IDeaS Releases 2024 Hotel Technology Predictions
IDeaS | November 15, 2023
Instagram: The Rising Phoenix of Social Media Marketing?
Lodging Interactive | July 11, 2023
Smart Strategies
The Road Ahead: How Hoteliers Can Adapt and Thrive in Uncertain Times
Steve Lapekas | November 7, 2023
By Steve Lapekas More often than not, owning a business feels like riding a rollercoaster – the highs are high, and the lows are low. One second, you’re at the peak of a climb, enamored with the view, and the next, you’re plummeting back down the other side, white-knuckling the restraints and questioning your decision to ever get on the ride in the first place. The ebbs and flows and the inevitable triumphs and challenges are simply your price of admission. Right now, we find ourselves in a period of relative uncertainty – with increased tensions in various locations around the world, the rising cost of debt – and, subsequen...
Managing Legal and Regulatory Challenges to Franchise Relationships: Franchisor Counsel Must Play a Key Role
The Author | November 2, 2023
By Thomas W. France The franchise business model currently faces intense scrutiny and challenges from a variety of sources that could significantly impact the operations of franchise systems and the value of franchised brands. Congress, for instance, is considering legislation to establish a “joint employer” standard that would expand the liability of franchisors for certain actions taken by their franchisees and that would make it easier to unionize franchisee employees.1 The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is gathering information about franchise agreements and franchisor business practices in connection with a regulatory proce...
Onyx CenterSource Announces GroupPay Product Integration and Partnership With Cvent, To Launch in Late 2023
Onyx CenterSource | November 2, 2023
DALLAS (Nov. 2, 2023) — Onyx CenterSource, a leading global provider of B2B payments and business intelligence to the hospitality industry, has announced a new integration between its GroupPay payment platform and Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider. In addition, Onyx announced a Cvent partnership, which will create added value for mutual customers by delivering automation, visibility and standardization of meeting and event commission management through GroupPay. "This integration with GroupPay will provide Cvent customers with a seamless, single pathway, from a request for proposal to receivi...
ADA Update: New Website Accessibility Law Impacting Most Businesses
Jim Butler | October 31, 2023
By Jim Butler and the Global Hospitality Group® Hotel Lawyers | Authors of HotelLawBlog.com Many hotel owners already know they need to pay attention to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, both to provide a positive experience for guests and to avoid costly litigation. A proposed new California law, however, should bring their focus to website accessibility; if adopted, business owners, as well as their web developers, would be vulnerable to substantial statutory damages and attorney’s fee if sued by a plaintiff who succeeds in court. JMBM’s ADA Compliance and Defense Team outlines the potential impact of this law...
Boosting Employee Engagement: 3 Key Benefits of Prioritizing Mental Health in the Hospitality Industry
Strategic Solution Partners | October 30, 2023
It’s no secret that the hospitality industry has had one of the highest employee turnover rates — since well before the pandemic. High turnover rates in any industry are a big cost to the company, and in a high-pressure sector like hospitality, the associated costs can be huge. Not only tangible costs, such as the expenses of recruiting and training new employees, but also the substantial cost of lost productivity among staff. In fact, reduced productivity costs the global economy around 1 trillion dollars each year. Luckily, recent research shows that concentrating on the mental health of your talent can not only increase staff pro...
Exploring Buy Now, Pay Later to Enhance Guest Loyalty and Boost Hotel Direct Bookings
Cendyn | October 27, 2023
The hospitality industry has consistently led the way in adapting to the ever-changing needs of travelers and guests. One notable innovation that has recently gained substantial momentum is the “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) payment option. This innovative payment solution is revolutionizing the way travelers make reservations, dine at restaurants, and access a wide range of services within the hospitality sector. What is Buy Now, Pay Later! Buy Now, Pay Later is a modern, consumer-friendly payment model that has gained significant popularity in recent years. It offers consumers the flexibility to shop for their desired product...
Breaking the Glass Ceiling – Women in the Hospitality Industry
Mandeep S. Lamba | October 23, 2023
By Mandeep Lamba, Dipti Mohan, Dhwani Gupta Efforts to promote gender equality have become a global priority, with organizations like the United Nations embedding this goal within their Sustainable Development Goals. Notably, an increasing number of women are pursuing higher education in countries like the US, the UK, and India, and are entering the workforce as the corporate sector is offering a more flexible work environment. As a result, women have made significant strides in multiple sectors, including the dynamic world of hospitality. Recent research conducted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals that women ...
Out of Autopilot and Into Our Best Life: Booking.com Shares Its Seven Predictions for Travel in 2024
| October 19, 2023
The leading digital travel platform’s most extensive travel predictions research to date foresees travel as the primal pulse of life in the year ahead AMSTERDAM, 19 OCTOBER 2023 – As 2023 enters its final months and 2024 optimistically appears on the horizon, numbness and detachment loom as a result of the perma-crisis, including increased cost-of-living and climate change concerns. People around the world have emotionally checked out of the news agenda and events at home in order to take a much-needed breather. Where in years past travel has been a means to escape life, Booking.com is releasing research that shows that travel is ...
