BLOG POSTS BY THIS AUTHOR
Feb 2019
Feb 08
A Digital Facelift: Micro Apps Yield Macro Results
According to Amy Schultz, Director of Information Systems, Grand View Lodge, the original web-based interface served its initial purpose well but had its limitations.
ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
Aug 2022
Aug 29
Parting ways with Legacy Security Systems
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to verification and authentication issues, but businesses can improve the lives of their customers and employees through the use of passive biometric technology.
Aug 25
Cashierless Experiences Make Businesses More Hospitable
More consumers want a contactless, cashierless checkout experience. But does your hotel have the right software, hardware options to offer it to them?
Aug 25
Appellation Hotels Open with High Tech Marketing, BOH Software
New hotel brand prioritizes tech stack to ensure ROI on personalized marketing, frictionless purchases and easy-to-use BOH software.
Aug 25
Overcoming Technical Hurdles to Flexible Payment Processing
As more consumers look to use “buy now, pay later” payment options, hoteliers need to ascertain whether or not they have the software and hardware in place to accommodate this trend.
Aug 24
It's Time for Travel Brands to Modernize and Democratize Loyalty Programs
It’s hard for consumers these days to get excited about earning enough points for an upgrade or a free flight. Here are three ways travel brands can make their loyalty programs more appealing.
Aug 23
Online Check-in Creates More Space for Personal Interaction
By using the right technology hotels can save time in administrative work resulting in increased efficiency and creating more time for personalization and personal interaction with guests.
Aug 23
Accessing New Customers and Revenues: Traveling with Disabilities in Mind
The rise of the internet led to the age of information, especially for travel and tourists. However, information on accessibility for disabled Americans has been woefully forgotten by hotel and travel websites.
Aug 22
How the Travel Industry Can Better Prepare to Meet the Needs of Today’s Travelers
Savvy travel and hospitality companies should continue leveraging technology to understand who their customers are, what they want in the moment and uncover insights that can drive customer conversions and overall experiences.
Aug 22
Understaffed and Overworked in Hospitality: Is Automation the Answer?
Companies are beginning to recognize the opportunities that lie with developing “phygital” solutions for hospitality businesses that drive revenue, streamline operations and improve the customer experience.
Aug 22
Is Your Hotel Website Recession Proof?
Make proactive decisions now to experience benefits in the long term.
Aug 18
SeaPods: Giving A New Meaning to Ocean Front Living
These floating homes are loaded with technology and sustainability.
Aug 17
Modernizing Your UC Is All About Smart Investments
Smart investments in your UC solution can open your doors to contactless check-in, voice AI integrations, and simplified staff training.
Aug 16
What Can Hotels Learn from Short-Term Rental Technology Innovation?
Flexibility is key. Here's why and how.
Aug 16
GBTA: Technology Tops the Travel Manager’s Agenda
New study from GBTA and FCM reveals the latest tech trends and changing role in how travel managers can serve their companies and business travelers.
Aug 16
Choice Hotels Launches 'Choice Direct Pay'
New direct invoicing option streamlines booking and billing process for corporate travelers.
Aug 16
The Most Important Online Feature Hotels Forget About
The online booking experience is in a desperate need of a makeover. Here are some important tips on what you can do right now to fix it.
Aug 16
Selina’s Inaugural ESG Report Affirms Commitment to Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
Establishes goals for ESG operational standards, measuring greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption, reducing single-use plastic and for implementing social responsibility programs worldwide.
Aug 11
HT Talks Tech: Tess Mattisson, President & CEO, Zaplox
In this exclusive interview, Mattisson discusses her love for the hospitality industry, her motivation for learning new skills, and her thoughts on hiring.
Aug 10
Time for Hoteliers to Assess their Fitness Technology
As we look to the next wave of customer demand, offering guests a tech-driven connected fitness experience will enable guests to workout where and how they want with no disruption to their usual routine.
Aug 09
The Connected World: How Post-Pandemic Technology Trends are Enhancing Revenue Management
The time for revenue managers to maximize rate has come, and they can use technology and trends adopted by hotels and travelers throughout the pandemic to provide better information and act on it faster than was previously possible.
Aug 05
Personalized Prices: The Next Step in Hotels’ Online Presence?
For a long time, hotels have been educated on the benefits of personalized offers. Algorithms can not only can personalize offers but can also pricing.
Aug 04
How Brands Can Reach Travelers This Summer
To successfully reach travelers this season, brands must recognize and respect consumer data, diversify how they interact with consumers and personalize each experience.
Aug 04
Carnival Corporation Upgrading Global Fleet with Fuel- and Energy-Saving Technology
To significantly reduce energy and fuel consumption, upgrades include investments in on-demand automation and controls, cooling enhancements, LED lighting and efficient HVAC systems.
Aug 03
For PARKS Hospitality Holdings Sustainability is Synonymous with Success
PHH aims for its buildings to be smart, eco-friendly and self-sufficient by 2026.
Aug 03
How Conversational AI Can Benefit Your Hotel
In the quest for more, better and searchable data, conversational AI technologies offer a myriad of benefits to hoteliers.
Aug 03
The Hospitality Industry Needs a Data-Driven Approach to Optimize Efficiency
Unsure where to start? Here’s how.
Aug 02
Mews, Salesforce Integration Offers Hoteliers Customer Relationship Holy Grail
By connecting the PMS and CRM, personalizing everything from marketing emails to on-stay communications becomes easy to do.
Aug 02
Virgin Voyages Standardizes on Aruba ESP
Aruba Wi-Fi Network designed to accommodate up to 15k devices so that guests and crew can have a seamless, stress-free experience at sea.
Aug 02
How OTAs Are Failing the Hotel Industry
When OTAs post outdated, incorrect and misleading information, it causes headaches for guests, management and staff.
