What are the major drivers of change confronting the hotel industry? To delve deeper into these issues and more, I recently spoke with Frederic Deschamps, vice president of global revenue optimization at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, about the issues that currently keep him up at night. His concerns are not much different from executives in other industries; like many others, he stays awake thinking about pricing and the impact of social media, mobile technology and big data. READ MORE

With the exception of a few urban markets here within the United States, the wreckage of the real estate recession certainly encompassed the development of new hotels and destination resort properties. Contrast this, however, with the current development climate south of our borders. Although it is true that we hear perhaps more about the superheated hotel market in Brazil in advance of the Olympic games to be held there in 2016, our immediate neighbor to the South, Mexico, is experiencing an expansion in tourism that may usher in a new period of growth, and this, notwithstanding the continuing negative reporting about Mexico's drug conflicts as reported through our media. Talk to a Mexican businessman, however, and you'll hear that the hospitality business is alive and well in Mexico. READ MORE

A hotel acts as catalyst in bringing people from all walks of life, demographically, geographically, and otherwise, together to share in a singular experience. Yet, a hotel's highest goal is to give guests a feeling of home. This gives rise to an interesting proposition; home means something different for each of us. Therefore, each person will have a completely subjective experience. Now, we can take that one step further. When it comes to operating a successful food and beverage department within a hotel, your goal is not only to accommodate hotel guests, but the local community as well, unless you are resigned to only catering to your room guests. Pleasing the bedroom community presents an even more compelling conundrum. READ MORE

As the world of mobile applications continues to grow, it's important for hoteliers to remember that this channel can be utilized not only for your hotel but also for the amenities at your location. Drive downloads of your mobile app by providing your guests with conveniences and tools that will enhance their stay. A hotel mobile app that features spa information certainly enhances the guest experience, but also has potential to drive revenue through push notifications and mobile reservations. READ MORE

Today, travelers have more access to hotel information than ever before. Research shows that guests are visiting numerous sites and doing multiple searches before they decide to book a room. Savvy hoteliers are quickly realizing the importance of a great online reputation and recognizing the things they can do to shine online. In this article, we will look at some best practices for hotels looking to win customers doing pre-travel research. READ MORE