The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that hotels in this country will need approximately 300,000 new workers by the year 2014. It is a fact that the U.S. is the 2nd most visited country in the world. Tourism is a very important part of the U.S. economy. But it is clear that there is a need for immigrant workers to fill these roles. This is largely because domestic workers typically shirk hospitality careers, some citing the jobs as too basic given their educational achievements. Hospitality continues to be an unpopular career choice for many U.S. Citizens. READ MORE

Recessionary economies historically lead to the demise of small businesses faced with competing against industry giants. Hospitality isn't immune. The recent downturn has affected everyone, but independent hotels are faced with potentially making already lean budgets even leaner. As major brands trim a portion of a budget to adapt, the independent is often faced with eliminating key business building operations altogether. In the down market, when demand reaches historically low levels, how does the independent hotel cope? The answer is to refocus and invest - in revenue management, distribution, rate structures and strategies, travel agent programs, marketing programs, online strategies, corporate travel programs.securing and building core business to ensure they obtain their fair share of the market. READ MORE

Historical pricing, excessive reliance on comp set analysis, 'push' marketing tactics and a reluctance to embrace new media, are all part of the outdated business model still being clung to by many hoteliers across the globe. If anything positive has come out of the current economy, it has been to show the lodging industry how ineffective these strategies are compared to more forward-thinking, efficient models being used by leading properties worldwide. These initiatives are available and ready for your hotel to implement - all that's needed is a willingness to look beyond the tried and easy methods and to embrace the newest tools available. READ MORE

Pretty soon they'll be everywhere you look. From subway stations, to public buildings, to restaurants, and no, we're not talking about soon-to-be-spring breakers populating those locales. We're talking about the “always-on” technology that people of all demographics and backgrounds use to interact with their surroundings. We're talking about the growing technological partnership between ever-smarter mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) and the expanding power and reach of the interactive digital sign. The question is where does this mobile march go next? For out-of-the-box hotel executives and revenue managers, mobile is marching right into their hotel lobbies, bringing with them an exciting new source of revenue, guest engagement, and loyalty. READ MORE

There are diverse issues in human resources and this discussion will address just a few. As we move forward we see new issues in our industry for the sustainability of businesses and its employees. Sustainability, while typically aligned with the environment and or green issues also should focus on people and the employment of local populations to help sustain a community by making a profit. As an industry we need to identify our pools of talent that will be tapped for qualified leadership, management and line workers in an industry that still requires people to provide quality products and services. READ MORE