As the hospitality industry continues to emerge from the economic recession, there is little doubt that this year will bring both opportunities and unexpected challenges. Last year, we witnessed the opening of a number of new hotels and resorts worldwide, including a dozen new hotels in New York City alone. Many new management deals were also announced in 2010. On the other hand, the recent recession has left us with a considerable number of disputes between owners and operators. Those controversies serve as a reminder that, in good times and especially in bad, owners and operators need to understand their respective rights and responsibilities in the hotel management agreements they enter into. Because it is better to identify potential problems before they occur, this article briefly explores how owners and hotel operators may address legal and economic issues in hotel management agreements for major development deals. READ MORE

There are two ways to increase profits - raising revenue or lowering costs. Hospitality employers often miss opportunities to lower costs by missing valuable tax savings attributable to hiring incentives. The federal government provides businesses with tax credits for hiring members of disadvantaged groups. This often represents a larger share of a hotel's staff than one would imagine. A member of a targeted group can be as simple as someone who lives in a designated area to one of the 40 million plus recipients of food stamps. Overall, a hospitality employer can expect between 15% and 25% of new hires to qualify for tax credits. Here is a rundown of the major programs to look at for 2011... READ MORE

For years it was assumed that hotel guests wanted staff interaction at the front desk. Today's reality is clearly different. Findings from a recent Harvard Business Review survey on Self-Service (conducted in cooperation with the Corporate Executive Board, a leading research and advisory services company) concludes that businesses need to "stop trying to delight [their] customers." Rather than creating more nuisances (disguised as guest services) that require guests to stop by the front desk, the study shows that "customers want [to take] control over how and when they interact with companies." Anything less, analysts say, can result in "major competitive disadvantages, irreversible brand damage, and a loss of key revenue opportunities." READ MORE

Hotel marketing has gone mobile.  Mobile marketing offers a cost-effective way for hotels to reach customers, whenever and wherever they are, driving business and bookings. Has your property harnessed the incredible marketing opportunity that mobile has to offer?  If not, then this article is a must-read as it describes four ways that hotels can 'go mobile' today. READ MORE

Chinese Investment in the hospitality sector is increasing as capital needs and investment opportunities in the United States drive the "yearn for yuan." Investment has been through both government-sponsored funds such as Chinese Investment Corp. (CIC), China's $300 billion sovereign investment wealth fund, as well as private funds and companies. Learn from the lawyer who represents and structured the investments for Shenzhen New World Group, Ltd., one of the largest Chinese investors in the Lodging Industry. Get an inside view as to how these deals are being structured, what Chinese companies are looking for in making an investment, cultural differences to consider in doing business with the Chinese and the forecast for Chinese investment in the lodging industry for 2011. READ MORE