When travelers think of independent hotels, they imagine quaint B&Bs, historical community gems, and charming settings. For the growing number of travelers seeking a unique experience, this is perfect. Amid the noise of Online Travel Agencies (Expedia, Kayak, etc.), branded hotels, and sponsored ads, how can small properties stand out? Here are five ways for… Read more »
Sustainability in hotels is not a new trend. The demand has grown so high in recent years that an entire industry of “sustainable travel” uses “going green” to create an aura of luxury. Now, sustainable travel is beginning to look less aspirational, and more economical for the hotel industry. Nothing points to sustainability’s staying power… Read more »
The drive-thru industry is transforming. A booming convenience culture, super-charged by a pandemic, has given rise to consumers seeking ways to receive meals faster and with less friction. Yet at the same time, diners also crave a unique and high-quality dining experience. Operations, technologies, and even physical building structures are rapidly evolving to accommodate the… Read more »
Common sense (and countless psychology studies) tells us that positive reinforcement is the best way to motivate, engage, and retain workers. Unfortunately, the fast-paced environments of hospitality make it challenging for leaders to slow down and find time to express gratitude and give kudos to their hardworking staff. While there is no replacement for telling… Read more »
Social media has long been a platform for personal relationships and communication. Now, as the lines between personal and professional spaces are blurring, the digital world of social media is as well. Considering that over 80% of Americans have a social media account, any hospitality professional would be wise to assess how they use social… Read more »
Busy restaurant owners might be hesitant to jump into yet another social media platform, but TikTok is becoming difficult to ignore. Considering it gains eight new users every second, has low competition for exposure, and has an algorithm that focuses on pushing content to users nearby, it is a perfect place for restaurants of all… Read more »
It’s no secret that LinkedIn is a hotspot for recruiting and networking, even for frontline managers in Hospitality. And if used correctly, even Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can become an asset to those looking to strengthen their professional reputation. However, if used incorrectly, these platforms can stall the career of even the most talented hospitality… Read more »
First, there was Cryptocurrency, then there was talk of the metaverse. Now everyone is discussing NFTs (or non-fungible tokens). At first, these all seem like concepts only applicable to tech industries or gaming forums. But some notable restaurant chains like Mcdonald’s and Panera have jumped in on these virtual trends, including NFTs. While the practical… Read more »
When Mark Zuckerburg proclaimed that the metaverse is “the next chapter in the internet” last summer, the hotel professionals began to wonder: Should we be worried? First of all: The “meta-verse” isn’t even real…yet. So, no, hotels do not need to overhaul their operations overnight. And no, virtual reality is not going to make the… Read more »
It’s no secret that during COVID travelers put a premium on cleanliness and flexibility. Now, as travelers plan post-pandemic trips, their priorities seem to have shifted. But hotels have already made drastic changes to their operations and staffing to address the needs of the pandemic. Here is how the previous changes will help (or hinder)… Read more »