The polarization of our country and the recent Presidential Election has left hotel and lodging industry employers facing a conundrum as to how they may keep employee political, cultural and social rhetoric out of the workplace environment. This article explores the speech rights of hotel and lodging employees and the extent to which employers may limit such employees' speech. READ MORE

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have changed how they purchase products more extensively utilizing on-line ordering and home delivery. In response, restaurants and bars have pivoted to expand their businesses in this direction. To help struggling on-premise businesses, numerous states have temporarily or permanently relaxed restrictions on alcohol beverage sales making it easier for bars and restaurants to make this pivot. READ MORE

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions on domestic and international travel, economic activity, and individual movement are having an unprecedented impact on the lodging and tourism industry in Latin America and worldwide. While government authorities across the region work to manage restrictions and phased reopening plans, uncertainty prevails over the duration of the global pandemic. READ MORE

Leading a business in the era of COVID-19 is a brave new frontier for even the most seasoned executive. Particularly so if your career has been in one of the hardest hit industries such as ours. Success requires the kind of resiliency, perspective and endurance which can only be achieved through great physical, mental and emotional strength training. READ MORE

Hundred-year floods, hurricanes, wildfires and snowstorms seem to be increasing in frequency. After the wildfires we've seen out West, the hurricanes that have plagued the Southeast and the derechos and blizzards that have hammered the Northeast and Midwest, hoteliers have realized that preparation is key. But what are best practices in terms of disaster planning? Let's take a look! READ MORE

Based on Cyber HITEC's 2020 keynote session of the same title, this article investigates an emerging trend in management strategy: customer service. What do you think of when you hear the term hospitality customer service? Do you perhaps recognize a front desk agent, server, or valet parking attendant face-to-face with a customer? Customer service is much more than these examples though. READ MORE

The US Supreme Court recently ruled that the domain Booking.com is capable of functioning as a trademark. Over the objections of the United States Patent & Trademark Office, the decision opens the door to other generic.com domain holders seeking Federal trademark protection of otherwise potentially generic brand names. The ruling shows how powerful consumer brand perception can be in obtaining trademark rights. READ MORE

COVID-19 has caused significant disruption to immigration and travel into the United States, and in turn has had a profound effect on the hospitality industry. While the challenges are daunting, by changing current immigration policies and implementing new safety guidelines, we can re-energize travel for business and tourism and resurrect the industry. READ MORE

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the hospitality landscape, and its effects on the industry are far from concluded. Diligent market participants can be poised to navigate this uncertainty and stand to reap substantial returns when the sector rebounds. The allure of these healthy future returns, however, should not give way to lax diligence, and a skeptical and thorough diligence process is critical to ensuring that stakeholders are best positioned to weather the current upheaval and benefit from future market upswings. READ MORE

Time spent in nature elevates moods and lifts spirits. The problem is, as humans, we spend 93 percent of our time indoors, separated from nature. What does that mean for hospitality architecture and design if being outdoors can enhance even the most mundane human activities? We pull the natural world into the built hotel environment! READ MORE

The number one priority of a hotelier is the health, safety and well-being of both their guests and employees, but maintenance risks abound both inside and outside of hotels. Distinguished Programs' vice president and hospitality program manager Maryann Prestia examines these risks, as well as what causes them, and offers best practices for taking a proactive approach to hotel maintenance. READ MORE

Liability waivers and limitation forms are commonly used by recreational facilities and tour companies, due in large part to the risks inherent in the use of recreational equipment and engaging in adventure tourism. Hotels and resorts are forced to balance the desire to offer guests amenities with the potential liability exposure created by providing access to the equipment involved. Howard Russell, office managing partner at Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial, provides factors for hotels and resorts to consider when developing or using waiver forms, sign-in sheets or liability limitation clauses. READ MORE

The future of our industry will rely on the quality of our next generation of hospitality leadership, whose skill sets and attitudes are being forged right now in perhaps unseen ways. This article will consider some of these factors and the responsibility of today's hospitality leaders in developing and attracting these future leaders to our industry. READ MORE

Hotels across the country are at a crossroads, struggling to effectively communicate with consumers during the pandemic that's presented challenges like none before. Drawing from more than a decade of experience, Steven Schumacher, Discover Dunwoody's executive director and director of sales, shares insight on the benefits of destination marketing and how a shift in strategy can make the difference in attracting travelers. READ MORE

Art is extremely important to the success of hospitality industry projects. An art experience, anchored in a clearly articulated vision and tied deeply to your brand, can set your hotel apart from the competition. Here, we highlight three actionable ways to not only begin the art curation process, but elevate your hotel experience through immersive art. READ MORE