Tom O'Rourke Appointed Contributing Editor to the Hotel Business Review

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. April 05, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, April 5, 2011 -- HotelExecutive.com, the leading online hotel industry business resource, is pleased to announce that mobile industry expert Tom O'Rourke has been appointed as contributing editor to the website's primary business journal, the Hotel Business Review ( http://www.hotelexecutive.com/business_review ).

Mr. O'Rourke is recognized as a thought leader in the hospitality marketing industry, and has opened the door for hotels around the globe to enter the world of mobile with his innovative product, the Smartstay mobile app for hotels. He will be sharing his insights on the mobile market, and give advice for hoteliers on how they can best use the advances in mobile technology to generate revenue, differentiate their property, and increase guest loyalty.

O'Rourke O'Rourke Hospitality was founded in 2001, and is an award-winning hospitality marketing firm specializing in hotel website design & development, Internet Marketing, SEO services, and mobile marketing. Mr. O'Rourke is founder/CEO of O'Rourke Hospitality and recently launched Smartstay LLC, along with the Smartstay Mobile App which was released in March 2010.

Smartstay is a mobile application that hotels can customize to represent their own hotel brand. Hotels and resorts on four continents and 9 countries have created their own hotel apps with Smartstay. Mr. O'Rourke observed the rapid growth in the mobile market and recognized that his hotel clients would need to include mobile in their marketing plans to stay current, keep up with their guests' growing service expectations, and have an accessible brand presence in mobile. He also understood the huge marketing opportunities that mobile presented, and viewed it as a whole new channel for hotels to communicate with their guests.

“I am delighted for the opportunity to join HotelExecutive as a contributing editor. In 2010 we all observed the huge progress in the mobile arena in regards to advanced handsets, the launch of the iPad, and a multitude of dynamic, useful apps. Apps are particularly useful for travelers and they have come to rely on them to make travel plans and manage their stay,” said Tom O'Rourke.

He continued, “It's exciting to see the new advances in technology, and I am passionate about helping hotels maximize the opportunities that mobile presents them. Mobile will continue to progress at a record speed, and will be one of the most talked about topics in 2011. I am very happy to be able to share my insights and fresh ideas with the HotelExecutive audience, as their followers are forward-thinking general managers, accomplished hoteliers, and senior level executives, who will be receptive to my ideas and will hopefully be inspired to generate their own ideas on mobile.”

“We invited Mr. O'Rourke to be a contributing editor for HotelExecutive because we have been following his articles for years, and have always been impressed with his hospitality marketing knowledge, and his ability to educate his audience in simple terms on what they can do to improve their hotel marketing campaigns,” explained Benedict Cummins, CEO and Founder of HotelExecutive.com.

He expanded, “Mr. O'Rourke had the foresight that mobile would become a necessary element for hotel marketing strategies, and was the first to come to market with an app of this nature. Mr. O'Rourke is known for exploring cutting edge themes, and his fresh ideas and innovative products have put him at the forefront of hospitality mobile marketing. We believe our readers will appreciate his expert advice and recommendations on how they can utilize advances in mobile technology to their advantage.”

Mr. O'Rourke leverages over two decades of marketing experience, and currently supports world-class brands including Marriott International, Renaissance Hotels, Trump International Chicago, Shangri-La Tokyo & Philippines, Radisson Fort McDowell Resort Arizona, The Inbal Jerusalem Hotel Israel, Sebel Pier One Australia, Ireland's Blue Book, Landmark Hotels London, and OB Sports Golf Management Arizona. O'Rourke also caters to a wide range of boutique and independently owned hotels and resorts.

About Smartstay, LLC / DeCare Systems Ireland, Ltd.

Smartstay is the result of combined efforts between O'Rourke Hospitality Marketing, LLC, and DeCare Systems Ireland, Ltd. An award-winning marketing firm that focuses exclusively on the Hospitality Industry, O'Rourke recognized the hotel industry's need for a sophisticated mobile platform that would allow hotels to effectively communicate with their guests before, during and after their stay. O'Rourke found a proven and forward-thinking partner with DeCare Systems Ireland, Ltd, and together they combined the best marketing and hospitality knowledge with the best technological expertise to deliver Smartstay, a high-quality, robust, unique mobile solution for hotels. www.smartstayapp.com

About the Hotel Business Review

For nearly 15 years, the Hotel Business Review journal has been a leading online resource for hotel executives, providing white papers on best practices in hotel management and operations. With a dedicated board of more than 150 contributing editors - some of the most recognizable names in hotels - the Hotel Business Review maintains a progressive flow of exclusive content every week, so that owners, operators, senior executives, investors and developers can stay informed on the constant changes in the hotel industry. To subscribe click on http://www.hotelexecutive.com/subscribe

Contact:
Sara Chapman
O'Rourke Hospitality
978-465-5955
[email protected]

Contact:
Dan French
HotelExecutive.com
800-626-1057
http://www.HotelExecutive.com