The benefits of developing, building and opening a new hotel from the ground up in an urban, downtown metropolitan area are many. Closeness to attractions, whether they are major retail centers or sporting venues, and proximity to hubs of business and tourism are just a few examples of the benefits. However, metropolitan markets present significant barriers to entry for ground up development and construction of a new hotel. These barriers can prohibit and delay a project, which in turn can present significant added cost and unbudgeted expense for new hotel development projects. READ MORE

Since 1986, employers have been required to verify the employment eligibility of all employees in accordance with the federal Employment Eligibility Verification program. Employers must document their determinations that acceptable identity and employment authorization documents presented by employees reasonably appear to be genuine, relate to the employee and establish employment eligibility. On-going comprehensive immigration reform debate and the current economic downturn have put the magnet for illegal immigration, unlawful employment, in the enforcement spotlight. This article discusses aspects of the government's current worksite enforcement strategy and the consequential need for employers to implement an effective compliance program. READ MORE

Like housing prices, there seemed no end in sight for maximized hotel rates, spurred by ever-increasing demand. But the economy moves in cycles. Every peak overlooks a valley. And so it is in the hospitality industry. However, many managers never have encountered low demand or zero growth. What can they do maintain revenue? There are a number of strategies that properties can use to maximize revenue during the downturn. Robert A. Gilbert, president and CEO of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), outlines advice for revenue managers. READ MORE

If demand in the U.S. will be down 5.5% this year, then why will average daily rates be down nearly 10%? Have our results become a byproduct of our own forecasting doom and gloom? Rates are down in most markets because of the panic of a few hotels, which started a downward spiral of discounting that wasn't even necessary to accommodate the existing demand. Other hotels in these markets have followed suit and consumers benefit from the industry panic. Come on, hotel industry, take control! Are we to quick to blame the economy for all of our problems? Whether you are an owner, operator, or sales and marketing professional, tapping into the P.O.W.E.R.R. of sales and marketing will help you recover much faster from the current recession than your competitors -certainly long before the hotels that may have started the rate war in your market in the first place. READ MORE

Business travel continues to be scrutinized, especially as companies look to cut costs in this current economy and as corporations shy away from incentive travel as public focus lingers on the so-called "AIG effect." The 2009 decline in U.S. business travel will be about 10.3 percent compared to 2008, according to the National Business Travel Association (NBTA), a group that represents 15,000 business travel professionals. Spending on business travel in the U.S. is expected to dip to $234 billion in 2009. READ MORE