HOTEL EXECUTIVE

From Global Connections to Domestic Realities: Navigating the USA's Evolving Hotel Landscape By Justin Taillon, Full Professor & Department Head, Highline College's Hospitality & Tourism Mgt

This data-driven article identifies a correlation between declining in international arrivals and a cascading domino effect in the lodging industry, which has resulted in a paradigm shift. Rising operation costs, tightened lending, strained franchisor-franchisee relationships, OTAs, and inflation are just some of the problematic cascading effects. Opportunities remain though! Creative and flexible lodging professionals can identify opportunities to build sustainable competitive advantages through emergent trends. READ MORE

Planning for Workforce Stability in 2026 and Beyond
By John Dorer, CEO, eb3.work

As hotels enter 2026, short-term hiring tactics are no longer enough. Labor shortages have become structural, demanding long-term workforce strategies. From investing in retention and lawful immigration to leveraging HR analytics and technology, hotel leaders must treat workforce stability as a strategic priority. The winners won't be those hiring fastest - but those planning smartest. READ MORE

What's Next for Hotel Cybersecurity: Emerging Threats to Watch in 2026
By Pam Lindemoen, Chief Security Officer & VP of Strategy, Retail & Hospitality ISAC

Hotels are rapidly adopting AI, IoT, and smart technologies to enhance guest experiences, but cybersecurity maturity isn't always keeping pace. In 2026, top threats include AI-driven phishing and deepfakes, IoT device exploits, and vendor-related breaches. To stay secure, hotels can embrace zero-trust principles, strengthen vendor oversight, automate threat detection, and prioritize ongoing staff cyber awareness and collaboration. READ MORE

The Customer is Always Right
By Nasir Zahir, Principle, NZ Hospitality

When Harry Gordon Selfridge opened his revolutionary department store in London in 1909, he didn't just bring American-style retail to the heart of Britain, he introduced a philosophy that would shape the customer experience for more than a century. His now-famous mantra, "The customer is always right," was meant to empower consumers and build trust. And for a while, it worked. READ MORE

Hospitality Construction: Trends and Challenges for the Future
By Robert O'Halloran, Professor & Director, Hospitality Management, East Carolina University

Construction is a key factor in the past, present and future of the hospitality industry. Construction can create a develop a collaborative effort that encompasses, supply chain considerations, operational efficiencies, interior design, sustainability and more. This article will review construction and development trends that keep hospitality products current and discuss what managers and decision makers need to know about construction. READ MORE