged to call at least five minutes prior to the scheduled start time. An archive of this webcast will be available on the website for approximately 90 days beginning at noon ET on February 13, 2020. A telephone replay will be available for approximately ten days beginning at noon ET on February 13, 2020 at 800 839-4012.
Presentation of Financial Information
Financial information discussed in this press release includes non-GAAP measures, which include or exclude certain items. These non-GAAP measures differ from reported GAAP results and are intended to illustrate what management believes are relevant period-over-period comparisons and are helpful to investors as an additional tool for further understanding and assessing the Company’s ongoing operating performance. The Company uses these measures internally to assess its operating performance, both absolutely and in comparison to other companies, and to make day to day operating decisions, including in the evaluation of selected compensation decisions. Exclusion of items in the Company’s non-GAAP presentation should not be considered an inference that these items are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring. Full reconciliations of GAAP results to the comparable non-GAAP measures for the reported periods appear in the financial tables section of this press release.
About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company by the number of properties, with approximately 9,300 hotels across approximately 90 countries on six continents. Through its network of over 831,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 20 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel Inn & Suites®, La Quinta®, Baymont®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, The Trademark Collection® and Wyndham®. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also a leading provider of hotel management services, with approximately 400 properties under management. The Company’s award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers approximately 81 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com. The Company may use its website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Disclosures of this nature will be included on the Company’s website in the Investors section, which can currently be accessed at www.investor.wyndhamhotels.com. Accordingly, investors should monitor this section of the Company’s website in addition to following the Company’s press releases, filings submitted with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any public conference calls or webcasts.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements related to Wyndham Hotels’ current views and expectations with respect to its future performance and operations, including revenues, earnings, cash flow and other financial and operating measures, share repurchases and dividends. Forward-looking statements include those that convey management’s expectations as to the future based on plans, estimates and projections at the time Wyndham Hotels makes the statements and may be identified by words such as “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “goal,” “future,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “target,” “estimate,” “projection” and similar words or expressions, including the negative version of such words and expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Wyndham Hotels to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, general economic conditions, the performance of financial and credit markets, the economic environment for the hospitality industry, operating risks associated with the hotel franchising and management businesses, the impact of war, terrorist activity or political strife, concerns with or threats of pandemics, contagious diseases or health epidemics, risks related to the acquisition of La Quinta and our relationship with CorePoint Lodging, risks related to our ability to obtain financing and the terms of such financing and the timing and amount of future share repurchases and dividends, as well as the risks described in Wyndham Hotels’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Wyndham Hotels undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise.
SINGAPORE (January 20, 2020) – Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 9,200 properties across over 80 countries, has appointed Andy Flaig as Head of Development for the South East Asia and Pacific Rim (SEAPR) region.
Based in Singapore, Andy will lead a team of developers to drive the development strategies for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts through the expansion of its brands and portfolio of managed and franchised hotels across the SEAPR region. Andy replaces David Wray who has completed his transition agreement with the hotel company and will remain with Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific.
“Andy comes to Wyndham with a proven track record in the areas of hotel development, investment, and asset management. Along with his strong leadership and extensive regional connections, he is well-positioned to lead our development team in accelerating our growth across the region,” said Joon Aun Ooi, President and Managing Director SEAPR, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
“The South East Asia and Pacific Rim is a dynamic region brimming with potential and home to emerging markets like Vietnam and Myanmar that are starting to attract tourists in unprecedented numbers. I am excited to lead Wyndham’s development strategy in the region and look forward to building new relationships with owners and partners to drive strong returns under the Wyndham portfolio of hotel brands,” said Andy Flaig, Head of Development, SEAPR, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Andy joins Wyndham Hotels & Resorts with more than three decades of experience in the hospitality sector. He served in multiple senior leadership roles within the industry and was most recently the Group Chief Development Officer at Next Story Group where he was responsible for the growth of their hotel and lifestyle co-working brands. Previously, Andy spent four years with Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group as Executive Vice President, Development and Technical Services for Asia Pacific, and eight years as Managing Director of Jones Lang LaSalle’s Hotels and Hospitality Group’s Advisory business in Asia.