Tourism Tidbits: Dealing With Legal Issues
Dr. Peter Tarlow | October 16, 2023
By Dr. Peter Tarlow The Tourism/Visitor industry is one of the world's great industries. Large industries also mean that great deals of money can be involved. The tourism industry spends a great deal of money on promotions and marketing campaigns. Because many people assume that large tourism businesses also have deep pockets, in litigious societies such as the United States, there are also multiple lawsuits and/or other legal problems. Often local convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) or tourism offices are unaware of their own nation's laws and obligations. This ignorance of the law can be very costly. It is for this reas...
High Turnover in the Hospitality Industry: A Result of Neglected Training
Anne-Céline Depierraz | October 11, 2023
By Anne-Céline Depierraz In the hospitality industry, providing excellent service is crucial to success. However, achieving this goal is not easy, as the industry is complex and requires a high level of dedication and skill. One of the most significant challenges faced by hospitality businesses is high staff turnover rates. The average 2021 turnover rate in the USA in the leisure and hospitality industry was 84.9% compared to the overall rate of 47.2% nationally. This trend has been a longstanding challenge for hospitality businesses, but what is causing it? One important answer to consider is: neglected training. When employees are...
Experiential Hotels – Pioneering a New Era in the Indian Travel Industry
Mandeep S. Lamba | October 9, 2023
By Mandeep Lamba, Dipti Mohan, Dhwani Gupta The Indian travel industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, shaped by shifting traveler preferences towards unique, experiential, and immersive journeys. Gone are the days of simply seeking out the most luxurious resorts, today's travelers are in pursuit of something more enriching – a treasure trove of experiences that range from heart-pounding adventure sports and active tourism to immersing oneself authentically in the local culture – all of which satisfy the desire for continuous personal growth and learning. This change has given rise to the concept of experiential hotels, whic...
Innovation Meets Experience: From Generative AI to Virtual Reality
MMGY Global | October 9, 2023
New MMGY Global Study Examines the Changing Role of Technology in Travel A new study released today by MMGY Travel Intelligence examines technology’s growing impact on travel from two distinct perspectives: the traveler and the marketer. The comparative study, titled Emerging Technologies in Travel & Tourism™, explores innovations such as artificial intelligence, virtual assistants and augmented reality through the lens of the travel industry. “What’s fascinating to me is what we learned about the concerns travelers have about emerging technologies and how they will impact their travel experiences in the coming years,” said...
How Can Hotels Be Ready for Newly Emerging Traveler Types?
Manoj K Mohanty | October 5, 2023
By Manoj Mohanty We are almost near the end of another year, and tourism is showing promising levels of growth. International tourism is well on its way to returning to pre-pandemic levels, with twice as many people travelling during the first quarter of 2023 than in the same period of 2022. Over the last few years, more people have engaged in revenge travel and socialising, trying to compensate for the lockdown period. But these tourists of the new post-pandemic economy are showing new traveller behaviours and consumer habits. What is really important for hospitality service providers is identifying the travel personality of each ...
How Travelers Find Destinations for Their Trips
Expedia Group Media Solutions | September 28, 2023
In today’s digital-first era, there’s a myriad of influential resources that inspire travelers to seek out certain destinations. From viral content on social media and posts from friends and family to destination sites and travel blogs, where people decide to travel can be a click away. Given that travelers are inundated with these outside influences and factors, how do people decide where to go? Insights from Expedia Group and Luth Research’s study, The Path to Purchase: Uncovering How Travelers Plan and Book, explores the complex online path behind the travel customer journey and provides actionable insights to help destination m...
Analyzing MGM and Caesars Cyberattacks: Lessons in Cybersecurity Preparedness
Mark Munger | September 26, 2023
By Mark Munger In the wake of recent cyberattacks targeting industry giants MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, it’s imperative to examine both the commonalities and disparities in these incidents. These high-profile breaches offer valuable insights into the ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity threats within the gaming industry. Furthermore, they underscore the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures and preparedness. General Considerations Before delving into the specifics of these cyberattacks, it’s essential to emphasize the significance of proactive cybersecurity measures. Post-breach recovery efforts are undoubted...
Deloitte: Travel Leaders Embrace Automation and Tech As Workforce Challenges Continue To Weigh on Industry
Deloitte | September 22, 2023
Amid ongoing labor concerns, airline and hospitality leaders leverage digital and technology solutions to enhance traveler experience NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2023 -- Key takeaways Travel providers are leveraging next-gen technology to alleviate workforce constraints: Nearly all airports and half of hotels surveyed are adopting new technology to bridge the labor gap. Despite increased reliance on automation, only one-third of those surveyed expect it to reduce the size of their staff in the next five years, and most expect technology to improve the work experience and create new opportunities for frontline workers. Technolo...
