In 2012, the travel industry saw more business move online (and to mobile) than ever before. In 2013, these online and mobile bookings will collide with another major industry force: a rebounding economy. As expendable income trickles back into the pockets of consumers, it is absolutely critical that travel companies prepare their online offerings for the influx of dollars that will be headed their way. If they don't, their competition surely will. These five best practice trends can serve as your roadmap to success in 2013. READ MORE

Managing employee attendance has become an increasingly complicated and risky task for employers. Long gone are the days when an employer confidentially could administer a “no fault” attendance and maximum leave policies with little, if any risk. The Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) imposed the first restriction on such policies but employers soon learned not to count FMLA=qualifying leave as absences. READ MORE

We welcome the Social Media to express what it is like to stay at our hotels. We need to have the media strengthen, extend encouragement, to provide comfort, to build occupancy. We need to learn from each other. Some of you may be seeking answers to questions and challenges you are experiencing in your social media relationships. Some are struggling with disappointments or losses. Each can be enlightened and uplifted and comforted as the media unfolds and shows its value. READ MORE

What if you could promote the one experience that helps travelers shed their recent hurried travel and life experiences so they can relax and positively enjoy all your property has to offer? Simply put; a spa brand that is remarkable and relevant to the hotel/resort's market and clearly executed in operations will attract the hotel's guests, add to their pleasure and build repeat and expanded business for the property. Your spa's brand is the conversation you have with your guests that sparks their interest and sets expectations. It answers these questions: Will your guests trust the spa's promise? Does your spa have what they need? Do they want to do business with your spa? READ MORE

Color is one of those elements in our lives about which we think little - unless we are trying to buy a sweater to match a particular pair of slacks, choose a paint tint from the thousands of chips available at our favorite home improvement store, or working with a designer and architect on a renovation. Color is usually just “there” - in our background. But color is more than just “there” when it comes to hotels and how it can prompt guest behavior. In this article, you learn what artists, designers, and retailers have long known -- the importance of color psychology to marketing. They know that color can dramatically affect moods, feelings, emotions and the perception of time. They know it is a powerful tool to communicate and persuade and that it can even affect brand image. Now, you'll know it too. READ MORE