About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company, with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 80 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 817,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveller, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 20 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel®, La Quinta®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, Trademark Collection®, and Wyndham®. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also a leading provider of hotel management services, with more than 400 properties under management. The Company’s award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers over 77 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at tens of thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.
Commits to reach 10 million Wyndham Rewards points donated to Polaris by end of 2020
Today at its global Town Hall, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ leadership team affirmed its ongoing commitment to support human trafficking awareness and prevention efforts and announced a donation of 1 million Wyndham Rewards points to Polaris, a leader in the global fight to eradicate human trafficking. Wyndham also announced a commitment to achieve – by year end – 10 million points donated by the company and Wyndham Rewards members to Polaris since 2008. (Deborah Fischman Photography for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts)
PARSIPPANY, N.J. – January 22, 2020 – Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH), the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels across 80 countries, today reinforced its commitment to help combat human trafficking.
At its first global Town Hall event of the year, Wyndham today affirmed its ongoing commitment to support human trafficking awareness and prevention efforts and announced its donation of 1 million Wyndham Rewards points to Polaris, a leader in the global fight to eradicate human trafficking.
Wyndham also announced its commitment to achieve – by year end – 10 million points donated by Wyndham and Wyndham Rewards members to Polaris since 2008. For Wyndham Rewards members interested in donating points to Polaris, visit the Wyndham Rewards website or click here.
“We condemn human trafficking in any form,” said Wyndham Hotels & Resorts President and Chief Executive Officer Geoff Ballotti. “In recognition of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we want to reinforce our partnerships with Polaris and other important anti-trafficking organizations, while continuing to educate the hospitality community on how to help identify and report trafficking activities.” Wyndham mandates human trafficking training for all company employees globally.
Polaris acts as a catalyst to systemically disrupt human trafficking by helping survivors restore their freedom, preventing more victims, and leveraging data and technology to pursue traffickers wherever they operate. Polaris uses Wyndham Rewards points in part for short-term stays for victims so they have a safe place to sleep while waiting for a spot in a shelter to open.
“Having a safe place to stay, even just overnight, is a vital first step in helping sex and labor trafficking survivors break free from their situations,” said Emily Tracy, chief development officer for Polaris, who received the points donation at today’s event. “Wyndham’s donation – one of many over the course of our 10-year partnership – will help survivors to move forward with their lives. We look forward to working together in the future to continue to address all of the ways that hospitality companies can and must play a role in the prevention and detection of sex and labor trafficking.”
In addition to Polaris, Wyndham supports the work of other organizations to promote awareness on how to identify and report suspected instances of human trafficking, including the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, End Child Prostitution and Trafficking, and International Tourism Partnership. Wyndham works with these organizations and others to educate employees across its business on the important issue of human trafficking.
Hotel guests also can spot the signs of trafficking. Guests who suspect trafficking or abuse can alert hotel management or security, or dial 911 or their local emergency number. They also can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “BeFree” (233733) in the U.S., or visit GlobalModernSlavery.org for global information.
About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company, with over 9,200 hotels across more than 80 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 822,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveller, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 20 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel Inn & Suites®, La Quinta®, Baymont®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, The Trademark Collection® and Wyndham®. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also a leading provider of hotel management services, with more than 400 properties under management. The Company’s award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers over 79 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.
Hotel leader earns perfect score on Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for second consecutive year
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts team members in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, support the local LGBTQ community through participating in a Pride march and painting a crosswalk outside of the Saint John office (August 2019).Click to Download
PARSIPPANY, N.J. (January 21, 2020) – Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) announced today that it received a perfect score on the 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality, administrated by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). The honor marks Wyndham’s second consecutive year earning a perfect score on the CEI, designating the company as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality every year since the company’s inception.
