Hotel sector marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with growing support for national awareness training.

As the world recognizes July 30 – World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, hotels across Canada are stepping up their commitment to safety and human rights by continuing to embrace Not in Our Hotel, a free training initiative designed to equip hotel staff with the knowledge to recognize and respond to signs of human trafficking.

Launched earlier this year by the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) in partnership with provincial hotel associations from Ontario to British Columbia, the training has already reached hundreds of properties—and participation continues to grow.

"By ensuring every hotel employee understands the signs of human trafficking and knows how to respond, we are taking a stand as an industry to say: not in our hotels," said Tracy Douglas-Blowers, President & CEO of the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association.

Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada, with traffickers often targeting the anonymity and access of the hotel sector. This is why more and more hotels are integrating Not in Our Hotel into their operational culture—not as a one-time action, but as part of a long-term commitment to safety and vigilance.

The training includes:

• Online modules for hotel staff, with certificates of completion
• Reference materials like posters and on-the-job guides
• Manager tools to support property-wide policy and awareness

The training is available at no cost to hotel owners, managers, and employees in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Participation remains open, and associations continue to encourage hotels of all sizes to adopt the program.

This year’s observance of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons serves as a moment to reflect, recommit, and recognize the hotel sector’s growing leadership in this critical issue.

“Our Canadian hotels and their staff are known around the world for their incredible hospitality, but when it comes to human trafficking, we want criminals to know they're not welcome. The victims of human trafficking need our help, and your anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers can make a real difference. Please speak up, because the victims cannot.” Linda Annis, Executive Director, Metro Vancouver, Crime Stoppers

Sponsored by: Western Financial Group

More information & training access: www.notinourhotel.ca

ARLINGTON, Va. – 23 July 2025 – Canada’s hotel industry reported year-over-year performance growth for the second consecutive month, according to June 2025 data from CoStar. CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets.

June 2025 (percentage change from 2024):

• Occupancy: 75.6% (+1.5%)
• Average daily rate (ADR): CAD239.06 (+2.9%)
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): CAD180.77 (+4.4%)

Growth was lower than May, when RevPARgrew 5.1%.

Among the provinces and territories, Manitoba posted the highest increases in occupancy (+10.8% to 80.3%) and RevPAR (+21.1% to CAD143.65). The province’s ADR also rose 9.3% to CAD178.88.

Alberta recorded the only double-digit ADR lift (+14.2% to CAD247.42).

Among the major markets, Calgary posted the highest growth in each of the three key performance metrics: occupancy (+12.2% to 85.5%), ADR (+33.8% to CAD248.77) and RevPAR (+50.1% to CAD212.65). The market’s performance was helped by the Global Energy Show.

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.costargroup.com.

TORONTO, July 23, 2025 — is celebrating a remarkable milestone in its long-standing partnership with : 20 years of continuous collaboration and trusting RoomKey as its property-management solution. From a single-property launch in Brandon, Manitoba, to a portfolio-wide implementation across Canada, the hotel company’s loyalty to RoomKey reflects two decades of shared innovation, operational evolution, and an unwavering commitment to guest experience.

“RoomKey has been part of our journey from the ground up,” said Jeannette Clarke, Regional Operations Manager for Tech Support, HR, Loyalty Programs, and Reservations Services at Lakeview Hotels & Resorts. “Back in 2005, we were looking for a front desk and call center solution that was simple, affordable, and fast to train on. RoomKey checked every box, and it still does today.”

A History of Hands-On Innovation

Lakeview's journey with RoomKey began when the team sought to modernize outdated reservation systems and streamline operations across multiple locations. With their Brandon hotel serving as the inaugural property, RoomKey was adopted as a flexible and intuitive system that empowered staff (regardless of tech background) to efficiently manage both front desk and centralized reservations.

Over time, Lakeview transitioned from legacy systems to RoomKey’s more robust, cloud-based tools. Today, their operations span regions with diverse guest demographics, from work crews and oil and gas contractors in Western Canada to leisure travelers and corporate guests in the Prairies.

“From the beginning, our approach to hiring has focused on attitude over experience,” Clarke said. “RoomKey makes that possible. It’s quick to learn, and the support from their team is second to none. You don’t have to be a tech wizard to get up and running.”

A Partnership That Listens

Lakeview’s longevity with RoomKey isn’t just about software — it’s about service. From early days of tech support and troubleshooting to more recent collaboration on mobile check-in and payment processing, Lakeview has seen the platform evolve to meet real-world needs.

“They’ve always been receptive to user feedback,” Clarke added. “RoomKey takes a thoughtful approach to development. It’s not about reacting fast; it’s about building the right thing for all users.”

