Phoenix -- Studies show that education and training leads to higher employee retention and guest satisfaction. As such, IBC Hospitality Technologies has partnered with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (the long-time training and education arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Assn.) to provide IBC members with hospitality industry certification resources. As an IBC member, independent hoteliers can purchase online study materials and gain access to online exams through a new customized landing page. AH&LA members receive discount pricing.

Certifications available to IBC members through the AHLEI program include:

  • Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA®)
  • Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS®)
  • Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP)
  • Certified Breakfast Attendant (CBA)
  • Guest Service Gold®Golden Opportunities Online Program and Certfication (English)
  • Certified Hospitality Department Trainer (CHDT®)

"Hospitality professionals worldwide have been turning to AHLEI for 65 years to validate their industry knowledge and skills at every stage of their careers," said Pamela Barnhill, IBC president and COO. "We recognize that training and professional development are important for all properties, but independent hotels may not have access to the resources that are available to branded properties with corporate training departments. Partnering with a globally-recognized training organization like the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute gives IBC members access to the best in training for all staff — from front line to management.

"This comprehensive professional development program uses AHLEI's training resources and professional certification for guest service employees, supervisors, trainers, and general managers," she said. "It is designed to help properties improve their profitability, guest satisfaction, and employee retention, and it also will help make that property stand out as a preferred choice for travelers."

AHLEI certificartion is available as one of the many benefits to IBC member hotels inside IBCMarketplace.com which provides a customizable business intelligence dashboard with CRS functionality and soft brand benefits.

Did You Know . . .

Since 2012, more than 100,000 individuals have received at least one AHLEI certification, with the bulk of that number being the Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP), the foundational hospitality certification for every employee working in the hotel industry. Consider this:

  • The hospitality industry in the United States has been identified as one of six priority sectors likely to drive domestic employment growth over the next 10 years. The industry directly employs nearly 8 million individuals and hotel projects in the sector could add between 2.1 million and 3.3 million jobs by 2021.
  • Hospitality is a field that rewards knowledge, skills, and initiative. Promotions can happen quickly, and more than 50 percent of all hotel general managers began their careers in hourly, entry-level positions, and 50 percent of c-suite executives as well. The industry is filled with stories of dishwashers and bellhops who started at 17 and worked their way up to general manager by the time they were 30.
  • According to an article published in The Journal of Human Resources and Hospitality and Tourism, more than 51% of hospitality industry professionals surveyed believe that certifications are important for hospitality professionals to have. One survey respondent stated, "Certifications of any kind in industry professionals show a commitment to continuing education and are therefore valuable."

"Certification is one of the best moves a hospitality professional can make in his or her career," said Jennifer Bonilla, AHLEI sales manager. "By offering certifications for various levels of professional development, IBC is providing valuable, career-building resources for its members. AHLEI is proud to partner with IBC to ensure that its members have the skills and knowledge to succeed and grow both personally and professionally."

Originally part of AH&LA, AHLEI was acquired in 2017 by the National Restaurant Assn. and became part of its Training & Certification division. AHLEI offers hospitality training, educational resources and curriculum for high school and college hospitality programs, and professional certification for every position and level of training.

About the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)

Established in 1953 as the nonprofit education and training arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), AHLEI's mission is to be the preferred provider of quality resources to educate, develop, and certify hospitality educators, students, and professionals worldwide. AHLEI became part of the National Restaurant Association in 2017, connecting and leveraging the resources of two organizations that are deeply committed to a vision of career success and upward mobility for current and future hospitality, restaurant and foodservice employees.

About IBC (InnDependent Boutique Collection)

IBC Hospitality Technologies is a leading provider of hospitality technologies for independent hotels. Our portfolio of products and services includes the proprietary IBC hotel management platform which makes available its managed distribution, advanced CRS, and soft brand benefits to independent hotels, villas, and B&B's. More than half the world's hotel properties are independently-owned. Online search has placed all new pressures on the small business owners who run these properties. With IBC, hotels can reclaim their revenue and guest data from the OTAs while maintaining their independence from soft brands and chains. Finally, independent hotels can take back their bookings. Learn how at www.ibchospitality.com.

Barbara Worcester
PR Pro Consulting