The Taiwan Hotel and Motel Association of Southern California (THMASC) held its 49th annual meeting and trade show at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 16th. President Yan Jie of the Taiwan Hotel Association in Houston also attended the event. Taiwan’s Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles Director Ji Qinyao, along with Federal Congresswomen Judy Chu and Young Kim, were present at the meeting to celebrate and award commendations.
President Zhang Yufen of the Taiwan Hotel and Motel Association of Southern California mentioned that with the rapid advancement of technology, more and more travelers are beginning to use robots for check-ins, ordering meals, and services. While there were initial challenges in implementing AI technology due to some customers feeling the lack of a personal touch, the general public is gradually accepting it. The widespread use of artificial intelligence is seen as a future trend in the hospitality industry.
Incoming Chairman of the Taiwan Hotel and Motel Association of Southern California, Xu Mingfeng, shared some cost-saving tips for booking hotels. He explained that upscale hotels are unlikely to discount their rates easily or offer significant discounts through online travel booking platforms to maintain their brand image, making booking directly through the hotel’s platform the most cost-effective option. However, he also mentioned that purchasing travel packages such as flights and hotels or car rentals might be more affordable, as additional expenses besides the hotel room may have more discounts.
Regarding the best times to book a room, Zhang Yufen suggested two options: one is planning ahead for holidays where booking a few months in advance may lead to discounts, and the other is taking a chance by booking on the day of check-in, which sometimes results in special same-day pricing.
Zhang Yufen noted that while public travel is gradually recovering post-pandemic, the performance of many commercial hotels has not fully stabilized. The shift in people’s work habits due to the pandemic, such as reduced business travel and large-scale exhibitions, has had a significant impact on the hotel industry. However, with nearly half a century of establishment, the Taiwan Hotel and Motel Association of Southern California members have experienced and overcome numerous transformations in the United States. They will strive to turn challenges into opportunities.
She mentioned that the association has planned various seminars and activities for the second half of the year, with new ideas in management and other aspects of hotel operation, keeping the future of the hotel industry promising.
Miss Asia USA, Zhang Fangyu, also attended the event. She expressed pride in the achievements of Taiwanese people in the United States and was delighted to participate in the annual meeting to meet more outstanding Taiwanese-Americans who work diligently. ◇