When it comes time to put your hotel up for sale, you may wonder if it's better to sell on your own, or use a business broker. What are some of the scenarios that indicate you can do it on your own? In other cases, how might hiring a professional help in the sale of your hotel? Factors such as the unique circumstances of your hotel, your desired buyer and your understanding of what goes into the business sale process, should all be taken into consideration. Are you realistic about your skills, and the time commitment it will require? Read this article for advice on the pros and cons of selling on your own versus using a business broker. READ MORE

Savvy hoteliers are using TripAdvisor to see what guests are saying about them - and learn where they need to improve. Once they address this feedback, customer satisfaction improves, reviews turn positive and marketing their properties becomes much easier. READ MORE

While the first and foremost objective of a Convention Services Manager (CSM) at a hotel, convention center or convention and visitors bureau (CVB) is to give meeting planners, their clients and attendees an outstanding customer service experience, CSMs and planners agree that a commitment to continuing education is key to keeping their verve for customer service sharp. Interdisciplinary continuing education opportunities, meaning those that explore best practices in working together with other meeting professionals, can only increase one's expertise, their value to their organization and the likelihood of repeat business for their property. READ MORE

"Are product upgrades and renovations really needed during hard economic times?" That's a question I used to get asked a lot. But, as always, things change-and, obviously, not for the better, at least economically speaking these days. And so the question has changed. In these almost unprecedented hard economic times, the question isn't so much whether a renovation is needed-rather, it's whether a renovation is, first, viable and, second, whether it's a smart thing to do. READ MORE

As consumer travel options grow, it becomes more challenging for travel and hospitality organizations to stand out from the crowd. While many have loyalty programs, they aren't effective. For too many companies, they've become rote, and the result is unimpressive response levels. Now it is more imperative than ever that travel and hospitality venues implement loyalty programs that surprise and engage guests. Programs must illustrate a personal knowledge and understanding of the individual traveler in order to be successful. Read to learn what a successful loyalty program includes, how to bring on loyal customers and keep them, how to measure success and more. READ MORE