What is the definition of 'personal development of Hotel employees' in the context of an Atwell Suites franchise?

According to the 2025 Atwell Suites FDD, the personal development of hotel employees is related to the Learning & Development allocation. If the value-add and specialist training exceeds 2% of the hotel's total salaries and wages budget, the Learning & Development allocation should be capped at 2% of the hotel's total salaries and wages budget. This budget is estimated for IHG Value-Add and Specialist learning offers, as well as the personal development of hotel employees through various training programs, including virtual and e-learning.

For a prospective Atwell Suites franchisee, this means that there is an expected cost associated with training and development programs for hotel staff. The FDD specifies that the franchisee should budget for these costs, with a guideline that it could reach up to 2% of the hotel's total salaries and wages. The actual amount spent on learning and development will depend on the specific training programs chosen and the number of employees participating.

It is important to note that the 2% cap is only applicable if the value-add and specialist training exceeds this percentage of the hotel's total salaries and wages budget. If the training costs are lower, the franchisee may spend less. The training programs include both in-person and online options, providing flexibility in how the training is delivered. The franchisee should carefully consider the training needs of their employees and allocate the budget accordingly.

Franchisees should inquire with Atwell Suites about the specific training programs available, their costs, and recommendations for budgeting for employee development. Understanding these costs and available resources will help in effectively managing the hotel's operations and ensuring that employees are well-trained and equipped to provide quality service.