Reviewing and employing proactive safety and security measures during the holiday season presents challenges within itself. This is magnified during holiday travels. Moreover, the security measures mentioned above are merely suggestions and are not intended to be official list of measures to take. Being aware of your surroundings, communicating with your family or travel companions and careful planning drives travel safety and security. Remember that the holiday is a joyous occasion, but security and safety must come first. READ MORE

It's no secret that 2011 was a complex year for the hospitality industry, and you can fully expect that 2012 will be no different. We started this past year with the strongest transaction activity since 2007 and a momentum that inspired both our colleagues and peers with the hope that, after reaching rock bottom, we were once again on the ascent to recovery. Even well into April, we continued to be encouraged by signs of growth. READ MORE

People are often referred to as a business's most valued asset and in the hotel industry more than any your team can make or break the customers' experience. They are certainly also one of your biggest overheads. Are you unwittingly de-motivating them by treating them as just another disposable asset? Keeping your team inspired and engaged can be challenging. But a demotivated team can lead to poor performance, poor customer service, poor attendance and ultimately to losing not only your best people, but also losing your valued guests. Here are five ways to get the most from your employees. READ MORE

Hotels and other establishments that emphasize architectural appeal at the expense of accessibility are making a big mistake that can cause a loss of potential business, tarnish their brand, and increase their potential for legal liability. The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) sets forth accessibility standards to allow persons with disabilities to enjoy places of public accommodation to the same extent as those without disabilities. ADA compliance and architectural appeal are not mutually exclusive and achieving both can greatly enhance a hotel's success. We will look at ten important principles and considerations to integrate into hotel architecture and design elements. READ MORE

Incorporating health and environmental performance criteria into both the product and service purchasing decisions, can be a significant way to ensure the health of your clients. In this article I will review the recent trends by the public sector to encourage businesses to adopt EPP practices and include a little background behind the benefits for hotels to join in these efforts. I will also highlight a few product and service categories in which there are a significant number of alternatives that can help your property protect the health of your guests. READ MORE