Spas have been a revenue generating mainstay for resorts since travelling began. Resort and hotel spas make up only about 20% of the global spa market, and smart hoteliers know that the lucrative group market is not only a primary consideration in filling a resort's guest rooms, but it also is a significant contributor to the spa's revenue generating capacity as well. But just as important as it is for a resort to keep up on spa trends, unique challenges face a resort's spa business in the form of increased competition. If the rooms are not filled, available spa appointments go unreserved. READ MORE

Understanding and addressing the reasons behind, and risks associated with payments processing is a critical issue in the hospitality industry. This introduction to payments fraud provides critical knowledge for anyone dealing with accounting, payments, or vendor relationships. In this article we will explore how this new evolution of technology, which automates the entire procure-to-pay workflow process, dramatically reduces the risk of fraud. For hotel executives this payments-related fraud is especially troubling with security breaches at global hotel chains making headlines in recent years. Whether the fraudulent activity happens as an insider threat or through the use of a hotel room, it is happening on a daily basis. READ MORE

By nature of the hotel industry, it can be challenging to find and keep talent. There are many overnight and hourly positions to fill, both year-round and during peak travel season. However, when considering the high rate of turnover and the high cost of that turnover, it is apparent that hotels should, not only develop a solid pipeline of candidates, but fill that pipeline with the potential employees who fit into the organization. As the war for talent continues, hotels and other business must get more creative in their recruiting and retention efforts. READ MORE

Now that summer is here, it might be time to enhance the appearance of your hotel's grounds. If you think that trimming, edging, and mowing every other week will be enough, think again. Your landscape deserves the best in full-service grounds care carried out by trained experts with an eye for keeping your landscape healthy. Commercial grounds care is very different than residential landscaping, so even if your hotel has the best looking landscaping in the area, there are still circumstances you'll need to consider in order to keep your grounds safe, healthy, and looking great. As a hotelier, ask yourself these five questions to help decide if it's time to upgrade your landscape. READ MORE

When heads of state come to visit your hotel they usually make a bit of a show. The Russians are no exception, they even bring their own warship, the KGB and a wad of cash! I had the pleasure of witnessing the Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev arrival in San Francisco in June of 2010. He flew in the presidential plane, meanwhile his missile cruiser Varyag sailed into San Francisco Bay to accompany his visit. Heads of state often have a ship accompany them on their state visits. READ MORE