Travel is expected to slowly but surely continue on its road to recovery through 2012, shifting gears as it encounters inevitable bumps along the way. Independent hotels, mobile adoption, distribution, hotel merchandising and partnerships/integration/alliances played key roles during 2011. So which trends will help shape travel in 2012? There are many, but the following five are especially important.. READ MORE

Many hotels are now being outpaced by other large companies in terms of customizing the experience on a consumer-by-consumer basis. Such businesses use specific data collection techniques to generate a superior customer experience, heightening loyalty to the brand as well as triggering a new standard for expectations. Properties need to treat every interaction with their guests as a way to fine-tune their stays - both present and future - so much so that guests become friends of the hotel. READ MORE

Be prepared to play under new rules. The National Labor Relations Board has issued regulations scheduled to go into effect at the end of April that will provide for shorter timelines between a petition for representation and a union election. The rules also limit the review of many challenges until after the election has taken place. It is expected that these rules will provide a more favorable “playing field” for union organizing. Thus, employers in the hotel and hospitality industries should take note of these new rules and take proactive steps to ensure they are prepared in the event of a union campaign. READ MORE

Cost effectively implementing Brand Mandated Updates is driven by clearly outlining your objectives, understanding the critical elements of the brand's program and selecting the best design and implementation teams you can locate and retain. If you can pull these elements together you will be able to effectively manage the process and get the best return for your investment. READ MORE

It is clear that hotel revenue management is taking on a more strategic role and that the discipline is moving from traditional inventory optimization to price optimization. In the midst of this evolution, one thing remains constant; the person that fills the revenue management role is the key to a successful revenue management program. This role requires an analytically-minded leader, who can successfully work across the organization to drive results. In this article, I'll discuss the skills and experience you should watch for when hiring or developing revenue management capabilities within your organization. READ MORE