The evolution of the revenue management industry has been one of 2016's top trending topics. From the onslaught of big data opportunities to the drastic improvements in the life of the revenue manager, the benefits of revenue management practices and its sophisticated technology have been far-reaching in leaving virtually no revenue stone unturned. However, advanced technology has been accommodating far more in this industry's evolution than high consumptions of complex data and the bolstering of on-the-job productivity. As the industry continues to propel forward with better insights and more informed strategic opportunities, we've also seen a distinctly marked shift in how the role of revenue management is positioned within the organizational make-up of hotel(s) and hotel companies. READ MORE

Most leisure travelers in the 21st century still expect the same things out of their vacations that they wanted in years gone by: beautiful sights, convenient comfort, and unique adventures. But there is a new travel trend on the rise. With an increasing focus on wellness in our every day lives, it was inevitable that travelers and meeting planners would want to incorporate healthy, mindful experiences into vacations and events. That means personalized spa treatments, location-specific yoga sessions, refreshing eco-tourism excursions, restorative detoxes and more. A wellness-focused getaway isn't just a vacation. It is about how a destination can change a person's body, mind and soul. READ MORE

Millennials are counteracting their fight to have more free time with upping their productivity. They crave the spa because they put their well-being before work. Other demographics are also working to live rather than living to work. With that sentiment business travelers are adding on to their working business trips by adding family or significant others to the trip. Spa and wellness programs work wonderfully in the sense that they add creative fitness, healthy cooking, meditation, team and couples focused activity to the sometimes hum-drum qualities of a hotel stay. Furthermore, as a property slated to handle a company's business travel and leisure expenditure is a profitability bonus that makes numbers sing the praises of bleisure. READ MORE

It may seem to be relatively straight forward to talk about accountability and investment in spas or wellness centers. Reality however proves otherwise. Interestingly, the industry has not yet accepted a definition for spa, or for wellness centers (or different types of spas). According to the International SPA Association “Spas are places devoted to overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.” Although ISPA's relevant terminologies are often referred to, these are not global definitions. Still, at least there are some descriptions available for spas. Wellness centers represent an even less clear arena. READ MORE

Twenty years ago, the U.S. spa industry was just beginning to blossom. There were approximately 3,000 spa locations then, compared to nearly 44,000-plus locations today. Day spas were popping up on every corner, driven largely by the full-service salon. Hotel and resort spas were few and far between, and destination spas such as the Golden Door and Canyon Ranch were luxurious getaways for the lucky few. Spas were a luxury, only reserved for the wealthy or affluent adult. Now, I have seen my youngest spa patron at the ripe age of 4 years old. READ MORE