By Bernard Marr: The time has come for HR (Human Resources) departments to call it a day. HR departments often portray themselves as a valued business partner for management and staff alike. However, how can anyone take a department seriously that refers to people as ‘resources’?

By Julie Cottineau: Many companies that offer rewards programs are missing out on key opportunities. Check out these unique loyalty programs to see how to do it right.

By Candyce H. Stapen: Inattentive parents — those with no control over their crying or naughty kids — and rear seat kickers, little or big, rank as the two most irritating types of fellow flyers, according to Expedia.com's recently released 2013 Airplane Etiquette Study.

The North American hotel sector can end 2013 on a positive note. Both group and transient segments (individual business and leisure travellers) will finish 2013 showing year-over-year increases in occupancy and average daily rate, according to data from the November 2013 TravelClick North American Hospitality Review.

By Feature Writer Lily Lin, MBA, Ph.D: Joe Schott is a devoted Disney employee and a serious businessman.  He understands the Disney philosophy that it is the employees and cast members who make the Disney magic happen. Staying at a Disney hotel is unlike staying in any other hotel. Guests experience is focused mostly on the Disney park entertainment and therefore, hotel experience is an extension of the Disney Park magic.  He and his team’s determination and persistent drive help him to achieve the unthinkable –  making Disney Paris a great success!

By Feature Writer Jennifer Nagy: Place Pins is still a very new addition to Pinterest (it is still currently in beta), so at this time, only a few hotels have access to the tool. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t adjust your strategy accordingly for when the tool goes live. Place Pins is a useful tool for consumers that will also help hoteliers turn customers’ travel inspiration into reality, so what are you waiting for?

By Feature Writer Alan Fairweather: Almost everyone wants to know that their manager is genuinely and positively interested in them from a personal point of view. They may not always give that impression by their demeanour but trust me – they want to know you care. They want acceptance from you. If they know you care about them, then your business relationship will be much more productive.

Sheldon G. Adelson, the billionaire casino magnate, on Friday abandoned his plans to build a $30 billion gambling and leisure resort on the outskirts of Madrid after failing to win financial concessions and other favors from the Spanish government.

By Feature Writer Daniel Edward Craig: In our most recent ReviewPro webinar, Top Social Media Strategies for 2014, we asked our expert panelists to discuss the latest trends in social media and what hotels should do about them. Here’s a recap of our discussion.

By Feature Writer Yoland Perras: Halleluiah, in this time of festivities and with dear Santa coming to town real soon, well, it is time to “Say thanks”.  Many would argue that it is an inherited right to receive your HOE, IT and POB funds. True that it comes part of the Management contract, yet as most of you know, the above Budgets are in addition to the massive amount invested by the Owner in design, construction, mechanical systems, decoration, furniture and more. Hence, you saying thanks will solidify your role and show Owners that you recognize and appreciate their efforts in making “THEIR” investment work for YOUR hotel.