Building a Comprehensive Fraud Awareness Program: Five Essential Elements
Kevin Doyle | September 14, 2023
By Kevin Doyle In today’s rapidly evolving and positive COVID business landscape, the specter of fraud, corporate malfeasance, and unethical behavior looms large. In response to the pandemic, many organizations reduced head count resulting in potential control deficiencies. The impact of these issues extends beyond financial loss, encompassing reputational damage, loss of employee morale, and erosion of trust. To combat these challenges, organizations must establish robust fraud awareness programs that encompass collaboration, communication, training, tone at the top, and effective investigative protocols. This article explores ho...
Gender Data Gap: Understanding the Bias in Our Data
Ana McFee | September 14, 2023
By Ana McFee In today's interconnected world, data is hailed as the backbone of progress and innovation. It shapes decisions, policies, and designs across various fields. However, what if the data we rely on is inherently biased, favoring one gender over another? This is the crux of the issue explored in the groundbreaking book,"Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men" by Caroline Criado Perez. The book sheds light on the pervasive gender data gap that underpins many aspects of our society, from healthcare and technology to transportation and urban planning. In this article, we will delve into the concept of data...
Ready for the Future? Five Leadership Trends Reshaping Hospitality
EHL | September 13, 2023
New technologies, employee well-being, CSR, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives are all strong trends influencing the management of global hospitality businesses today. Adapting to the evolving landscape of the global hospitality industry To lead people and organizations successfully in the coming years, leaders need to have a clear understanding of these trends and how to implement them while considering the specific needs of their organizations and the context of their market. In this article, we’ll discuss the top five trends influencing global hospitality businesses, and their leadership, today. And we’ll offer some s...
The Oak and the Willow: The Urgency of Tech Architecture Overhaul in Hotels
Aaron Shepherd | September 13, 2023
By Aaron Shepherd There is an old parable about the oak and the willow. When a storm approaches, everyone assumes that the mighty oak will be the last one standing, yet its rigidity causes it to shatter under the storm's force. Meanwhile, the willow bends with the wind, leveraging its flexibility to survive the storm unharmed. In the travel and hospitality industry, being the willow means adaptability, speed, and efficiency. It’s clear hoteliers today face a stark new reality: technology is more vital to all aspects of hospitality and travel than ever before. Why? For one thing, it’s a competition game changer. The next decade will be ...
The Search for Hotel Housekeepers: How To Create a Competitive Advantage Amid a Shortage
John E. Dorer | September 12, 2023
By John E. Dorer More than three years after COVID-19 erupted around the globe, fortunately the disease is receding. But the problems the pandemic caused persist. More than half of Americans in a Gallup Poll in June said their lives are not yet back to “normal.” You can count many hotel operators among them. Despite the gradual recovery from the havoc wreaked by the pandemic, the hospitality industry overall continues to struggle with a diminished workforce. Although a pickup from recent months was reflected in Labor Department data released this month — leisure and hospitality added 40,000 jobs — the industry remains 290,...
Tourism Tidbits: How Effective Is Your Marketing?
Dr. Peter Tarlow | September 11, 2023
By Dr. Peter Tarlow September marks the end of the high summer tourism season in most of the Northern Hemisphere. This was also the year that many companies got involved in politics and found themselves with negative marketing results. The end of summer is also a good time to review your marketing efforts and ask yourself questions such as: How successful were your marketing efforts? What should you have done differently? What successes or challenges did you face that you were able to control and what was beyond your control? How did you handle problems that were beyond your control? Often tourism and travel profes...
Google Hotel Reviews: Everything You Need to Know
Eva Lacalle | September 11, 2023
By Eva Lacalle In today's digital age, online reviews have become an integral part of the decision-making process for travelers. As a hotelier, it’s crucial to understand the impact of guest feedback on your business. This is where Google hotel reviews come into play. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Google hotel reviews and provide valuable insights on leveraging them to enhance your hotel's reputation and attract more guests. Why Google hotel reviews matter Travelers rely on Google in their research, planning and booking process. Reviews are one of the first things potential guests see when they sear...
Luxury Hospitality: Trends, Challenges, and Best Practices
EHL Insights | September 8, 2023
By Dr. Sowon Kim, Dr. Florent Girardin, Dr. Matthias Fuchs Luxury is the new black. Post the pandemic, the global luxury industry recorded sales of €1.15 trillion in 2021, and continued its growth in 2022 by 19%-21% (Bain & Company, 2023). Luxury hospitality, luxury cars, and personal luxury goods represent over 80% of the total market. In this article, we zoom into the world of luxury hospitality to examine the trends that shape this industry, the challenges that are associated with the trends, and the best practices that illustrate how firms are managing such challenges. The trend of personalized meaningful experiences The luxu...
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