A newly revised edition of the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI) is now available, published by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP).
The revision process for the 12th revised edition has been overseen by the Global Finance Committee (GFC), jointly sponsored by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and HFTP. The GFC is made up of global financial leaders from AHLA’s Financial Management Committee and HFTP members representing the most prominent global hotel brands, operators, owners and other industry authorities. The GFC has meticulously revised this essential publication with enhancements incorporating financial and operating changes, a new sustainability section and a section specific to all-inclusive hotels. The adoption date for this edition is Jan. 1, 2026.
“The USALI has long been the compass guiding financial and operational reporting in hospitality,” said Gina Tallarico, GFC cochair and global head of acquisition integration, Hyatt. “This update signifies GFC’s commitment to globalization, sustainability and informed decision-making. With this 12th revised edition, we’re excited to introduce a new all-inclusive reporting section—an initial step toward standardization and benchmarking capability in this rapidly-growing segment.”
Periodically, the USALI undergoes revision to align with the evolving landscape of hotel operations and accounting standards. A guiding principle of the revisions was enhancing transparency in reporting and broadening data sets to better inform decision-making. Consequently, revenue and expense categories, including guest loyalty program costs and executive lounge expenses, have been refined. Additionally, new schedules for payroll full-time equivalents (FTE) and annual mandatory brand and operator costs have been introduced.
“The 12th edition’s updates are a testament to the diverse insights from top global brands, management companies and owners that comprise the GFC,” stated Raymond D. Martz, co-chair, GFC and co-president/CFO, Pebblebrook Hotel Trust. “This comprehensive update enhances reporting and analysis in critical areas such as labor, market segmentation and sustainability. These improvements will benefit properties of all sizes, both in the U.S. and around the world.”
In line with evolving sustainability reporting trends, the utilities schedule has been replaced by a new energy, water and waste (EWW) schedule. This facilitates improved reporting and benchmarking of EWW usage and expenses while providing a roadmap for tracking greenhouse gas emissions, thereby addressing the increasing environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting requirements.
Another significant change is the introduction of a section dedicated to the reporting of revenue and expenses for all-inclusive hotels, which have unique pricing and operating models. This new guidance enables benchmarking of key performance metrics and operating analyses across this expanding segment.
HFTP and GFC members are presenting the series “USALI 12th Revised Edition Deep Dive” via webinars and conference presentations through the end of the year. Each webinar covers a specific section or topic, providing comprehensive insights into the revision details. Registration for these webinars is complimentary and accessible to all, facilitating widespread dissemination of the updates. Furthermore, GFC representatives are conducting informational sessions at numerous upcoming industry events. A schedule for these presentations is available on the USALI website.
The USALI is accessible through a digital subscription service or as a soft-cover book (anticipated release in late usmmer 2024). The digital version is compatible with smartphones, tablets and PCs. Additionally, the subscription grants access to the online USALI Revenue and Expense Dictionary.