Barry Moltz: In sports, the star players don’t always make the best managers. Just because they can play first base doesn’t mean they can coach it. I failed in my last business where I selected the best salesperson to be the manager of my business development team. I figured if he could sell to our customers, he could lead others to do the same. Unfortunately, it ended in disaster when he failed to lead the team. He was so embarrassed that he quit and I ended up without a manager and a star salesperson.
Pop-Up Hotels and Bespoke Travel Experiences
Mack Shane: Pop-up hotels, bespoke itineraries, once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences and ‘braincations’ are among some of the travel trends predicted to shape 2013. According to analysts at Hotels.com’s trendspotting spring report, “experiential travel” will be top of mind among globetrotters this year, as consumers seek out itineraries that follow the roads less traveled.
Mobile Devices Grab More Travel Dollars
By Gavin O’Malley: Smartphones and tablets are on track to capture nearly one in five online travel dollars by 2014.
Five Luxuries to Offer Your Guests That Will Put Your Hotel Above the Rest
By Valerie J. Wilson: It’s all about being unique and thinking of the details that no other hotels think of.
Empathy: Authentic or Contrived, Figure Out How to Convey It!
Bob Taylor: In our consulting practice we frequently encounter managers that proclaim empathy as a professional strength, only to discover their real talent is being a good listener. That’s great and important, but it isn’t the same thing as being empathetic. Expressing empathy requires us to actually engage the individual, talk to them, use real words and, dare I say it, send some non-verbal messages, too.
Concierge Specialization and Niches
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng: Rethink the idea of the concierge and how we can further partition this title to enhance a guest's experience. By giving your patrons an exact channel to address each specific need, you will not only better alleviate any worries, but heighten their perception of how excellent your hotel really is. Here are three contemporary examples for you to consider.
Planning A Hotel? Tips for Hoteliers
Alan Campbell discusses what hoteliers should be looking for when choosing a site to build a hotel.
It’s story Time: Ghostly Guests
By Steve Cokkinias: A veteran of the hospitality industry, Steve has many entertaining stories up his sleeve. Each Wednesday he will share a story on ehotelier.
Are Your Online Surveys Mobile-Friendly?
By Helen Leggatt: It's all about optimizing for mobile in today's on-the-go world. But, what about online surveys? According to SurveyGizmo's latest benchmark report, a significant rise in the number of surveys completed on a mobile device means they need a mobile makeover, too.
Two Thirds of Travel Agents Report Growth for Spa Travel
By Aoife Dowling: More than two-thirds of travel agents saw positive growth in hotel, resort and destination spa bookings last year, according to a new SpaFinder Wellness survey.
