As competition in the hospitality industry intensifies, success becomes increasingly difficult to achieve. Therefore, it's more important than ever that FF&E selections be made intelligently and for specific business reasons. Color is one of those vital design decisions. Our world is visual, so color dramatically affects emotions and attitudes - attitudes which in turn affect guest satisfaction, brand loyalty, and return visits. While the fashion world sees a color palette change approximately every two years, the interior design color palette has a slower cycle, changing every three to five years. My article examines this "vocabulary of color" and how you can use it to most effectively speak with your guests. Enjoy these ideas and the benefits they can bring to your property. READ MORE

Raising awareness of and gaining additional exposure for your property is one thing. Being able to prove the efforts behind such an increase in market visibility and occupancy is a direct result of a public relations campaign is quite another. The difference lies in identifying and tracking the effect of a public relations campaign on your business, and the biggest factor is measurement. Public relations is a powerful tool in the hospitality industry. From establishing or repositioning a brand to drawing attention to a hotel opening or the addition of a new amenity, public relations can be one of the most value and credible communications tools around. Not only can a well-executed public relations program raise awareness, but it also can be a highly influential force with current and potential guests. READ MORE

The current economic climate is undoubtedly influencing the way you do business and like many, you likely are looking for places to cut back. Marketing may seem like the best place to get started, but in tough economic times it is more important than ever to keep the lines of communication open on all fronts. If you stop communicating and differentiating your organization, you risk joining the ranks of hotels viewed as commodities. Once that happens, it is very difficult to remove the label and revive your brand. In this article, I explore ways to position your hotel as a must-visit destination in cost-effective ways. READ MORE

Building a reputable hotel brand goes beyond the everyday service and hotel atmosphere. The real success comes when your brand also grabs the attention of the media. Having a media kit available for inquiries is crucial. Fresh publicity materials ensure relevant information is readily available - on hand and online. READ MORE

While swine flu is a significant health threat, if we are armed with the knowledge about what it is, how it is transmitted, and what is being done to combat the threat nationally and globally, we can be better prepared to deal with this crisis. Additionally, there are concrete steps we can take to ensure our personal safety and health, and the continued vitality of our business operations in the event of an influenza pandemic. Read on for a thorough explanation of the swine flu and how the travel industry can prepare themselves for the worse case scenario. READ MORE