Covid-19 has caused the hotel industry to make contactless service the New Normal. This article discusses the dire effects this will have on hospitality, and makes the point that the virus has actually provided a golden opportunity for the hotel industry to reset itself in order to move on from the old-style, mechanical guest experience concept of SOP-Customer Satisfaction and embrace energetic and spiritual Heart-Based Hospitality in which unconditional love is the focus. READ MORE

The lodging sector has been devastated by the pandemic. Is there light at the end of the tunnel as vaccine rollout continues? Will demand increase by second quarter of this year? Does IRR anticipate a return to pre-pandemic metrics? As the U.S. exits the current pandemic, major mergers and acquisitions activity is anticipated among the "Big 6" hotel companies. Let's take a closer look at the trends and data behind this sector. READ MORE

With an influx of leisure travelers expected for the summer 2021 season, there is an opportunity to start anew and re-focus on important aspects of guest service. Revitalizing the art of conversation, working on non-verbal cues, and ensuring excellent follow through are guest service skills that should be in the forefront of hospitality professionals' minds. READ MORE

High-quality guest service is a hallmark of the hospitality industry, and can often make or break a lodging organization. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have become a game changer for the hotel guest service. This article looks at five important managerial elements and best practices that may be followed to establish an environment where exemplary service may be delivered. READ MORE

Meeting planners are starting to book events at hotels again. But everything has changed-from registration to meals to floor plans. Hotel events will look quite different based on best practices learned during the first 12 months of the pandemic. However, more technology, shifting state-based restrictions and overall uncertainly will create an opportunity for hotel CSMs to build more valuable relationships with their clientele. READ MORE

The global pandemic forced one of the greatest evolutions in the hotel industry's history. With a light at the end of the tunnel, everyone is eager to return to normal, but what will new normal look like for an industry has been forever changed? This article shares best practices hoteliers should embrace to thrive in post-pandemic times that will undoubtedly bring about more change and industry transformation. READ MORE

Our industry has a chance to redefine the hospitality experience. We can exceed guests' expectations, streamline operations and elevate the roles of our staff with thoughtful changes to how technology is incorporated in the hospitality continuum. Embracing the idea of digital hospitality means rethinking service delivery and upgrading the hospitality operations model altogether. And now is the time to do it. READ MORE

The LGTB+ community is poised and ready to travel, representing a $200 billion global tourism opportunity. When your property starts the process of understanding your LGBT+ guests, it quickly becomes apparent the value they can provide to your business. In this article, we examine best practices for making your hotel LGBT+ friendly and speak to experts about why it's so important. READ MORE

Guest service has evolved into more than amenities and pleasantries. In the time of the pandemic, service needs to also offer productivity and efficiency. Additionally, guest service needs to reflect business knowledge, empathy for guest perspectives and, also focus on guest safety. This discussion provides a context for the lodging industry creating a blueprint for guest service going forward. READ MORE

Immersive art experiences that are hand selected and incorporate a brand's mission and core values tell a visually stunning story and create community connection. Further, it supports a hotel with differentiating themselves from the competition. Instead of viewing art as a plain picture to hang on the wall, consider art to be a key resource in your growth. Here's how to view your hotel's artwork as more than just a pretty picture. READ MORE

2020 prepared you to take a swing at the proverbial piñata. Face covered, head down, spinning in circles. You paused from time to time to sorta straighten-up. A little unsteady and a lot uncertain. You were searching for your target. You knew it was out there, but you couldn't see it. Stand up straight this year: embrace pandemic-prompted opportunities and disruptive innovations. READ MORE

Superheroes capture our imaginations and our hearts with their adventures and special gifts but what about the rest of us? What, if anything, do our hospitality workers have that catapults them to Superhero status?? Could it be…their Mask?? The mask may be an unexpected new excuse and superhero "gift" for hospitality teams to become more empathetic. What if, we transform when we put it on? READ MORE

As we begin to recover, it is a good time to rethink and refresh our offerings especially by reaching out to a previously marginalized market. The premise that seniors can save hospitality may sound far flung, but since they are the group with the vaccine dosage completed, they can and will go out. The question is will they spend their time and money with you? READ MORE

Ed Burke, Vice President of Rooms and Engineering with Aimbridge Hospitality shares his insights on the impact of COVID-19 on hotel operations. He discusses how he led his team to establish best practices, including a three-point training program called AIMClean, how to boost staff morale and engage teams, and what the future, post-pandemic world will look like as more consumers start traveling again. READ MORE

Who could have predicted that the most desirable hotel amenity of 2021 would be a complimentary COVID-19 test? As the tourism industry bounces back, hotels and resorts across The Bahamas are reinventing the guest and guest service experience through innovation and adaptability, writes Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board CEO Fred Lounsberry. READ MORE