While the demand for hotel rooms far out-paces the number of overnighters staying in Airbnb properties, year-over revenue produced by Airbnbs has risen noticeably, almost doubling in 2016, putting many hoteliers on notice. As the hospitality industry reacts to the modern traveler’s trending desire for heightened experiences through intimate lodgings that embrace the local vibe, like those provided by Airbnbs, David Ashen, principal and founder of interior design and brand consulting firm dash design, shares ways that hotels are adapting to meet those desires, including features that compete with the rise of locally driven Airbnbs. READ MORE

Services that fail to change with the times, fall out of use: Robust, third-party QA programs are, surprisingly, one such otherwise valuable service that we may see disappearing as social media are increasingly used by guests and management alike, to determine the state of affairs and rankings of hotels and resorts. The replacement of professionals by amateurs, who are armed with a little knowledge and the full confidence of their own particular experience, is not necessarily an improvement; but it is certainly a reality. Part II of the three-part series on Quality Assurance looks at the pros and cons of each, and the best way to retain the professionalism of QA audits. READ MORE

Tourism is one of the greatest global industries that improves according to the continuous changes in tourism trends and consumer preferences. That makes the concept of innovation a vital concern for all hotels to stand out from the competition with successful applications and profitable operations. However, the importance of innovation has been long underestimated in guest experiences. Gone are the days that travelers were satisfied with an ordinary bed and breakfast. Travelers now look for improved cost/value relation and new innovative applications which promote the terms, “new tourist” and “new tourism products” to their offerings. READ MORE

As the fastest growing consumer group today, Millennials are becoming increasingly influential on the way we operate our business – for the better. They are making their purchasing decisions based on a holistic and lifestyle changing approaches to their wellbeing. One central theme that seems to have encompassed this generation is the need for healthy food and fresher options. Every generation leaves its mark on society and Millennial's "you are what you eat" mentality has spread like wildfire, forcing society to re-think what it means to be healthy. We've been listening, and taking notes every step of the way. READ MORE

Luring Millennial travelers is a strategic requirement to fuel ongoing hotel revenue – yet it's not always easy as home-sharing options tempt this generation. Research shows Millennials seek out experiences more than products. This presents hotels with both an opportunity and business challenge: How can we transform our offerings, down to the details of food and beverage services, into experiences that draw Millennials in and keep them returning for more? Successful approaches combine diligent research and innovation with an emphasis on creating photogenic local experiences that go well beyond the food and beverage products themselves, rethinking the way dining spaces are designed and used. READ MORE