Changing outdated notions regarding construction is like pouring refrigerated maple syrup - slow, but worth it. Unfortunately, time is tight for adopting environmentally sensitive practices; we need to do it now. Utilizing prefabrication and modular building techniques and choosing innovative and sustainable building materials like Structural Bamboo can play an important role in establishing a conservative and sustainable eco-footprint and identity for a hotel or resort development. READ MORE

An environmental, financial and practical assessment of Bamboo as building material for bearing structures was presented at the 7th World Bamboo Congress in 2004. It compared the overall "environmental cost" of structural building elements made from Steel, Concrete, two types of sustainable hardwoods, and Bamboo. The most extreme contrast showed a steel column having an "environmental cost" over 300 times that of Bamboo! The sustainable hardwoods fared slightly better but the report notes that "timber from regular, non-sustainable woods will have a considerably greater environmental impact." READ MORE

With the ever increasing demand from organizations and travelers to stay in socially responsible hotels, adding environmental responsibility to your hotel's identity can translate directly into new revenues. The Ecological Lifestyles market is now estimated at $81.2 Billion (2005) with over 63 Million consumers wanting to open their wallets for environmentally responsible companies. READ MORE

All across the country, hotels and their parent brands are talking about implementing or enhancing their environmental programs with more enthusiasm and passion than ever before. Not only has there been a tremendous influx of high-quality eco-products into the marketplace, but guests are becoming more sophisticated in their demands for a planet-friendly hotel. Eco, once considered to be an esoteric fringe lifestyle, has become part of the cultural mainstream and recent media reflects that trend. Compelling and extensive recent coverage in outlets such as Time, Vanity Fair, Elle, and Cameron Diaz's MTV show Trippin', have not only educated consumers on the urgency of doing our part, but has made it cool and sexy to care for the Earth. READ MORE

In this day in age, why would a hotel or hotel group not embrace and adopt a sincere environmental program? Typical answers include it costs too much money, quality of service will suffer, we don't know where to start, and we have other more pressing priorities. The good news is that all the above responses are misperceptions and there is nothing but bottom line and top line benefits that come from a well thought out and executed environmental program. Furthermore, an environmental program translates into cost savings, new revenue, and happier employees - some of the biggest priorities for any hotel. However, to achieve these outcomes it may be necessary to look outside of the hotel for support and resources. In this article we'll explore how engaging an environmental consultant may be the best option to remain focused on a hotel's core competency while adding business and social value in the process. READ MORE

Travelers and hotel guests are becoming more informed and educated on 'green' issues and as a result are changing their behavior. These changes can include changing to CFL light bulbs, buying eco-friendly products (such as 'green' cleaners), purchasing carbon offsets for their travel, and recycling more. As a result, hotels must ensure their 'green' efforts are supporting their customer behavior preferences or risk attracting and maintaining the loyalty of these 'green' travelers. READ MORE

While the supply of spas has been on a steady rise for many years, the growth has slowed and this is probably good because there are some challenges that need to be addressed... The supply has out-paced the demand, the labor pool from management to service providers is quite limited, and there isn't enough reliable economic information. These may be "symptoms" that need further examination in order to address any "health" issues that could impinge on the well-being of our industry. The challenge has been to define "what is financially profitable." It may be time to really have a "fiscal check-up" to see just how healthy we are. READ MORE

In order for spas to be profitable business ventures in and of themselves, they need to be properly planned and staffed, but of equal importance is the need for an exceptionally strong, creative, on-trend and well-executed marketing plan. Consumers need to know why they should go to your spa, e.g., why is your spa different from and better than the one down the street. In our 25 years as spa advisors, we have constantly emphasized the need to have a solid pre-opening and operational marketing budget and plan that will allow you to bring in people who want to spend time and money in treatments and retail. Since marketing is critical to revenue-maximization, I thought it would be beneficial to hear from people who are integrally involved in creating and implementing marketing strategies and plans. Therefore, I invited 3 of HFD's well-respected clients to share some of their experience, insights and strategies. READ MORE

Too many spas are financial under-performers. They do not know what to do or how to do it. HFD has created a "GPS approach" for spas. There is a starting point and destination with clear directions and a coaching message that tells you when it is time to "re-calculate" and change direction if you go off-course. HFD's program is called Spa Profit Maximization - Spa ProMaxT. It consists of very sensible and sound business principles and best practices. The following is an overview of 18 common sense, simplistic principles or P's within the Spa ProMaxT program. When you follow the P's, the ultimate destination is Profitability. READ MORE

More major chain and niche hotels are now focusing on building an outstanding service environment rather than emphasizing their bragging rights for the best spa, most comfortable beds or most elegant furnishings. One of the keystones to building this culture is the Concierge Service. In this article we will explore how to find these service specialists, how to keep them motivated and inspired and working to improve your turnover statistics as well as bottom line. We will discuss the techniques for creating loyalty and using their unique skill set to best advantage. READ MORE

There may be no bailouts possible for us in hotels. For our financial and service challenges, we must rely on old-fashioned virtues and hard-won skills. Professional hotel concierges have shared some of their best practices for survival in these difficult times. There are lessons to be learned. Many writers have extolled the virtues of our grandparents during the Great Depression: thriftiness, shared sacrifice, team spirit, and greater efficiency. READ MORE

Contemporary travelers in the luxury market are searching for a safe haven and are time-challenged. These guests seek unique, memorable and local experiences that reveal the culture of the country and city they are visiting. They want to capture the "Spirit of Place" - that magical intersection of culture, monuments, cuisine - which defines a locale without taking the time to read the great travel writers like Lawrence Durrell, Paul Theroux, Bill Bryson, or Evelyn Waugh. Who, within the hotel, could serve as the guides, filter the overload of information and tailor it to individual guests' desires and needs? READ MORE

How do you recover as a service organization when everything that could possibly go wrong, does? I had a recent experience with United Airlines where I spent six hours on a plane to fly from Newark to Chicago and I was actually almost grateful to have done so! As a service professional, I became fascinated with the way the captain and the customer relations department handled the situation each step of the way. It was a textbook example of Service Recovery that made me marvel at how well it was executed. READ MORE

Integrating the Concierge Department with the Marketing and Sales effort in servicing groups makes excellent business sense for hotel management. Meeting Planners have unique and specific needs and the concierge is well equipped to facilitate them by reaching out to their vast network of local contacts. Concierges have the capability to enhance the revenue from groups by being the onsite problem solver, transportation expert, link to authentic local experiences, finders of last minute piano players, boxes of fine cigars, or a bubble machine for their display at the convention center. Having worked both sides of the desk, as a Meeting Planner and a Concierge, I have seen this natural synergy. Read on... READ MORE

"Why won't the hotels follow the corporate graphic standards?" "They don't understand that my hotel's market is different?" Sound familiar? In many cases, the rapport between the corporate marketing department and hotel field marketing can be described as a love/hate relationship. Creating synergy between the two will have a positive impact on the brand image as well as the bottom line. But as part of the corporate marketing team, how do you accomplish this sometimes daunting task? READ MORE