By Dave Ambrose: A sixth of all website traffic is now on a mobile, tablet or other connected device, and smartphone penetration is predicted to reach 75% this year. Regular travellers are even more likely to access information or book ‘on the go', which means that travel companies need to be at the forefront of mobile development and recognise the importance of optimisation if they are to not only survive, but thrive.

By Debbie Allen: Besides using social media as a strategy for building a positive image and solid business reputation, it is also a great way to really connect with customers before, during, and after their travel experience. Facebook, Twitter, and other social media networks are enormously popular with virtually every age group. Using these platforms as a way to communicate with customers and potential customers alike is not only strategic; it is absolutely necessary. Including social media networking as a marketing strategy is a powerful branding technique. This kind of connection helps create a true sense of bond with customers that other forms of communication lack.

By Hugo R Mechelse: Many hotels pick up the challenge of offering butler service to their guests. I appreciate this as I’m sure that butlers can really enhance the guest experience and comfort. However this sounds easier than done when hiring the butlers and introducing the service as such.

By Mark J. Miller: The world’s financial situation isn’t exactly peachy keen just yet, but the global population appears to be up for traveling. Both luxury and budget brand hotels are popping up across the world.

A survey has reported large anomalies in the charges that hotels around the world levy for peripheral services. The survey, which was carried out by Tripadvisor, a website that assists customers in gathering travel information, has revealed that hotels in certain locations around the world will charge considerably more for items such as mini bar purchases, than hotels in other destinations.

By Liam McCabe: Caught off-guard by all the drink charges piling up during your cruise vacation? You might not have to worry about it the next time you set sail. Several major cruise lines have added optional all-you-can-drink packages to some of their sailings.

By Barbara DeLollis: The 500-location Country Inns & Suites chain is trading its folksy image for a sleeker look in a bid to lure the next generation of travelers. The hotel chain's best known for its old-fashioned decor featuring plaid patterns, dark mahogany paneling, a wood lobby staircase and a homey fireplace. But this week, parent Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group announced a plan to renovate hotels inside and out.

Once the property of the most elite in the land, many castles have found new lives welcoming tourists from around the globe… even those who fly coach. This means that travelers in the know can now enjoy sumptuous suites, grand views and fantastic dining spaces once reserved for aristocracy.

A new study from the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research (CHR) at the School of Hotel Administration examines the preferences of outbound travelers from Mainland China. As China's prosperity has increased, its citizens have become more interested in experiencing other cultures around the globe. As with travelers from any other nation, Chinese travelers seek high quality facilities and good service. Service excellence and customer satisfaction are the focus of the newest proceedings from the Cornell Hospitality Research Summit, which brought together service experts from industry and the universities. The new reports are available at no charge from the CHR.