On the heels of last weekÕs inaugural SAHIC Cuba conference in Havana, Expedia officially launched its Cuba product on Monday. The online travel agency’s customers can now book Cuba hotels on Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Orbitz and CheapTickets.
Google confirms itÕs rolling out new reviews format for hotels
Google has confirmed with Search Engine Land that it is now rolling out a new user interface and feature set around local reviews for hotels. Earlier this month, we saw Google begin testing new hotel review features, and now Google has begun to roll them out.
Extended stay hotels experiment with on-demand food services
Arguably, one of the biggest perks of staying in an extended stay hotel is the use of a kitchen, and enterprising brands within the space are looking for innovative ways to help guests take advantage of this unique amenity. One of those brands includes Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham. Last year, the brand launched a ÒHomemade @ HawthornÓÊprogram that features a collection of chef-designed recipes for guests to use during their stay.
Technology augments guest experience at top hotels
If, after a guest checks into his or her room at theÊAloft Boston Seaport Hotel, something isnÕt quite rightÑthe heat needs to be cranked up or a light dimmedÑthereÕs no need to call the front desk or even move. The worldÕs first voice-activated hotel room takes voice commands. Powered through an in-room iPad, Project Jetson employs a custom app and HomeKit-enabled accessories.
How Greece became a standout destinationÑand why investors are taking notice
Travel company Thomas Cook has described Greece as the ÒstandoutÓ destination this year, driving demand while ÒfullÓ Spain is flattening. The country has seen an increase in transactions in the first quarter as investors hope for reforms in the countryÕs laws to allow the sale of non-performing loans and drive further deals.
QHotels increases conversion rate with new web booking technology
QHotels has signed a four-year deal with Xn protel Systems to extend its use of xmsEnterprise CRS, following a strategic development partnership. The agreement covers global-distribution-system, channel-management and direct web bookings.
AccorHotels CEO sees bright future ahead
In less than four years, AccorHotels Chairman and CEO Sbastien Bazin has changed the direction and perception of a French hotel company that not too long ago was considered budget-focused and not very forward-thinking. Some analysts say AccorHotels is evolving and growing too quickly, but Mr Bazin quickly insists he is not moving fast enough.
No tip for you: restaurants move toward hospitality-included menus
“Hmmm”, was the considered opinion of a member of the waitstaff at Manhattan’s Union Square Cafe last week when asked about working for a set wage, not tips. “It’s good to know how much is coming in”, the staff member later reconsidered. “Not so good if you need to make cash fast.”
Indian hotel industry deplores the GST structure proposal by the GST Council
Indian hospitality industry has expressed strong disapproval and disappointment in the GoodsÊand Services Tax (GST) tax proposal for the hotel and restaurant industry in the country by the GST Council which concluded its meeting in Srinagar last week, finalizing the rates for commodities and services in the country.
Benchmarks create road map to profits for hotels
Benchmarking is a hallmark of performance measurement. Knowing where a hotel falls in relation to the performance of its closest competitors is an important first step toward improving its business and profitability. Identifying which property in a comp set is making the most money is an important part of the equation but not the ultimate question.
