By Feature Writer L. Aruna Dhir: It is an urban myth to say that hoteliers don’t have the time to exercise; what with our busy schedules and long, long hours. I have been guilty of using this utterly feeble statement several times, only to my dismal loss. I have seen colleagues, with long schedules (such as those in Front Office and Food & Beverage), finding novel ways to stay fit if they have set their minds to it. Let’s look to some famous hoteliers for inspiration.
On The Effectiveness Of Travel Blogs
By Feature Writer Frederic Gonzalo: For travel marketers, in particular at the destination level, travel blogs play an important role in crafting the attractiveness of the place, its people and the stories that shape its daily life, no matter what time of year. The important thing is to know what role this content is intended to play in the overall online destination marketing strategy, in order to find a good fit for all parties involved: the travel blogger, the destination… and the traveler. Or holidaymaker.
Seventeen Guestroom Pet Peeves
By Feature Writer Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng: The guestroom is the crux of the hotel experience, and there are many small things that can set a guest off but are often overlooked. Call this my pet peeve list, but see if you don’t agree.
A Sense of Arrival, A Sense of Departure
By Feature Writer Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng: A sense of arrival is critical, as it sets a tone for the guest’s upcoming visit. Done well, the guest is reassured and excited about their stay. All of their preemptive doubts regarding their stay have been alleviated. Your arrival routine may have even included an up-sell routine to a better room type. All of this is well-documented, analyzed and already part of your operational code. But what about developing a sense of departure?
Scent Of A Hotel Part 1
By feature writer L. Aruna Dhir: Tell me frankly, what is the first thing that strikes you when you enter the precincts of a luscious hotel? Is it the imposing Baccarat Chandelier with ear drop crystals reflecting a desire and a promise for luxe living? Or is it the ever-smiling staff, starched in shape and fine tuned to deliver that impeccable service? Let me reveal a secret.
The Growing Trend of Bleisure Travel
By Feature Writer Frederic Gonzalo: What do you get when more and more business travelers extend their stay at their destination for leisure purposes? Bleisure travel is the awful moniker coined to define what is undoubtedly a growing trend in the travel industry, as the blurring of personal and professional lives of travelers increases on a global level.
Are You Dressed for Success? So What Are You Wearing Today?
By feature writer L. Aruna Dhir: Indeed, dress and deportment are two integral aspects that define our sense of belonging, slot us in the appropriate niche and help us step up for success in our roles. What we wear will always be important in our line of work and rightly so! But let’s look at something that is even more important – how we make-up our mental framework and dress up our demeanour.
Better Than Swiss Chocolate
By Feature Writer Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng: Interview at Grand Kempinski Geneva with Theirry Lavalley, General Manager.
The Evolving Role of the Transactional DMO
By feature writer Frederic Gonzalo: The Destination Marketing Organization looks after the marketing and communications of a territory, municipality, or region. In most cases, a DMO represents a variety of industry stakeholders, such as accommodations, transportation, restaurants, festivals and events, attractions, shopping, spas, and meeting planning facilities and providers. As such, destination marketing is a vital component of the travel decision and purchase funnel for consumers as they plan their next vacation or business trip. Both the New York City's public/private tourism promotion company NYCGo and the San Francisco Travel Association recently announced they had reached agreements with Booking.com, an online travel agency (OTA), to have it openly provide the transactional engine on their official websites. Could this mark the beginning of a new and lasting trend?
The Gateway to Chinese Travellers
By feature writer Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng: We all know Chinese outbound travel is growing. But by how much? How does one get involved? What are the first steps? The process is intimidating, and so I've sought the help of experts to help hoteliers understand this business arena. Joining me today is Evan Saunders, the CEO of Attract China to discuss how Chinese tourism is impacting the world and how your hotel can get involved.
