There are many ways that hotels can incorporate green practices into their daily routines. Ways that can impact local communities and enhance their surroundings. These practices can be implemented without compromising luxury, and in fact they will enhance the experience. The ingredients lie in going back to basics and respecting our neighbors. Hotels can take steps in the green direction by implementing hydro-plants for safe energy, staffing from the local towns, planting gardens to source for the restaurant and spa, and educating guests in social responsibility. These and many other solutions are what pave the way to a new generation of travelers. READ MORE

Training the hospitality professional in guest service seems to be somewhat of a common sense concept that we all should apply in our hospitality establishments. We also do our best to find the best candidates that have the appropriate personalities and attitudes. Yet, training alone perhaps may not be sufficient. Additionally, it seems that there is a lack of truly demonstrating this skill (service) thoroughly. It seems that we need a bit more to execute the service element. Perhaps we need to reinforce it in meetings or on a one on one scale perhaps. Still, it seems that some of our employees do not get the overall concepts that are needed to own each moment of truth. That said why not put them through an education process, in addition to the training that you also may have for them? READ MORE

While the prospect of Facebook-generated reservations creates an enticing reason to jump in to the social universe, direct revenue generation should not be the main focus of your hotel's Facebook presence. Booking through social media is still a new concept, and most users are still uncomfortable providing payment details through social media platforms (have you?). Though minimal reservations are made through Facebook, we do see traffic being driven from social media to a hotel's website. READ MORE

There are several steps that can be taken to ensure smarter decisions when it comes to repositioning your hotel in the marketplace. Industry vet Steve Belmonte shares these steps that he believes will help your hotel to thrive in this economy whether you choose to renovate, reposition or reflag. READ MORE

Obstacles can be determined by a place, a person or an activity, though the learning from each creates momentum for the future. How often do you face an obstacle in your daily lives, ten or fifty times a day? I am sure that each person has a different meaning for an obstacle, what is yours? The momentum that can be created in both a negative and positive sense is completely driven through an emotional view by the individual facing the challenge. Visualize with me as I embark on my learning's of becoming a high hurdler and finding the meaning of half full. READ MORE