What is the definition of 'value-add and specialist training' in the context of Atwell Suites?
Atwell_Suites Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
required to purchase subsequent training materials to fulfill the ongoing training of new employees.
Learning categorized as "core" is included within the subscription model and includes critical learning designed to effectively onboard team members, support the operational needs of a Hotel, and comply with brand standards to deliver a branded guest experience. Hotels should allocate annual predetermined amounts per full-time employee for optional value-add and specialist courses: Managers/Department Heads - $650; Assistant Managers/Supervisors - $450; Frontline colleagues - $250.
Where the amount of the value-add and specialist training exceeds 2% of your 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 estimated budget amount is required for the consumption of IHG Value-Add and Specialist learning offers and the personal development o
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 30–56)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Atwell Suites' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, 'value-add and specialist training' refers to optional courses beyond the core training included in the IHG University subscription. Core training covers onboarding, operational needs, and brand standard compliance.
For these optional courses, Atwell Suites hotels should budget specific amounts per full-time employee annually: $650 for Managers/Department Heads, $450 for Assistant Managers/Supervisors, and $250 for Frontline colleagues.
If the total cost of value-add and specialist training exceeds 2% of the hotel's total salaries and wages budget, the Learning & Development allocation is capped at that 2% threshold. This budget covers IHG's value-add and specialist learning offerings, as well as other training programs, including virtual and e-learning, for hotel employee development.