In a day and age when technology in our daily lives has become more of an expectation than a luxury, how we incorporate technology in the Food and Beverage guest experience onboard our ships at Celebrity Cruises has become increasingly important and a true focus for us. Our goal is to use technology in a way that will truly enhance the experience onboard for all guests. Richard Fain (Chairman of Royal Caribbean LTD) and Lisa Lutoff Perlo (President/ CEO – Celebrity Cruises) have been the driving forces behind this effort, not only in the food and beverage department, but our entire company. READ MORE

There’s no question that shared lodging has turned the leisure travel industry upside down. But will it be a gamechanger in corporate travel? With alternative lodging players now advertising more business-friendly bookings, and TMCs making them available on their platforms, it’s clear this option appeals to a number of business travelers. In today’s competitive marketplace, it’s important for hotels to understand where alternative accommodations stand in the business travel space and the potential for both lodging types to continue to grow and find success in capturing business travelers. READ MORE

Generational differences have always caused frustrations, in society as well as the workplace. The response to the millennial generation by many older industry professionals was originally to try to bend them to our own views and values: tell them the requirements of the job, enforce performance standards and disciplinary actions, tell them they are not special, and fire them if they can't get on board. What is interesting about this approach is the idea that we could completely change an entire workforce of over 80 million laborers. A series of discussions with numerous millennial workers offered insight on more positive and productive strategies. READ MORE

While the demand for hotel rooms far out-paces the number of overnighters staying in Airbnb properties, year-over revenue produced by Airbnbs has risen noticeably, almost doubling in 2016, putting many hoteliers on notice. As the hospitality industry reacts to the modern traveler’s trending desire for heightened experiences through intimate lodgings that embrace the local vibe, like those provided by Airbnbs, David Ashen, principal and founder of interior design and brand consulting firm dash design, shares ways that hotels are adapting to meet those desires, including features that compete with the rise of locally driven Airbnbs. READ MORE

Services that fail to change with the times, fall out of use: Robust, third-party QA programs are, surprisingly, one such otherwise valuable service that we may see disappearing as social media are increasingly used by guests and management alike, to determine the state of affairs and rankings of hotels and resorts. The replacement of professionals by amateurs, who are armed with a little knowledge and the full confidence of their own particular experience, is not necessarily an improvement; but it is certainly a reality. Part II of the three-part series on Quality Assurance looks at the pros and cons of each, and the best way to retain the professionalism of QA audits. READ MORE

Tourism is one of the greatest global industries that improves according to the continuous changes in tourism trends and consumer preferences. That makes the concept of innovation a vital concern for all hotels to stand out from the competition with successful applications and profitable operations. However, the importance of innovation has been long underestimated in guest experiences. Gone are the days that travelers were satisfied with an ordinary bed and breakfast. Travelers now look for improved cost/value relation and new innovative applications which promote the terms, “new tourist” and “new tourism products” to their offerings. READ MORE

The National Conference Center is a Green Seal™ and Virginia Green certified property and takes its Farm-to-Table and BuyLocal program seriously. But how do you do that when you have to serve so many guests? Hotel restaurants usually serve a couple hundred people a day, so buying local is easy; just go down to the farmers' market and get what you need. But when you need a large quantity of food to serve 1,000, you can wipe out a farmer's inventory completely. Learn how Todd Goldian, food and beverage director at The National Conference Center, handles this task. READ MORE

As the fastest growing consumer group today, Millennials are becoming increasingly influential on the way we operate our business – for the better. They are making their purchasing decisions based on a holistic and lifestyle changing approaches to their wellbeing. One central theme that seems to have encompassed this generation is the need for healthy food and fresher options. Every generation leaves its mark on society and Millennial's "you are what you eat" mentality has spread like wildfire, forcing society to re-think what it means to be healthy. We've been listening, and taking notes every step of the way. READ MORE

Luring Millennial travelers is a strategic requirement to fuel ongoing hotel revenue – yet it's not always easy as home-sharing options tempt this generation. Research shows Millennials seek out experiences more than products. This presents hotels with both an opportunity and business challenge: How can we transform our offerings, down to the details of food and beverage services, into experiences that draw Millennials in and keep them returning for more? Successful approaches combine diligent research and innovation with an emphasis on creating photogenic local experiences that go well beyond the food and beverage products themselves, rethinking the way dining spaces are designed and used. READ MORE

In a world of constant connection, hotel properties can no longer ignore the prevalence of mobile devices and connectivity. With eighty-five percent of travelers bringing their smartphones on leisure trips, eighty-eight percent bringing it on business trips and eighty-two percent bringing laptops on business trips, connectivity is no longer a convenience, rather a necessity. Easy-to-access outlets and USB ports for charging and smart lighting controls are imperative for enhancing today’s hotel spaces. Hotel decision makers need to keep guest preferences top of mind, install smart lighting and have ample access to power both inside and out – all which can improve guests’ overall experience. READ MORE

The craft beverage movement has revolutionized the liquor and beer industry over the last several decades. This has been fueled in part by growing consumer demand for drinks that are somehow different than what has become the archetype of mass-produced beer, whiskey and vodka. With the millennial generation now a serious demographic affecting what new products come to market, and which brands thrive or fade in to obscurity, the old guard of category controlling brands is starting to shift. The once obscure sector of small batch drinks is now a primary influence in how brands market themselves in an all too baroque competition of an overcrowded industry. READ MORE

Every hotelier has struggled with a dreaded slow season. Many have struggled through years of an economic downturn only to come out victorious on the other side - if weathered and savvier from the experience. The secret weapon to beat these downtimes is ancillary revenue streams. With more than 15 years of experience helping hoteliers combat market challenges and drive revenue, Lily Mockerman, founder and CEO of Total Customized Revenue Management, LLC (TCRM), shares her hard-won advice to help hoteliers innovate when times get tough and reach rock star status in ancillary revenue. READ MORE

Today, millennials are on the verge of becoming the largest living adult generation in the United States, making them the ideal target for hotel brands and their marketing campaigns. But, in order for marketers to generate the greatest number of sales this year, they must develop and execute a comprehensive strategy designed specifically to reach and engage millennial customers at multiple touchpoints. It won’t be a “one and done” campaign, but the below piece will explore three different ways hotel brands can test the waters with this audience and eventually craft the perfect brand image that aligns with this generation. READ MORE

Food and beverage outlets are oftentimes the leaders at your property (or should be!) in keeping up with the latest, coolest trends. Let's face it, the latest food craze will come and go almost as quickly the next pop star and social media platform. And what group is leading the charge in those trends? The same group that is leading the technology trends - the Millennial! Millennials have shown that they are a force to not be brushed aside. And if you are not at least doing something to ensure their business, your property could be missing out on big revenues. One problem; how do you ensure those revenues show profits? READ MORE

In 2018 the world is moving faster than we are and it is increasingly more difficult to keep up while still trying to enjoy life. Staying "present" is a challenge for everyone, but most especially for Millennials; now the largest group of people on the planet. The landscape of our everyday lives is impacted by this generation's self-centric behavior. Something as simple as going out to eat in a restaurant is different today than it was yesteryear. Do we want to change it and if so, what would we change, and how? READ MORE