The lineup of new technology products in the hospitality industry grows every year. Emerging technologies, such as digital guest experience applications and Internet of Things (IOT) hardware/software solutions represent the cutting-edge of what's next, but, are less clear on the ROI they can deliver. Plus, you have your core suite of technology to consider -- PMS's, revenue management, restaurant POS, housekeeping / maintenance software, website, accounting system, video system, WiFi, credit card gateways and more. The complexity of managing technology can be overwhelming. So what are 2015's best practices in how to craft a strategy, implement technology and measure the ROI of your investment? READ MORE

Hotel executives need a technology solution, which complements their respective marketing goals, branding initiatives and access to valuable Web analytics. Through the democratization of design and data, hoteliers can now enjoy the freedom to customize a site worthy of the properties they oversee... with the liberty to examine the data about the diverse interests (and ways to cater to those individual points of interest) concerning business and leisure travelers. Automating this process - and delivering these resources to hotel executives at an affordable rate - is a significant milestone for the hospitality industry in general and hoteliers in particular. READ MORE

According to Kathy Conroy, MAI, CEO and Director/Partner of HVS's operations in Florida, one of the key influences for a United States city to achieve “world city status” has been the willingness of foreign capital to invest in the local real estate. Successful marketing of United States' cities to foreign travelers as tourist destinations eventually leads to increased foreign investment. In this article, Conroy compares the volume of foreign investment in hotel assets in various cities from the prior strong three-year period in operating performance experienced by the US hotel market to the most recent. READ MORE

One of the most important issues in the hospitality industry today concerns the value proposition being offered to the customer. This proposition can be real or simply perceived. This fundamental issue begins by asking what the value proposition is that we offer our customers and then the manner or channel in which it is communicated. In this brief article we consider a number of ways that hotels can create a favorable value proposition in a manner that increases customer satisfaction and choice. READ MORE

The “Principle of Reflection”Of all the ways that customer service can be sliced and diced, the one fundamental that stands out the most significantly to me is: “Upper management must create a culture where customer service is valued and esteemed, taught and rewarded. Customer experience leaders who can drive this kind of cultural change will radically affect their companies' competitive position and business performance.” There is nothing more important in the effort of driving customer service than driving a strong customer service culture. It's the foundation to everything else. Period. READ MORE