“At Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, we are committed to creating an inclusive work culture where all of our team members can thrive,” says Mary Falvey, chief administrative officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “This recognition highlights our dedication to recruiting and retaining a workforce that reflects the diversity of our guests, owners and communities around the world.”
Recognizing that embracing inclusivity is good business, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts appeals to diverse consumers, cultivating welcoming environments in its hotels, in addition to supporting its team members.
“Our recognition as a Best Place to Work shows that we continue to do the right thing in ensuring the environment we’re cultivating is in the spirit of hospitality,” said Patricia Lee, executive vice president of Global Learning & Development and chief social responsibility officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “For years, Wyndham has been an employer of choice among the LGBTQ community, and one that encourages team members to bring their whole selves to work.”
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is among 1,059 businesses rated in this year’s report. HRC uses criteria based on employee benefits, diversity training, employee recruiting, and community engagement to determine CEI scores.
Wyndham’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQ community is reflected both inside and outside of the company:
In 2019, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts joined the HRC Business Coalition for the Equality Act, a group of leading U.S. employers that support the Equality Act.
Wyndham offers a range of diversity and inclusion resources for team members and senior leadership, including an executive Social Responsibility Council and Pride, an affinity business group.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts also partners with leading organizations including HRC, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association.
For more information on the 2020 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.
About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company, with over 9,200 hotels across more than 80 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 822,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in both the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 20 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel Inn & Suites®, La Quinta®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, The Trademark Collection®, and Wyndham®. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also a leading provider of hotel management services, with more than 400 properties under management. The Company’s award-winning Wyndham Rewards® loyalty program offers over 79 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at tens of thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.
PARSIPPANY, N.J. – December 3, 2019 – Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) today announced that David B. Wyshner has decided to step down as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately, and move into a senior advisory role reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer Geoff Ballotti until March 1, 2020.
“As the CFO of Wyndham Worldwide and later Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, David was absolutely instrumental in the divestiture of our European Vacation Rentals Business, the acquisition of La Quinta Holdings, our spin-off from our parent company, establishing a new Finance leadership team and setting us up for the future. We are sincerely grateful for all that David has done to transition our new company for success,” said Mr. Ballotti.
“I thank my colleagues at Wyndham. It has been a pleasure to work with one of the best leadership teams in the industry,” said Mr. Wyshner. “I have enjoyed our teamwork, our culture and our many successes and see this as the right time for me personally to make this transition from the job I was brought in to do back in 2017.”
The Company also today announced the promotion of its Treasurer and Executive Vice President, Michele Allen, to succeed Mr. Wyshner as CFO, effective immediately. Ms. Allen, who began her career at Deloitte & Touche, is a 20-year veteran of Wyndham Hotels, Wyndham Worldwide and Cendant Corporation – having been the global Senior Vice President of Finance and Controller for the former Wyndham Hotel Group, and Senior Vice President of Finance for Wyndham Worldwide. Since the spin-off, she has played a critical role in developing the leadership talent of our Finance organization, while helping to drive our first six quarters of consistent execution as a new public company.
Mr. Ballotti commented, “Michele is an exceptional leader whom I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside for over a decade. Her readiness to assume this role was part of our Board’s ongoing succession planning process. She personally knows our leadership teams around the world and understands this business inside-out. I am confident she will hit the ground running with the full support of our team here in New Jersey and around the world.”
The Company further announced the appointment of its Deputy Treasurer, Barry Goldschmidt, to Treasurer.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company, with over 9,200 hotels across more than 80 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 822,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveller, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 20 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel Inn & Suites®, La Quinta®, Baymont®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, The Trademark Collection® and Wyndham®. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also a leading provider of hotel management services, with more than 400 properties under management. The Company’s award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers over 79 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.
