Many new generation hoteliers – especially those building new properties – are contemplating implementing a new generation of door-lock technologies.

By Barbara De Lollis: What would it take for a digital-obsessed traveler to abandon their iPad? How about an old-school Pac-Man arcade game, a green-topped ping-pong table or a spirited game of football?

By Dr. Peter Tarlow: One of the current buzzwords in tourism marketing is branding. its relationship to social media and to marketing is something often discusses at tourism seminars and conferences. Branding is often a lot more complicated than what most people realize. A tourism brand must not only stand for something but it must also be clear that the brand does not stand for something else. For example, in our community we do not tolerate poor service. In this month's Tourism Tidbits we discuss branding, social media and ways to stay ahead of the pack.

By Annie Favreau: Ready to take your career in a different direction? Whether your current job is a bad fit or you're looking for an industry with a better future, finding a new line of work can be both incredibly satisfying and personally profitable. But switching career tracks can also be a high-stakes gamble. Before striking out on your own, learn how to avoid these classic career-change disasters.

The 2013 European Hotel Valuation Index (HVI), published this week by hotel consultancy HVS London, shows that hotels in Paris still top the valuation chart with an average price of €660,000 per room, followed by hotels in London (€625,000 per room), Zürich (€492,000), Geneva (€451,000) and Rome (€353,000).

Some call it the silent killer; it creeps around the office zapping energy and motivation from even the best employees. It's boredom, and if you don't think that it is a problem for your organization, then you might want to think again. Boredom is a common side effect of our modern workplace and it's an increasingly rampant productivity killer.

By Barbara Delollis: If you were to guess which magazine the staid Marriott chain would team up with for events, the edgy tech publication Wired would likely be low on your list.

By Carmine Gallo: One of the questions Apple Store hiring managers ask themselves while sizing up a potential job candidate is, "Can the individual offer a 5-star luxury hotel level of customer service?" A well-known luxury hotelier is the gold standard of customer service. It makes perfect sense that the Apple Retail Store-the most profitable retailer in America- would benchmark itself against a brand known for its legendary service.

By Jennifer Nagy of jlnpr: In the past, companies' social media outreach has focused mainly on Facebook and Twitter, but today, blogs are becoming an equally important channel.

By Bob Fitzpatrick: In 2012, the casino market continued to see the effects of domestic expansion as states with casino gambling sought growth by adding more properties and new gaming options. Global gaming markets also continued to expand and attract international players.