Pent-up demand for travel is palpable. Rising U.S. vaccinations, coupled with strong pandemic stimulus, personal savings and recovering employment, are set to propel travel in the second half of 2021. Real estate senior analysts at RSM, Laura Dietzel and Ryan McAndrew, provide an in-depth look at the challenges and opportunities hotel owners and operators will face in the coming months. READ MORE

Now that vaccine roll-out is picking up steam and businesses begin to get back on their feet, hope lingers on the horizon. The industry is in for a period of transformative change in the months ahead-in a good way. With a goal-oriented, measurable and tactical plans in place, only hoteliers properly prepared for the looming recovery will declare victory as the race to recovery switches into high gear. Are you ready? READ MORE

Empathy is an important component of hospitality that has taken on new importance in light of the pandemic and other recent events. The public is calling upon business leaders to address long-standing social inequities with empathetic, transparent and action-oriented communications. The conversation should start with hotel employees who by extension can convey our values to guests. With the right training and support, the hospitality industry also can be agents for the greater good. READ MORE

With the COVID-19 vaccination programs in place all around the world, the tourism and hospitality sectors must foresee the new demands from the customers and stakeholders. This article by Macquarie University Lecturer Shahin Sharifi offers a broad view of the target market and the key change, driven by the pandemic, in the product offering. READ MORE

Lodging sales and marketing will need to focus on service and value. Service is the tool that can differentiate one product or service from another. Service, sales, and marketing in these times must include digital options, i.e. websites, apps, virtual tours etc. An obvious demonstration of new media and technology and an integrated marketing and communications plan will be useful both in the long term, strategically and to meet tactical objectives. READ MORE