The hotel distribution landscape is complex and ever changing. It is an elaborate web of disparate systems and integration admired from afar and challenging even for those involved in the day-to-day management of a hotel. Revenue Management is one aspect in particular that is vital to understanding and managing this intricate web. And it cannot be done alone or in a silo. The following discussion brings to the surface the issues relative to channels that a hotel management team must be aware of in creating a revenue management strategy and how the growing complexity of channels in travel make this a converged effort across many hotel disciplines. READ MORE

Whether underwriting an investment for a distressed hotel, conversion opportunity or a traditional transaction, assumptions surrounding revenue (and profit) potential will serve as the key drivers validating price and investment returns. Naturally, market conditions and historical high/low performance benchmarks are reasonable indicators of the strength and resiliency of a given market. However, investment returns are not predicated on market strength alone, but rather the value-add financial performance achieved through improving a hotel's position and subsequent performance within a market. In short, every good deal has an investment story which must be uncovered to determine future upside. READ MORE

Do you know your reputation on the street as a Hospitality Employer or Leader? If you don't, or you have the wrong perception of what it is, it could be costing you a bundle. Frank Speranza, owner of Hospitality Talent Scouts, Inc., discusses why knowing this is so important, not only to organizations but to individual leaders, regarding their ability to attract and retain the brightest and the best hospitality professionals, so they can compete in today's fiercely competitive environment . The reputation of Hospitality Employers and Individual Leaders matters a great deal, and if you're not concerned, you will be after reading this article. READ MORE

The key to effective hotel management lies in the sum of all parts-operational best practices, training, education, strategic sales strategies-working together to build a results-drive culture. Creating such a culture in your hotel, however, has to start at the top with the leadership team. The best-managed properties have set specific and measurable goals, and stress the importance of building a staff focused on teamwork, accountability and motivation. This article will provide hotel owners and operators with the basic building blocks and strategies needed to create and maintain a culture made up of a talented team focused on results. READ MORE

From the moment your guests register at the front desk to the housekeeping team knocking at a guest's door, your employees are the face of your hotel. That's why so much training goes into how employees interact with customers when they check them in, clean their rooms and cook or serve their food. But it's difficult for your employees to maintain high service levels when they slip, fall or suffer strains and other injuries-all of which are a fact of life in hotels. That's one important reason to focus on employee safety and wellness. Another is the rising cost of workers' compensation insurance, medical care and claims. In this article, I'll address how hotels can combine loss control, safety and wellness programs with effective claims management to keep a smile on the face of their employees, while also driving down workers' compensation claims and costs. READ MORE