Everyone in this environment is looking for ways to maximize revenue and boost sales. And with the growth of internet bookings, hoteliers must ensure that their channel management strategy includes the online channel. But often, hoteliers lose focus and turn their property's website into the equivalent of an online brochure rather than using it as the important sales tool that it is. So what's the solution? By optimizing the booking engine, hoteliers can maximize bookings and revenues through this important portal. By avoiding these five common booking engine mistakes, you can turn your property's site into a money making machine. READ MORE

You are invited to examine spa treatment trends that have legs and are not just passing fads. Rising trends that have longevity and are selected for their synergy with the ambiance and philosophy of your property offer a distinctive match that strengths the appeal of your property and market. By comparing spas and trends to F&B, hopefully a comfort level is achieved and results in guiding your spa to higher success. This article will list the trend cues that spas can adopt from the food industry including close similarities. Take note that we will go beyond treatment cues to management and demonstrate how the Spa Industry is losing net profit along with loyal guests due to a significant point of departure from one very important cue. READ MORE

Smartphone use is growing by leaps and bounds, presenting opportunities as well as challenges for the hotel industry. Many are embracing these new technologies and finding ways to monetize them, as well as leverage them to encourage repeat business. Thanks to increased focus on creating an exceptional user experience, mobile device use has grown significantly in 2011, and 2012 promises to continue this trend: more than 90 percent of mobile phones going out on the market today have mobile web capabilities. Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets were the highest-selling consumer electronic device category in 2011. READ MORE

The hotel industry has become a target of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) enforcement actions and lawsuits. Whether action is prompted by a single guest complaint at a particular hotel or a sweeping DOJ investigation covering hotels in a designated geographical area, one thing is clear - no hotel is immune. Boutique, luxury and limited service hotels are all within the scope as the DOJ widens its target range. READ MORE

In such a short amount of time, mobile technology has changed the way that the world does just about everything. There's no doubt about it; smart mobile devices are dictating how we live our lives. With these mobile devices in our hands, and media and information up in The Cloud, there are limitless possibilities for access. This is a game-changing development for the hospitality industry. It is opening a variety of delivery mechanisms for personal guest services that are affordable, efficient and easy to use. Not only is it now easier to travel the world, it is also easier for hotels to operate and could change how guests interact with a hotel. READ MORE