World’s largest hotel franchising company bolsters brand offering through new openings across the region
MOSCOW – 26th November 2019 – Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with over 9,200 hotels and 20 brands across more than 80 countries, continues to grow its international portfolio of hotels, with plans to open 15 new hotels in Russia and neighbouring countries within the next two years. This expansion will significantly boost Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ footprint in the region, reaching 35 operational hotels and over 5,700 rooms by 2021 across a number of key markets including Russia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Georgia
Wyndham’s ambitious growth plan in the region will see the addition of seven new hotels and over 1,300 rooms in Georgia alone. The new openings will further grow the Company’s current presence in Tbilisi, and Batumi, with the addition of new destinations in Kutaisi and Goderdzi, including a mountain ski resort in the south of the country. Since entering Georgia in 2016 with just one hotel, Wyndham has gained strong momentum in the market, with the introduction of Wyndham Grand® and Ramada Encore® by Wyndham in Tbilisi. Overall, the Company has plans to reach 10 hotels in the next two years across a range of hotel brands and segments, including Wyndham Garden®, Ramada® and TRYP® by Wyndham, as well as the design-focused economy brand Super 8® by Wyndham.
Russia
Growth plans for Russia will see the continued expansion of the Ramada by Wyndham brand with a new hotel in Kislovodsk next year, adding to a strong portfolio of six Ramada by Wyndham hotels across the country. In addition, Wyndham will launch the Ramada Encore by Wyndham brand in the market, with a new construction hotel in Yekaterinburg in 2020, and an additional opening in St. Petersburg by 2025.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
Furthermore, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is continuing solid growth in Kazakhstan with the addition of two hotels in the resort village of Burabay and in the city of Shymkent in 2020. Other upcoming additions will include new hotels in Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent and the historic city Bukhara.
Dimitris Manikis, President and Managing Director, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, EMEA, said: “From thriving cities to captivating landscapes, this region provides an attractive variety of opportunities for our industry, and we are incredibly proud of our presence in these markets. With a wealth of emerging destinations yet to be discovered, and an increase in international as well as domestic arrivals, we see a lot of potential in the region. Our expansion plan is closely aligned to our vision to make hotel travel possible for all, not only to meet an increasing demand for high-quality accommodation, but also to suit any traveller’s needs, wherever and however they want to travel across the region.”
Some of the latest openings in the region include:
Ramada by Wyndham Bishkek Centre, Kyrgyzstan – Located in Kyrgyzstan’s capital and largest city, Bishkek, the hotel opened in July 2019, marking Wyndham’s first hotel in the country. The hotel provides guest with modern accommodation in downtown Bishkek, close to the State Historical Museum and other attractions, and various facilities including three restaurants and bars.
Wyndham Grand Tbilisi, Georgia– Nestled in the city of Tbilisi with tourist and local attractions all within a short walking distance, the hotel opened in May 2019 and offers 158 stylish guest rooms and suites. It boasts five well-equipped conference spaces as well as a relaxing lounge bar and three restaurants. The hotel’s lobby features a bespoke 22-metre chandelier and ballroom with breath-taking views of city, making it an ideal space for upscale events.
Ramada by Wyndham Yerevan, Armenia– Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in Armenia, the hotel opened in April 2019 and is located close to Republic Square, with panoramic views of Mount Ararat and the scenic city centre of Yerevan. The 202-room hotel features four designed meeting rooms, a fitness centre, sauna and hammam.
Some of the upcoming openings in the region include:
Ramada Encore by Wyndham Yekaterinburg, Russia – The first Ramada Encore by Wyndham hotel in Russia, the hotel is expected to open in November 2020 and will be part of a mixed-use complex including a shopping mall and a multi-purpose conference centre. The 214-room hotel will provide a conference hall, a fitness centre, varied F&B outlets, a lounge area, as well as a large parking space, all in a prime location with easy access to the railway station, Yekaterinbur’s business district and its historic centre.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company, with over 9,200 hotels across more than 80 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 822,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveller, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 20 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel Inn & Suites®, La Quinta®, Baymont®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, The Trademark Collection® and Wyndham®. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also a leading provider of hotel management services, with more than 400 properties under management. The Company’s award- winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty programme offers over 79 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com. If you are interested in developing a Wyndham hotel, please visit https://whrdevelopmentemea.com/
Military members, veterans and their families can save up to 20% off, plus receive 500 Wyndham Rewards bonus points, on stays through December 6
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 22, 2019 – Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH)—the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 80 countries—today announced a host of new initiatives honoring active and retired military members and their families, including a one-to-one match of all Wyndham Rewards® point donations to its military non-profit partners—up to 1 million points—along with increased savings of 15 to 20 percent off the Best Available Rate at participating hotels, plus 500 Wyndham Rewards bonus points on upcoming stays through Dec. 6, 2019.
