In November 1997, a terrorist attack in the ancient city of Luxor, Egypt, took the lives of sixty-eight people and left scores more injured. However, the deaths and injuries caused by the attack were just the beginning of the problems it caused Egypt. Tourism, the lifeblood of the country, went into a tailspin, resulting in mass numbers of hotel- and restaurant-related workers losing their jobs in a country that already has chronic high unemployment. A few months later, realizing just how much the incident was affecting business and the economy, Egypt started a $4 billion marketing campaign to woo visitors back. In addition, they dramatically stepped up security throughout the most visited sections of the country. In effect, the country is still reeling from the incident and its impact on the tourist industry. Just imagine what would happen if something even more serious were to happen in Egypt or any other country in the world-such as the spread of H5N1 avian flu. READ MORE

Working through the maize of spa consultancies is becoming increasingly difficult. The variety of entities offering assistance is expanding, yet the quality of assistance is being diluted. Why is a qualified consultancy important to your project? You can probably name numerous reasons. In addition to those that you already know, consider the following: The spa Industry has undergone rapid growth. When spas first emerged in the hospitality industry, a resort or hotel was very unique because it had a spa. Soon spas became an "expected item" in resorts and hotels much as swimming pools were expected in the 70's. Currently, the phenomenon has evolved to requiring much more than just "having a spa" to be unique in the market place. It now demands a very unique and compelling spa concept that delivers a high level of service and draws business and attention to the property. What once was a unique feature just by its mere existence, has become fairly mainstream and is now seeking to distinguish itself once again. READ MORE

It is hardly surprising buyers and media alike are confused by the different models available to guests for vacations when a good part of the industry is, too. Which makes the two upbeat and well-attended IMN symposiums in Orlando between April 18 and 20 most timely. So what are these alternatives? Let's define terms first... READ MORE

The global travel market is one of the fastest and dynamic growth businesses on the planet. Not only are business travelers jetting around the globe attending to, and managing the globalization of commerce, but leisure travel is just as robust as the so-called 'tourists' look for more adventure and uniqueness in their limited free time. How has the travel and hospitality industry adjusted to meet this insatiable demand for both business and leisure travel? READ MORE

The retail and commercial space within a hotel is one of its most important components. In some ways, it helps define the image of the property; a chic spa or hot new restaurant can generate publicity and excitement that brands the hotel in a very positive way. It also provides important services to hotel guests and having the right mix of retailers, restaurants, and other amenities contributes to the experience people have when they stay there. And of course, it provides a significant revenue stream. Most managers are very conscious of maintaining the correct balance for their property. But what are the best techniques for achieving that? READ MORE