Whether you love them or hate them, influencers are tapped into social media best practices like no one else, and influencers have become major players in hotel marketing in recent years. While hotel budgets have been cut as a result of the pandemic, smart marketers have leveraged the power of influencers to share their stories for a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising. The benefits don't stop at cost savings, either. READ MORE

Hospitality marketing offers marketers endless opportunities to let their creativity run loose. Social media has been a vehicle that given marketers even more reach and engagement with their target audiences. Although it's been a blessing, the metrics/KPI's, content, and overall advertising campaign within social media have been misunderstood by some hospitality marketers. With this article, we address these misunderstandings and clarify them. READ MORE

The year 2020 was the most challenging in the history of the hospitality industry, but it also led to innovative strategies, the adoption of new tech, and elevation of customer service. Here are key steps one high-end international business hotel in Houston took towards future success, moves that will live on long after the coronavirus pandemic is gone. READ MORE

Historically, healthcare design principles have not been applied to hotel guestrooms given the cost implications and lack of need – until now – for the level of sanitation required. The objective of the hotel stay has always been to create an immersive experience that is inviting and unique, not sterile and sanitized. So how do we integrate the two? Here, we share a few healthcare-inspired ideas for creating safe, distinctive experiences. READ MORE

While social media channels can certainly be used as a broadcast platform for you to pump out self-serving propaganda, savvy marketers are increasingly tapping into the concept of turning your guests into your own secret army of advocates. Given the fear surrounding travel during the coronavirus pandemic, this novel approach may be just what you need to show people that responsible travel is safe and to encourage them to book their next vacation at your property. READ MORE

As hoteliers look forward to welcoming guests back in 2021, a strategic communications plan including social media strategies will be essential rebuild brand awareness and customer relations, drive intent and maximize recovery efforts. Megan Paquin, vice president at Poston Communications, shares insights on the road ahead for hotel communications amid the ongoing crisis, social media strategies to implement in 2021, and top considerations for creating COVID-related content. READ MORE

Even as welcome news of coronavirus vaccines rolled out in December, the news for the hotel industry remained grim. The considerable discomfort caused by the sharing economy will outlast the pandemic. Can hotel brands overcome the unhospitable environment? An optimized social media performance of user-generated content, point-of-view posts from all hotel staff, and personalized technological support could help. READ MORE

Client perception needs to play a key part in your online presence & strategy, making sure you are carrying an image that truly identifies your brand. Keeping your online presence up to date, interesting and engaging with your customers might seem a daunting task for many business owners. Let's look at some recommendations to ensure your online presence is perceived in the most positive way possible. READ MORE

Social distancing may be the norm for quite some time, and as a result, we'll likely see even more hoteliers engage with guests using a myriad of social media platforms and text driven applications. Hoteliers will have to embrace this new and evolving engagement model to ensure that their guests feel welcome when they still want to maintain their distance. READ MORE

From Al Fresco dining to Après Ski, hotels are navigating how to transform outdoor spaces and restaurants for continued entertainment during winter months, while providing winter wonderland experiences that are sure to draw a socially distanced crowd. To allow guests the opportunity to consciously embrace cold weather, smart design thinking must be considered and well executed. READ MORE

Ryan Meliker, President of Lodging Analytics Research & Consulting discusses the state of the U.S. lodging industry, the timeline of past downturns and recoveries and the outlook over the next few years for top-line operating fundamentals, bottom-line results and hotel values. The article also touches on the top markets for hotel investment looking out to 2024. READ MORE

Now more than ever, controversial and political issues risk finding a home on your hotel's social media platforms. Rather than ignoring negative or inflammatory comments, understand how to proactively respond and turn an issue into an opportunity that builds on your hotel's service and enhances your reputation. READ MORE

Are you trying to design a beautiful, chic hotel? Are you struggling to find the right themes and designs to incorporate to turn a Plain-Jane hotel into a luxurious escape from the outside world? Look no further! This article will walk you through nailing the first impression, figuring out room design, choosing a color scheme, and much more. READ MORE

Social media is a great way to quickly reach out and touch multiple market segments and It is important to have a plan and consider and select the platforms that best fit our needs. This column highlights what social media is, the parallel plans needed in both industry and academia and the choices of social media platforms that exist. READ MORE

The long-anticipated arrival of Generation Z has arrived. How will this new generation impact how the hospitality industry operates? For the last twenty years hotel ownership and their design teams have focused on the Baby Boomers and Generation X. Yet in the next ten years 60% of guests will identify as Millennial or Generation Z. This article focuses on the demographics for each of these four groups and identifies their commonalities and their differences. READ MORE