By William Bellis: In layman’s terms, responsive design generally means that a website (one URL/website address) responds to the device or screen on which it’s being viewed.  The site morphs to better accommodate the resolution and size of the screen — from site layout, to size of imagery, even to the amount of copy in some instances.  So whichever of the four screens — PC/laptop, tablet, smartphone or Internet TV — a travel shopper is using, the site will look custom built for that screen.

It seems with every passing year, a new and innovative spa trend is revealed, from bathing in beer to salt-iodine caves mimicking the effect of the Black Sea. And the spa treatments tipped for 2013 look set to be just as inventive, from 'mindfulness massages' to vitamin C-infused showers.

By Genevieve Shaw Brown: The latest tech trend in the hotel industry is taking tech away. Or, at least, giving guests a place to take a break from their gadgets. Last month Marriott and Renaissance began testing "Braincation Zones" at eight hotels across the Caribbean and Mexico, providing guests with designated tech-free areas. The Braincation Zones differ between properties, but all are located in quiet areas with beverages, technology-free games and stress-free tips for guests to take home with them.

TripAdvisor® today announced the winners of its 2013 Travelers’ Choice® awards for hotels. In its 11th year, the awards have identified the most outstanding properties worldwide, in the categories of Top Hotels, Luxury, Bargain, Service, Small Hotels, and B&Bs and Inns.

By Alan Campbell: It is a hotel’s reputation that makes it successful, and as long as you can maintain or improve that reputation, no amount of competitors will be able to empty your rooms.

By Jacques Bughin:  A lot of companies congratulate themselves on having a "social media presence" — by which they mean a Twitter following and Facebook likes and a marketing plan that uses social networks. But some 70% of the extra profit to be made through social technologies has nothing to do with marketing. It's in areas of the company such as knowledge management, innovation, communication, and better integration with the supply chain.

Travellers in the region rely heavily on internet reviews for travel decision-making.

By Julie Rains: The upsell — a sales pitch to move a customer from an average selection, moderately priced to an outstanding selection at a premium price — can boost sales and profits. But does selling up simply mean pushing customers to buy a higher priced trinket? If you answered “yes,” you may be trying too hard. And you’re most likely missing opportunities to make the connections that invite trust and enable the genuine upsell that happens without even trying.

By John Hendrie: It was suggested by an article in December’s CRM  magazine that by 2014 some 10% to 15% of positive on-line reviews will be fake and paid for by companies hoping to influence the marketplace. This includes social media sites, as well, like Yelp and YouTube. That’s right, people will be paid to write good news about an establishment; they will not have been a guest at all.  Let’s not forget that wily competitors may be doing just the opposite!

By Claudette Covey: After a dip in demand over the past couple of months, group occupancy is once again beginning to increase, according to data from the December 2012 TravelClick North American Hospitality Review (NAHR).