It has now been a decade since the first introduction of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), and infamous data breaches of some of the nation's largest hotel chain operators have been highly publicized for years. Yet, some hoteliers across the country continue to put their businesses and their guests at risk by failing to adequately secure valuable payment and personal information. These data security do's and don'ts will help break down some of the questions and confusion in the industry, and can help lay the foundation to jumpstart your data security strategies in 2014 and beyond. READ MORE

In today's technologically advanced world, hoteliers are constantly striving to meet and stay in tune with the ever-evolving expectations of the new era of travelers. Nowadays guests are connected via smart phones and tablets non-stop, even while on vacation. They expect to have access to WIFI, social networks and all the information that they request and desire from the moment they check-into your property…and often times even before. READ MORE

In this article we will discuss some simple ways that you can enhance your already established training, to increase the opportunity of making more revenue by engaging the guest in a different way that the competition does, by using a great tool that many of us perhaps do not use as a way to analyze the bottom line in our establishments. Below you will find some great ideas that have been implemented with actual clients, having already proven to be positive and with increased revenue. READ MORE

McKinsey & Company predicts that by 2015, the Baby Boomer generation will command almost 60 percent of net U.S. wealth and 40 percent of spending. Over 40 percent of Baby Boomers will be retiring with some form of disability. A discussion of an aging customer base must focus on accommodating the changing physiological needs of these consumers. Hotel management companies, individual franchise owners, and brands must realize that the aging population and the retirement of the baby boomers will change product and service needs. Hotel owners and managers should examine the aging market and start determining what these consumers need and start tailoring products and information to suit. This article focuses on an approach to readying the workforce for the demographic shift. READ MORE

Is social media truly a distinct marketing channel OR is it simply an amplification opportunity encompassing a hotel's entire portfolio of marketing activities? How does social media integrate at every stage of the consumer travel lifecycle: from looking to beyond booking? How can hotels use social media to stay top of mind at all times, from awareness to consideration, and purchase through retention? And finally, how can hotels create a strategy that seamlessly integrates across all marketing functions to create repeatable, successful social media practices that span the entire consumer travel lifecycle? According to PhoCusWright, the number of consumers using social media networks during the travel booking process has grown from 9% to 12% from 2010 to 2012. Considering that social networking reaches nearly 1 in 4 people around the world, it's undeniable that social media plays an important role in our industry as more than just an awareness channel. READ MORE