Creating a connection with current and prospective guests on social networks can be a challenge—especially when it's multiplied by the addition of other countries. What is involved with creating a global social media presence? How can you engage with users in real time? What are the overall practical and strategic considerations in translating this valuable content? With a few proven tactics, hotel marketers can make the most of social media on an international scale in order to preserve brand identity, increase engagement and drive up bookings. READ MORE

Could it be that following the Age of Industrialization, we have entered into the Age of Impersonalization? How many times have you been a victim of “statistics” and not viewed on your individual merits? For example, did you pay premium rates for car insurance or health insurance just because you were a certain age or gender? Or was a loan denied despite an excellent credit history because “statistics” indicated you were a poor risk? And have you ever felt the frustration of trying to reach a “live” person to resolve a dispute or just to ask a question? And you went round and round in circles by pressing various numbers on your phone, without having an option for your particular issue, just to end up where you started? READ MORE

When the economy faltered, the hotel industry suffered greatly. The industry put itself further in an already deep hole by racing to the bottom - utilizing short-term pricing and discounting strategies that lowered rate to get more guests through the door, making it difficult to return to normal rates and market position. Our industry has come a long way and is on the mend; hoteliers can capitalize on this upswing to drive more direct business to their hotels in a race to the top by implementing balanced distribution strategies and integrated marketing efforts without resorting to cutting price or costs. READ MORE

According to Travel Industry Association of America, changing demographics and lifestyle attitudes are playing a major role in the choice of activities Americans make while traveling. Traditionally, activities such as shopping and dining have topped Americans' travel lists, followed by entertainment, sightseeing, beach, nightlife, and theme parks - each with varying levels of interest based on consumer demographics. While these activities remain popular, TIA's reveals major shifts by age group - with preferences often dictated by whether or not there are children in the household. READ MORE

In 1967 the BBC predicted that within 20 years all homes would feature built-in computer terminals and bedside teletype machines. It hasn't worked out quite that way, but it's clear that the news outlet could envision the home computing revolution's outlines fairly well. Today, another technology that has been slowly gaining momentum - augmented reality, which combines digital images with real-time physical environments - has the potential to help hoteliers drive greater loyalty and revenue. For hotels, however, the potential of augmented reality isn't just consumer-facing. The technology can also improve the brand itself. The latest advances suggest unmatched monetization and customer experience potential. The question is: Are hotel brands ready for this change and are they investing in the staff training, IT and creative talent necessary to capitalize on augmented reality's capabilities and guest engagement reach? READ MORE