With more than 20 years of experience in accounting, forensic accountant Tiffany Couch, provides information on the most common fraud schemes perpetrated by hotel employees. Although no one sets out to hire dishonest workers, the fact is all businesses lose 5 percent of their annual revenue to fraud. Worse, it takes an average of 16 months before fraud is discovered, by which time the perpetrator(s) have often stolen thousands in cash and product. This article examines fraud in hotels – including specific examples that can happen in every department– and practical suggestions on how to detect, deter and prevent fraudulent activity. READ MORE

Is it still relevant to think of hotel spas as designated spaces within a hotel building? Any hotel owner, developer or manager needs to be reminded that while the term spa refers to a physical space the more compelling well-being refers to a specific value proposition. Guests are looking more for valuable experiences and less for specific spaces. Still, many hospitality projects overdevelop the spa space which then underperforms in terms of financial return. The well-being concept can be applied to any hotel at any location. The application of the well-being concept can provide hotel with added value in the competition for market share. READ MORE

Sharing the joys and challenges of driving hotel profitability during high seasons is revenue management professional and industry thought leader Lily Mockerman. Mockerman, president and CEO of leading revenue management company Total Customized Revenue Management LLC (TCRM), delves into the proven strategies and tactics to increase overall profits when rooms are at or near capacity. By approaching this challenge with a strong understanding of unconstrained demand, hoteliers can identify those times that limiting less profitable channels will actually increase overall profitability. This ensures the plan is achieving optimal performance levels, measuring results and proactively planning against common pitfalls found in high-demand strategies. READ MORE

This article reviews important keynotes to protect wellness and hospitality investments after a decade of significant market and industry change. The recent U.S. tax cuts in 2018, have given many households and companies, a sense of relief from taxation with an improved economic outlook and sense of stability. This has ignited a swell in travel, business, and consumer spending. This article reveals how recalibrating investment outlines, management and strategic planning can increase the life-cycle and sustainability of the business, and how to prepare for the increasing speed of change in the years to come. READ MORE

As guests become only more design savvy and active on social media, hotel owners and operators need to stay on top of trends in order to stay competitive. Overall, the trend in hospitality design is toward a new definition of luxury, one that is welcoming, generous, more residential and playful. From decorative lighting with personality to richly textured fabrics, from warm brass and Old World details to a modern take on minimal structure, Ray Chung, Director of Design of The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry provides five new FF&E trends that you really need to know about. READ MORE