Hotel guests are not just accessing the internet via laptop computers; they are increasingly accessing the internet via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, which have no wired connection ports and so the need for Wi-Fi in hotels is increasing. While globally, smartphone penetration among business travelers (69 percent) has outpaced the consumer market there is still a strong push from the consumer market for these devices too. The reality is that today's traveler, whether business or pleasure now carries a device stack consisting of a smartphone, a tablet and a laptop. Hotels will continued to be challenged by the travelling public to support a seamless user experience across all these form factors. READ MORE

We are well in the midst of a mobile revolution. Mobile devices are not simply an additional guest touch point, but a new platform for customer interaction. This distinction is significant as a platform implies new applications and capabilities that were not possible on prior devices. Nielsen Research predicts that smartphones will overtake feature phones in the U.S. by Q3 of this year! In addition, over the next six months the market with be flooded with close to 100 different tablets. Forrester Research predicts that tablet sales in the U.S. will reach 44 million units per year, compared to 10.3 million in 2010. By 2015, 82 million people will be using the devices. The hospitality industry is particularly well positioned to use mobile technology to enhance the guest experience, promote onsite and local services and improve operational efficiency. READ MORE

As technology advances, more and more businesses are taking advantage of the large number of consumers who are using their mobile devices to surf the Web. Like all businesses, hotels can greatly benefit from mobile marketing of all forms - from SMS messaging to social media marketing and apps. Creating a strategic mobile marketing campaign is the first key step for hoteliers in tackling this new frontier. Is your hotel in-tune with the world of mobile marketing? Have you organized a strategic plan? If not, what are you waiting for? READ MORE

Booking Engine, In-House Communication to Guest, In-House Communication Guest to Hotel Staff, Access to CRS, Access to CRS Reports. The mobile device has changed how the world communicates. The freedom it has given and the always-connected attitude has been readily consumed, some would say to our detriment. However, with creative know-how and a conscious effort to respect one's privacy the device can be a valuable tool for the hotel and travel industry. READ MORE

Several trends are emerging as the economy improves and the hospitality sector begins to show signs of recovery in 2011. Increases in occupancy levels will help drive the need for additional staff, but it may take several months before hiring within the industry rebounds from the recent historically low levels. Hospitality employers express concerns ranging from keeping top talent to operating with less staff and few dollars to reward employees. Hospitality workers are feeling more optimistic and are open to new opportunities. See what else may unfold in this article... READ MORE