Employee appreciation programs are critical in retaining top talent and maintaining morale. While it's easy to dismiss “perks” as something only millennials care about, it's important to note that 1) it isn't just millennials who like to feel appreciated, it's everyone; 2) employee appreciation programs have been around since far before anyone who fits into the 'millennial' demographic was born, and; 3) even if it was just a millennial issue, most organizations in hospitality are hiring millennials, after all, where else are hotels recruiting their next workforce generation? READ MORE

Data and social media are the twin forces of change within the hospitality industry. Maximizing the power of these tools - for the good of workers and guests alike - is (or must be) a hotel executive's principal responsibility. Of equal importance is the democratization of these commodities: The accessibility, and increased affordability, of online marketing and promotions to a diversity of travelers. With the help of the right experts, and with an uncompromising eye toward quality and excellence, hotel executives can benefit from the application of data and social media. Now is the time to seize this opportunity of technological significance and business success. READ MORE

Have you ever found yourself asking the question, “How did that (poor service, long wait, missing items, wrong room, discourteous service - fill in your own guest complaint) happen?” Maybe you've discovered a scathing 1-star TripAdvisor review that you know will impact occupancy. At that moment you might be asking, “Who's accountable? What happened here? How do I fix this?” READ MORE

The hotel industry is constantly searching for the perfect formula to provide guests with addictive experiences, and, as such, music-themed hotels are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in big cities. This article focuses on these kinds of upbeat boutique hotels, from the Beatles-themed Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool, to the rock-themed Backstage Hotel in central Amsterdam, to Hotel BPM, a music-themed hotel in New York City. The keys to success for these hotels? Authenticity, superior customer service, and staying true to the music theme. READ MORE

Mobile technology transformed our lives in a way we never imagined a decade ago. According to comScore, compared to 2010, mobile usage has grown +394% and eMarketer predicts that smartphone users will exceed 2 billion in 2016. If you think these numbers are unrealistic, just look around, you probably will see someone using a smartphone. Mobile has become the starting point for most everyday activities, from texting to checking your office mail or online shopping. Chances are that some of these mobile shoppers may be looking for your business, and if you aren't there, you are missing the party. READ MORE