It's the time of the year when hoteliers need to look into budgeting for their new year energy expenses. A well thought-out strategy on the front end will take a few weeks to develop and can save a lot of explaining of operating expenses throughout the year. The cost of electricity, gas, and water can be among the most volatile costs affecting your financial situation. Hoteliers need to ask themselves what percentage of their annual budget is exposed to price fluctuation in energy markets and begin to prepare their budget. The goal is to have a comprehensive, defendable and accountable budget. READ MORE

The current economic climate has prompted hotel employers to reduce costs. This article, the first in a series of three, addresses the dangers associated with misclassifying employees as 'non-exempt' under wage and hour laws, and identifies best practices for hotel employers to address the risks and minimize potential liability. READ MORE

Security personnel and electronic surveillance do not typically offer sufficient coverage of hotel premises. Hotel employees play an important and crucial role in hotel security as they interact with guests, visitors and vendors in the regular course of business. Staff may be trained to mindfully look out for, identify, and report suspicious activity, giving security staff and hotel management the necessary intelligence and early warning upon which they may act to prevent crime or attacks against the hotel or its residents. READ MORE

There has never been a time more significant than the past 10 years that has caused many hotel and lodging professionals to move security up the line in terms of importance and criticality. Across the nation, substantial dollars are being spent to establish, upgrade or enhance security in a wide range of applications. Often these increased measures of security cameras, restricted access control, employee training, panic systems, covert surveillance and overall awareness incrementally decrease the risk and threat levels of a lodging or resort property. However, is there a possibility that these efforts can be further improved upon to deliver a greater return on investment? READ MORE

Reviewing and employing proactive safety and security measures during the holiday season presents challenges within itself. This is magnified during holiday travels. Moreover, the security measures mentioned above are merely suggestions and are not intended to be official list of measures to take. Being aware of your surroundings, communicating with your family or travel companions and careful planning drives travel safety and security. Remember that the holiday is a joyous occasion, but security and safety must come first. READ MORE

It's no secret that 2011 was a complex year for the hospitality industry, and you can fully expect that 2012 will be no different. We started this past year with the strongest transaction activity since 2007 and a momentum that inspired both our colleagues and peers with the hope that, after reaching rock bottom, we were once again on the ascent to recovery. Even well into April, we continued to be encouraged by signs of growth. READ MORE

People are often referred to as a business's most valued asset and in the hotel industry more than any your team can make or break the customers' experience. They are certainly also one of your biggest overheads. Are you unwittingly de-motivating them by treating them as just another disposable asset? Keeping your team inspired and engaged can be challenging. But a demotivated team can lead to poor performance, poor customer service, poor attendance and ultimately to losing not only your best people, but also losing your valued guests. Here are five ways to get the most from your employees. READ MORE

Hotels and other establishments that emphasize architectural appeal at the expense of accessibility are making a big mistake that can cause a loss of potential business, tarnish their brand, and increase their potential for legal liability. The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) sets forth accessibility standards to allow persons with disabilities to enjoy places of public accommodation to the same extent as those without disabilities. ADA compliance and architectural appeal are not mutually exclusive and achieving both can greatly enhance a hotel's success. We will look at ten important principles and considerations to integrate into hotel architecture and design elements. READ MORE

Incorporating health and environmental performance criteria into both the product and service purchasing decisions, can be a significant way to ensure the health of your clients. In this article I will review the recent trends by the public sector to encourage businesses to adopt EPP practices and include a little background behind the benefits for hotels to join in these efforts. I will also highlight a few product and service categories in which there are a significant number of alternatives that can help your property protect the health of your guests. READ MORE

Just like the old game of telephone, customer service training messages can change drastically as they are passed along. Your message may start out strong, but whether it's kids with the tin cans and twine, or even executives with smart phones, messages become less and less distinct as they filter through the ranks. And, in the end, you're left frustrated and wondering how you can make your next training stick. When direct, onsite training isn't an option, learn how to optimize learning opportunities through distance training programs so that your participants walk away engaged and ready to turn ideas into action. READ MORE

When it comes to discussions and legal commentary about hotels and employment law, the focus generally is centered on employer obligations contained in federal law sources. But each state (and local municipality) has something to say too. In this article I explain how hotel employers need to be equally cognizant of the myriad of state-based obligations that exist in each jurisdiction of operation. READ MORE

Given the economy, it shouldn't be a surprise industry numbers, as reported in The Pegasus View, show there has been a global decline in net reservations, length of stay, average daily rates and net revenues. Based on information gleaned from the nearly four billion monthly hotel transactions going through the Pegasus switch, we can see how certain bets are paying off for hotels, especially diversification, which here translates to distribution channel management. Successful marketing and sales of hotels begins with sound distribution - deliver your hotel to your target customer, whomever they may be. The various ways you deliver your hotel to those audiences are your channels. READ MORE

In many parts of the world, and Asia, hoteliers' and guests' security concerns are already heightened. And although the risks in North America are generally lower, the threat level and appropriate design solution depends on the density, surroundings, and patronage of the specific property. Even a low-level threat - primarily due to local crime, theft by employees, theft from guest rooms, intrusion of homeless persons, and high levels of foot traffic in the area - merits design solutions to mitigate the threat. That is why wise owners are thinking seriously about security when they undertake a new project or major renovation almost anywhere today. READ MORE

Resort security is no longer a second or third priority. Real dangers exist resulting in loss of life, destruction of property and ruined business reputation. Guests, patrons and public opinion fed by the media, expect reasonable safety and security at resorts where they vacation. Executive management must revisit their priorities and provide additional budgeting and organizational support for security. If the existing Security Manager or Director is not qualified for appointment to the Executive Management Team, a replacement should be hired. Finally, resort security officers, their appearance, ability to communicate and how professionally they respond, reflect the reputation of the resort and the competency of resort management. The consequence of inadequate security should not be underestimated. READ MORE

The Security and Safety Awareness: High ROI article highlights advantages, challenges, and key elements of an effective hotel security and safety awareness program. When appropriately managed such a program equates to a high Return On Investment (ROI). Key program elements include: senior management buy-in; accountable program manager; adequate resources; accurate information and documentation; and communication, collaboration and training. These elements will contribute to high ROI by enhancing the protection of life; reducing or avoiding incident related injuries, reducing legal liabilities; safeguarding tangible and intangible assets, including enhancing the "hotel customer experience" which can have a significant impact on the hotel's and corporate ROI. READ MORE