Everywhere, technology is inserting itself into the high touch world of spas and wellness. How do spas manage the world of digital, mobile, wearables, social, analytics, CRM, anti-gravity machines, gamification, or uberization and still achieve the sorely needed healing effects of human touch and personal connection? Spa leaders or wellness practitioners and hotel technology experts or digital specialists don't often live in the same realm but increasingly guests are pushing them to collaborate. READ MORE

Agility and efficiency are critical to maintaining competitive advantage in today's hospitality market, and it is no secret that technology is often the catalyst for increasing performance on both of these fronts. However, with so many options and trends in IT around everything from mobile applications to changes in e-commerce, how can decision-makers determine where to invest to generate the greatest return for their organization? READ MORE

Hoteliers know that they need to understand their target market and audience in order to promote their products and services. However, most don't realize the important role that public relations plays in their hotel's marketing plan and advertising strategy. Most hoteliers think of public relations and marketing as an expense and not a return on investment (ROI). That is why it is important to put a dollar amount on the return on investment that a good public relations firm can achieve, and the importance of fitting media relations into your hotel marketing plan. READ MORE

A “hot term” in digital marketing is engagement. Everyone wants to engage their customers through their online content. But most businesses, hotels included, are still trying to find their way in making this happen because engaging customers via electronic media is still more art than science. Engagement is one of those terms that has been absconded by marketers with everyone knowing what it is but no one can define what it means. When I think about engagement, Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart's legendary phrase pops into my mind: "I know it when I see it," because its meaning is subjective and lacks a clearly defined meaning. This article will explore five “best blogging” tips for engaging customers/guests. READ MORE

Every time Facebook makes a change, there's a similar outcry: It's creepy that Facebook keeps tracking more and more of our actions. Despite this sentiment, Facebook usage keeps growing and growing. Understanding this paradox and how to navigate it is crucial for hotels that want to deliver relevant communications in a way that honors guests' privacy. READ MORE