“Please come again soon.” Whether written on traditional storefront signage, or in the unspoken mindset of hoteliers, front desk staff and everyone else on down to the bellhop and parking attendant, you can be sure that professionals in the hospitality industry want your repeat business and “please come again soon” is foremost in their thoughts. While mobile technology in the form of smartphones and tablets have in large ways come to define the pre-trip and in-trip experience across a host of industries, from airlines, to entertainment, to retail, post-trip has largely been ignored. Especially in our still-struggling economy, retaining loyal guests is in many ways far more critical than attracting new ones - and mobile devices are fast proving themselves the ultimate post-stay emissary. Read on to learn how mobile devices are helping cultivate the continuing customer experience -long after the bill has been paid and before the next trip is booked. READ MORE

Do online training activities help travel agents to sell more and earn more? Are travel agents worldwide aware that Ministries of Tourism do provide them with online training activities? With the fast growth and development of information and communication technologies (ICT), the world of tourism and hospitality management has been deeply reorganized. This article explores the perception travel agents have of the online training courses created ad-hoc for them by Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) with the aim of providing DMO representatives hints to improve the courses and the travel agents' eLearning experience. READ MORE

I recently returned from Rioja, Spain, where I spent eight days touring Rioja's wine country. There, I was mesmerized by the world-class wine museum, Museo de la Cultura del Vino. The visit highlighted the importance of knowledge that we, as professionals in the food and beverage industry, should continue to garner so that we can impart education to staff members. As managers, training staff is both a responsibility and a top priority. A properly trained staff in areas like wine education not only provides guests with a better experience but will increase your restaurant revenues and your staff members' tips. READ MORE

As the mobile market continues to grow, most restaurants have been slow to adapt to the new opportunities afforded by this evolving technology. With possibilities for increasing revenue, generating new revenue streams, optimizing diner loyalty and more, implementing a mobile strategy has never been more vital. Based on research and my knowledge of the hospitality industry, I've written this article to guide you with informed recommendations to embrace this new medium. I will cover the benefits to both the restaurant and the diner, and explain the various ways in which mobile websites and mobile applications can positively impact a restaurant's business practices and the dining experience they provide. Each mobile platform offers something unique to the industry; the benefits of a mobile website are completely different than the benefits of a mobile application and they will each be addressed. READ MORE

Most talented chefs I know give great thought into what they put on a plate. The decision to service guests potentially hazardous scientific experiments should be part of their consideration and disclosed to our guests. But we regularly prepare, service and consume genetically modified crops that bear significant risks without any discussion or disclosure. We all have a right to chose if we wish to consume these products, and that right has been silently taken. READ MORE