By feature writer Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng: On the marketing front, the wages of baby boomers will still be a dominant force for the next decade. Some of us are retiring and looking to spend, others are still working (and possibly travelling for business) but nonetheless in need of some vacation time. Mobile, tablets, OTAs, social media – all trends that apply elsewhere also apply to us, albeit with less immediacy. So, in order to win our dollars, you must tactfully deliver the balance of both old-fashioned appeal with an experience aimed at those still young at heart.
Hotelier Notes from Season Two of Fawlty Towers
By feature writer Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng: Fawlty Towers proved to be such a treasure trove of useful morsels of guest service wisdom that I had to divide the show into two articles, one for both of its six-episode seasons. Even though the characters on this show are, for the most part, totally incompetent and disgraceful hoteliers, by their very nature they have a lot to teach us about to get things right.
Ten Quick Ideas for Summer 2013 for Hoteliers
By feature writer Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng: Ah, the long hot days of summer. Plenty of sunshine, plenty of heat. While many properties are hoping for their best few months, here are 10 ideas to consider as ways to step it up a notch and invigorate your team.
Is Artistic Controversy Healthy in Hotels?
By feature writer Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng: A case analysis of a hotel’s relationship with the art world.
How Quebec City Crowdsources Locals To Promote Its Destination
By Frederic Gonzalo: The folks from the Quebec City Tourism Bureau, together with their ad agency Cossette, recently unveiled its most recent campaign in order to generate some buzz about the destination. On a new microsite, locals (and anyone who's been to Quebec City, really) are invited to share their secrets, hidden gems or favorite spot, activity or restaurant in the city. It's an innovative way to embrace collaborative platforms, simple and user-friendly, which ought to ensure success as it's also time-bound. Here's what they did.
Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat (Fortune Favours the Bold)
By feature writer Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng: Boldness in hotel management and marketing comes in many different, and largely creative, forms. As the industry warps under the tugging forces of electronica and generational shifts, let’s never forget that courage will forever be needed to stand apart and make an impact. Here are several examples of ‘Bold Marketing Strategies’ to help get you in the mood and remind you of what the hotel industry is capable of.
The Brass Tacks on Chinese Travellers
By feature writer Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng: China does not have to be an enigma, nor do its travellers. Here to help bust some myths and inform on reality is Joseph Cooke, the North American Director for Web Presence In China, a company that specializes in helping Western organizations get their names out on the Chinese internet.
For Hoteliers, The World Is Truly Their Oyster Part 2: How To – Lessons from Seasoned Hoteliers on How Best to Relocate and Cope
By feature writer L. Aruna Dhir: The aspect of relocation has the power to make or break your career in one sharp move. It can land you in plush palaces under the shadow of the Great Pyramids, put you amidst the glitz and dizzying heights of luxury towers in sensational capitals around the world or leave you in the boondocks of dismay, disappointment, despair and anonymity. With so much on the anvil, it makes sense to learn how to milk the relocation cow profitably, cope with the challenges that are attached to it and transform them from boulders into building blocks of success, satisfaction and prosperity.
The Innovation Obligation: 4 Key Principles To Innovate
By Frederic Gonzalo: I don't believe there is one clear, cookie-cutter approach or silver bullet solution to spark innovation. Experience, however, has taught me these four important ingredients to bear in mind in order to innovate and succeed at it.
How an Unaffiliated Hotel Achieves Top Ranking
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng: This is an example of a hotel off the beaten track of mainstay tourists which nonetheless thrives in such conditions. After all, Abigail's Hotel is not affiliated with either a major chain or a representation firm such as Leading Hotels of the World, Preferred Hotels & Resorts or Relais & Chateaux. Yet, with Abigail's ranking as the top property in Victoria, British Columbia, on TripAdvisor, I needed to learn more about their secrets to success.