Available at participating hotels in the United States and Canada across the Company’s broad portfolio of brands, including household names like Super 8® by Wyndham and La Quinta® by Wyndham—both of which always offer preferred parking for active and retired military members—the promotional offer and point match come on the heels of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts adding its newest charitable military partner: Hope For The Warriors, a four-star rated, 501(c)(3) organization that provides comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans and military families.
Other military non-profit partners, all of whom will have point donations matched during the promotional period up to 170,000 points each, include Fisher House Foundation, Armed Services YMCA, Operation Homefront, Team Red White & Blue and Team Rubicon.
“We believe in honoring and saying ‘thank you’ to the brave members of the armed forces and their families every day of the year, but this Veterans Day, we’re doing even more,” said Sheila Schottland, vice president of Brand Marketing at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “From matching points donated by members to our military non-profit partners, to increasing already available discounts plus bonus points added on top, it’s one more way for us to give back and show our gratitude.”
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and its brands have a strong history of celebrating and supporting those who serve, from everyday discounts available at its more than 9,200 hotels, to sponsorship of veteran-centric events—like Super 8’s upcoming support of the 12th annual Long Island Run for the Warriors race—and hiring initiatives, including La Quinta’s collaboration with Hiring Our Heroes, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, to help drive veteran employment opportunities. Military members, veterans and their spouses also receive special benefits when they join Wyndham Rewards, the company’s award-winning loyalty program, including a complimentary upgrade to Wyndham Rewards’ Gold membership along with 1,000 bonus Wyndham Rewards points upon completion of the member’s first qualified stay.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company, with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 80 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 817,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 20 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel Inn & Suites®, La Quinta®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, Trademark Collection®, and Wyndham®. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also a leading provider of hotel management services, with more than 400 properties under management. The Company’s award-winning Wyndham Rewards® loyalty program offers over 77 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at tens of thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.
World’s largest hotel franchising company recognizes exceptional franchisees with new Wyndham Humanitarian and Wyndham Developer awards
LAS VEGAS, Sept. 27, 2019 – Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) – the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 80 countries – introduced two inaugural awards honoring franchisees who embody its mission to make hotel travel possible for all at its first global conference as an independent hotel company.
The two new awards, The Wyndham Humanitarian Award and The Wyndham Developer Award, recognize franchisees who show leadership in each area by making a difference in their local community through hospitality. They complement Wyndham’s existing collection of brand awards honoring its owners for strong performance and outstanding hospitality.
“Our nearly 6,000 franchisees do extraordinary work to help us welcome the world every single day,” said Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Today, we’re taking a moment to honor those hoteliers who go above and beyond with two new awards that recognize their contribution to our industry and our communities.”
Ballotti added: “We are humbled to work with dedicated hoteliers like Nalini and Rupesh Patel, who built a hotel that allows so many families to create happy memories, and Danny Aderholt who, through his company’s development efforts, makes his communities stronger as a result of his passion for hospitality. We celebrate and thank them for all they do.”
The Wyndham Humanitarian Award: Nalini and Rupesh Patel
Nalini and Rupesh Patel, owners of the La Quinta by Wyndham San Antonio Alamo City, offer extra support for guests with mobility needs staying in the area to visit nearby Morgan’s Wonderland, an accessible theme park for people with special needs. Their new-construction La Quinta by Wyndham hotel was designed with expanded rooms, oversized entryways, barn-style doorways and lower consoles and surface areas to support guests who use wheelchairs. It also features a special, Texas-shaped pool with a unique wheelchair ramp that allows guests to enter and exit the water without drawing the same attention as a pool lift.
