First Hospitality, a national hotel operating, management, and development company, recognized its 2024 Inner Circle winners during a weeklong trip to Panama from March 15 – 21, 2025. Each year, First Hospitality’s Inner Circle Award recognizes the top-performing general managers across the company’s portfolio.
The Inner Circle Award is presented to 10 general managers who demonstrate outstanding performance across a comprehensive range of hotel metrics. Selection criteria includes room and total revenue versus budget, RevPAR index and rank, gross operating profit margins, flex and flow, guest service scores, brand quality assurance results, associate satisfaction, and turnover rates.
Winners of the Inner Circle Award are treated to a weeklong international trip, with Panama serving as this year’s destination. Each winner was invited to bring a guest, for an all-expenses-paid experience that included accommodations at the Waldorf Astoria Panama, roundtrip airfare, meals, beverages, and a range of curated activities. Highlights of the itinerary included a visit to the “Biomuseo” and Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal, an Embera cultural immersion, a beach day on Mogo Mogo Island, and more. First Hospitality’s President and CEO, David Duncan, and Executive Chairman Sam Schwartz joined the group during the late-March trip.
The Inner Circle trip is our way of recognizing the outstanding general managers who lead with excellence across every facet of hotel performance. It was an honor to celebrate their achievements in Panama. The trip has become a standout moment on the company calendar – a meaningful way to recognize top performers while deepening connections across the First Hospitality team. David Duncan, president and CEO of First Hospitality
Demonstrating its commitment to a People First culture, First Hospitality promoted over 150 team members in 2024. The company also saw a 9-point increase in employee retention compared to industry peers, along with a 16-point lead in Great Place to Work ratings – clear reflections of First Hospitality’s continued focus on associate satisfaction and development.
Additional marquee awards honoring associates include First Hospitality’s Live Free Drive Free Award, honoring associates who achieve perfect attendance for an entire calendar year. More than 1,000 associates qualified for this award in 2024, representing nearly 30% of all associates, a new record for the company. Winners receive the choice of a new car and auto insurance for one year, or have their rent or mortgage paid for one year, up to $1,500/month. This year’s winner selected Live Free. The Pace Setter Award honored five sales leaders who not only exceed their annual team booking goals, but also significantly grew BT and Group RevPAR share.
Our talented associates are the backbone of First Hospitality. Their dedication and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences are what drive our success. Our marquee awards spotlight their hard work and reflect the strong culture we’ve built together. David Duncan, president and CEO of First Hospitality
For more information about First Hospitality and its portfolio of hotels, please visit: firsthospitality.com.
About First Hospitality
First Hospitality is a top-ranking development, investment, and third-party operating company with a portfolio of branded, lifestyle and independent properties along with a portfolio of restaurants & bars located throughout the United States. Founded 40 years ago, the organization fosters opportunities for associates, investors, owners, and partners to prosper together. The foundation of First Hospitality’s success is built on an individualized approach that puts people first, encourages a strong ownership culture, and consistently demonstrates astute business acumen. The company and its hotels are frequently recognized by the industry and media for high guest service and associate satisfaction, including accolades from Forbes, Condé Nast, TripAdvisor, and AAA. For more information, visit www.firsthospitality.com.
Bridget Fairless
First Hospitality
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