That feedback loop has led to system enhancements like recurring reservations, more robust group block tools, and improved rate-linking functionality — features Lakeview teams use daily to drive efficiency and deliver exceptional guest experiences.

People-First Technology

Lakeview’s operations are defined by their personal touch and dedication to service, a philosophy that aligns with RoomKey’s ethos.

“At Lakeview, we empower every staff member to turn a guest’s day around,” Clarke said. “Whether it’s fixing an error, acknowledging a concern, or making someone smile, we do what it takes. RoomKey helps us do that faster, with tools that keep us nimble and informed.”

Their properties include everything from traditional roadside inns to tech-forward urban hotels like the Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel, just steps from the departure gate and now offering RoomKey’s mobile check-in experience.

Looking Ahead

As Lakeview prepares for transitions within its leadership and considers the next chapter of growth, RoomKey remains a trusted partner. From payment processing to future-facing feature requests, the collaboration continues to evolve.

“We may have started with a simple solution for reservations, but RoomKey has grown with us,” said Clarke. “Twenty years later, we’re still finding new features and improvements. That’s the mark of a partner — not just a vendor.”

Shane McPhail, RoomKey PMS Product Director, agreed with Clarke, saying Lakeview has been an incredible partner from the very beginning.

“The feedback from Lakeview Hotels & Resorts has helped shape our product, and their dedication to service has inspired how we think about technology,” McPhail said. “Reaching 20 years together is more than a milestone; it’s a testament to shared values and mutual respect. We’re proud to have earned their trust, and we’re excited for what’s next.”

TORONTO, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hotel restaurants are experiencing a revival among diners, evolving from convenient and comfortable options to refined dining destinations, as 61 per cent of Canadians believe hotels have gotten better restaurant offerings in recent years.¹ Canadian search data also shows the use of KAYAK’s “restaurant” hotel filter almost doubled within a year (+99%), highlighting how travel and dining are becoming increasingly connected.³

To help diners and travellers find their ideal dining destination, and have joined forces to launch the Top 50 Hotel Restaurants across Canada in 2025. ⁴ The list is compiled by reviewing restaurants located in hotels and analyzing more than 1 million diner reviews and dining metrics, including diner ratings, reservation demand, among other factors.

“As hotel dining enters a new age with nearly two thirds (61%) of hotel restaurant diners being locals,² it’s a chance to win over locals looking to dine out, not just overnight guests,” said Matt Davis, Senior Country Director, OpenTable Canada. “For travellers and locals alike, our new Top 50 Hotel Restaurants list offers great inspiration for elevated meals in standout spots across the country, from Akira Back in Toronto’s Bisha Hotel to in the Magnolia Hotel in Victoria.”

“Travellers aren’t just asking ‘Where should I go?’—they’re asking ‘What’s on the menu when I get there?’” said Kate Williams, Chief Communications Officer at KAYAK. “Great dining experiences are an essential part of today’s travel itineraries and hotels are rising to the occasion.”

New research shows:

• Doors are open to all. Nearly two thirds (64%) of Canadians believe that hotel restaurants are open to hotel guests and locals equally.¹ Neighbourhood Gems like Niagara-on-the-Lake’s , are beloved by both travellers and locals alike.
• Put your money where your mouth is. Nearly half (46%) of Canadians said they have spent more on food and drinks at a restaurant than on any other activities during a trip.¹ Spots like at the Ritz Carlton in Toronto and Montreal’s are both featured in the $51 and over price range, for those looking for a more luxurious meal.
• It’s all about the experience. Over two thirds (68%) of Canadians would book the same hotel again because of a positive dining experience in the restaurant, and nearly three quarters (74%) of Canadians would be more likely to try a hotel restaurant if it came highly recommended or its popularity was growing.¹ The new is backed by diner insights, so those who rely on a positive experience or recommendation can rest assured to find something perfect for them.

For travellers hungry for more than just a place to stay, the top hotel restaurants offer innovative menus, top-notch service, and stylish interiors. To explore hotel room rates, average flight prices, and more, explore OpenTable & KAYAK’s top hotel restaurant hub. The following restaurants, listed in alphabetical order by Province, comprise the . ³

Alberta

Banff

Edmonton

Banff

Calgary

Calgary

Banff

Edmonton

Calgary

Banff

Calgary

Banff

British Columbia

Vancouver

Burnaby

Vancouver

Kelowna

Vancouver

Victoria

Whistler

Victoria

Vancouver

Manitoba

Winnipeg

Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador

Nova Scotia

Halifax

Halifax

Ontario

Toronto

Toronto

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Toronto

Niagara Falls

Jordan

Burlington

Toronto

Toronto

Cambridge

Toronto

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Toronto

Toronto

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Ottawa

Toronto

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Toronto

Ottawa

Quebec

Montréal

Québec City

Québec City

Montréal

Montréal

Montréal