The Patels, avid fans of Manchester United, are passionate hoteliers who empower families to make memories through travel. They installed an engaging “selfie wall” where guests can share special moments and, in honor of Manchester United, they constructed a mini soccer field at the hotel.
“When we set out to build this hotel so close to Morgan’s Wonderland, we thought to ourselves: what can we do to make vacations enjoyable, affordable and memorable – whether it’s a staycation for locals to Texas or visitors from out of town,” said Nalini Patel, Man UTD Investments Inc. “We’re doing what we can to make it just a little bit easier on everyone so they can relax and enjoy traveling.”
Wyndham Developer Award: Century Equities Founder Danny Aderholt
Danny Aderholt is the founder of Century Equities, a real estate development company based in Wheeling, West Virginia. With 10 hotels across West Virginia and Ohio, many of them under Wyndham brands including Wingate® by Wyndham, Hawthorn Suites® by Wyndham, Microtel® by Wyndham, and Super 8® by Wyndham, Century focuses on contributing to communities through development.
In May, Aderholt and his company opened their latest hotel: a TRYP by Wyndham® in the Lawrenceville district of Pittsburgh, a community recently listed as “America’s Coolest Neighborhood.” Housed in a historic trade school building, the property was originally built in 1901 and features local art and interior design inspired by the trades formerly taught within its walls. When Aderholt, who grew up in Pittsburgh, learned of plans to tear the structure down, he viewed the challenge of transforming the historic building as a unique opportunity for Century and for the Lawrenceville neighborhood.
“I was raised in Pittsburgh and have watched this neighborhood evolve over the past fifty-plus years. My son Josh, who was instrumental in this project, has lived in Lawrenceville for over a decade with his family, so we are rooted there in many ways. Lawrenceville has become a true destination for Pittsburghers and out-of-town guests alike. As part of this community, we’ve always known how special it is, and wanted to celebrate the fabric of the neighborhood by doing something that adds to its appeal – not alters it,” Aderholt says.
The Wyndham Hotel of the Year Awards
Wyndham also recognizes hotel owners across its brands for their hard work in areas like quality, performance and guest satisfaction with more than 100 individual awards. These awards culminate in the Company’s top honor, Hotel of the Year, which recognizes the top hotel in each segment of the hospitality industry. This year’s Hotel of the Year award winners include:
Economy Hotel of the Year:Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lubbock Medical Center
Owned by Subodh and Mahesh Patel, longtime Days Inn® by Wyndham franchisees, the Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lubbock Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, is a top economy hotel in its market. Subodh Patel opened his first Days Inn in 1992 and he has served on the brand’s Franchise Advisory Council for nearly 30 years, serving as chairman three times.
Midscale Hotel of the Year and Overall Hotel of the Year:La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland
Owned by Himanshu Patel, the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland in Cleveland, Tenn., is the Midscale Hotel of the Year and is listed as a top hotel in its local market. The hotel also received Wyndham’s overall Hotel of the Year honor based on its outstanding performance. The award was presented at the closing session of Wyndham’s global conference.
Upscale Hotel of the Year:Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort
Owned by Cheryl Chase, this former Howard Johnson® by Wyndham hotel in Deerfield Beach, Fla., overcame a hurricane evacuation in the midst of a renovation and remains the top hotel in its market.The hotel has fully renovated all of its guest rooms and two restaurants and is in the process of renovating its pool and ballroom before the end of this year. It is a three-time recipient of the upscale Hotel of the Year award from Wyndham.
About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company, with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 80 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 817,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 20 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel Inn & Suites®, La Quinta®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, The Trademark Collection®, and Wyndham®. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also a leading provider of hotel management services, with more than 400 properties under management. The Company’s award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers over 77 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.
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