The population may not be getting smaller, but your ability to communicate worldwide can almost make it seem that way. Ninety-three percent of Americans expect companies to have an online presence, and a Web site alone isn't enough anymore. Guests go online to research everything from the cheapest price for hotels to reviews from past guests before making a reservation. And the bottom line is that your hotel cannot afford to ignore this growing trend, as over your head as it may seem (it's not). The point of emerging media is to build relationships with current and potential guests. In the offline world, brands spend millions of dollars and create loyalty for years. In the online world, consumers change loyalty almost instantaneously. You no longer need to spend millions to engage. READ MORE

Spa treatments are at the heart of your spa. Do you know which treatments really sell? Have you integrated flexible, classic standard treatments into your spa's menu that will please guests, generate revenue and achieve measurable results? Take a look at our top 5 treatments and re-think your spa's menu. READ MORE

As the third largest hospitality management company in the United States, Destination Hotels & Resorts maintains a culture of empowerment and operates in a manner that showcases the unique character of each of our properties while offering exceptional experiences and value for our guests. With such a variety of hotels, resorts, conference centers, condominiums, and golf courses within our collection, we find that our focus on the individuality and uniqueness of our properties is vital to the success of our company. This approach is also what our sustainability program, Destination Earth, is built upon. READ MORE

Until now it has been common for hotels to have no formal energy policy, and no genuinely systematic method for managing energy use or documenting a commitment to reduce energy consumption. That situation is about to change. At least if the breathtaking success of the environmental management system standard ISO 14001 is anything to go by - from 0 to 250,000 entities with a fully certified internationally traceable management system in place in only ten years. Now imagine a quarter million businesses around the world managing their energy use to a similarly formal level. Is there any chance the hotel industry will not be included? READ MORE

With the recent ADA Compliance extension granted by the Department of Justice, the deadline for installation of water feature lifts have been has been pushed out until January 31, 2013. During this compliance extension, the department of Justice has announced that it will not enforce the fixed elements provision in the 2010 standards against those owners who purchased otherwise compliant portable lifts prior to March 15, 2012, as long as those owners keep the lifts in place for use and operational during all times that the water feature is open to guest. While this short reprieve has created a collective sigh of relief in the hospitality industry, it should not give license to complacency. It is almost certain that there will be very little leniency for those not compliant by this new deadline. READ MORE