Aug 01
HFTP Moves Forward to Publish the USALI, 12th Revised Edition, Ends Relationship with AHLA
A combination of unsuccessful negotiations to resolve differences after HFTP refused AHLA unsolicited merger offer and AHLA announcing a competing event over the same dates of HITEC has brought an end to the associations’ relationship.
July 2022
July 29
Hotel Industry Launches Free Trafficking Prevention Training to Mark World Day Against Trafficking Persons
Training developed by Marriott International is free for hotels through support from AHLA Foundation.
July 29
AHLA Foundation Shares Current, Future Anti-Trafficking Plans for Hotel Industry
July 30th marks nine years since the UN designated it as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This year’s theme: The Use and Abuse of Technology.
July 29
HT-NEXT 2021 Excerpt: How Can Technology Stop Traffickers?
Panelists discussed how technology could be used to help stop human trafficking from happening within hotels.
July 28
A Hotelier’s Perspective of HITEC
During the 50th anniversary of HITEC, HT caught up with Max Spangler, Director of Technology, Charlestowne Hotels to see why he attends HITEC.
July 28
The Metaverse Is Just a New Way to Deliver the Same Old Content
Don’t get distracted by the glitz and glamor, it’s just another way to interact with consumers. But there are some important steps you need to take to get you there.
July 28
The Chedi Andermatt Enters the Metaverse with Worldline
Tech-savvy travelers will be able to visit a new virtual showroom and book three exclusive packages for future stays at the five-star deluxe hotel.
July 27
Report: Hotels' Recovery Continues, Workforce Challenges Remain
AHLA’s 2022 Midyear State of the Hotel Industry forecasts 2022 nominal room revenue, state & local taxes will exceed 2019 levels.
July 26
Gen-Z Leads Comeback of Travel Spending: Here is What They Want When It Comes to Hotels
Attracted to unique experiences, flexibility, and convenience, the super tech-savvy Gen Z market could be the strongest potential growth opportunity for hotels.
July 26
Fraud Protection for Hoteliers: What You Need to Know
As many businesses prepare for a potential recession, hoteliers and resort managers can arm themselves against rising fraud costs through education, awareness and prevention.
July 26
Leisure Travelers Prefer Hotels Over Holiday Rentals and Prioritize Cost Over Brand Loyalty
Lucidworks surveyed travellers to understand their challenges and preferences around how, where, and why they book flights, hotels, and cruises.
July 25
HITEC 2022 Show Floor Insights
Solution providers discuss how the industry is evolving and where they see technology heading.
July 25
WTTC: 412,000 Travel & Tourism Jobs Across the U.S. Will Remain Unfilled Unless Urgent Action Is Taken
Workforce shortages projected to peak during 3Q 2022; some relief expected later this year and into 2023.
July 20
WTTC Says New Data Signals the Recovery of International Travel to the U.S.
After testing removal, inbound international flight bookings to the U.S. see 93% surge, however, recovery still lags other international travel destinations and pre-pandemic levels.
July 20
What I Learned About Ransomware at HITEC 2022
Planning for a ransomware attack is like planning for your own funeral: No one wants to do it, but everyone is better off because of it.
July 19
The Problem with Your App
Hospitality brands have struggled to fully leverage the power of their native apps to seamlessly deliver guest engagement and revenue. Here’s why and some solutions.
July 19
Marriott Data Breach is a Good Reminder to Review Your Cyber Insurance Coverage
While it’s true that companies are being asked to pay more in exchange for less coverage than they may have received in the past, cyber insurance does have certain benefits.
July 18
Hyatt Names Eben Hewitt Chief Information Officer
Technology thought leader joins Hyatt’s commercial services leadership team to oversee technology, enterprise applications and cybersecurity.
July 14
Web 3.0 Spawns NFTs, Virtual Worlds and a Giant Revenue Opportunity
If Nike can sell a pair of virtual shoes for $186,000, what will people pay for an NFT that grants them exclusive digital and physical perks at your hotel?
July 13
North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Declines as Travel Volume, Room Rates Rise, J.D. Power Finds
Overall hotel guest satisfaction declines 8 points (on a 1,000-point scale) from 2021, driven primarily by dissatisfaction with cost and fees and guest rooms.
July 13
ABS Panel Discussion at HITEC 2022 Reveals Large Disconnect During Booking Between Guests, Hoteliers
Research by Stayntouch and NYU Tisch Center of Hospitality found that 85% of survey respondents weren’t completely sure that a guestroom would come with the features listed.
July 13
Carnival Corporation Releases 2021 Sustainability Report
Company provides updates on its 2030 goals and 2050 aspirations, reflecting progress across environmental, social and governance focus areas.
July 13
Summer Vacations Being Put on Hold Due to Inflation, Gas Prices
Survey from Dave finds that 70% of Americans simply can’t afford to participate in summer trips and activities. Of those who are going to go on vacation, more than one-third of them are planning to get a second job just to pay for it.
July 12
Hotel Online Payments: How to Reshape Your Payment Process
A payment system is not just a tool for enabling transactions. It’s a customer focus technology that can also bring order to your PMS.
July 12
Cruising Is Back: Here’s What the Industry Can Do to Prepare to Set Sail This Summer
Addressing obstacles such as employee shortages, a still evolving pandemic, and everchanging guest demands depends on the adoption of technology to improve profitability, manageability, and day-to-day operations.
July 12
Moxy Hotels Debuts Augmented Reality, Gamification Experience at Asia Pacific Hotels
Guests can create avatars to explore the Moxy Universe and can scan a designated QR marker to unlock a minimum of five challenges throughout the hotel's guestroom and public spaces to win great prizes.
July 12
Give Guests What They Want: Self-Service Options
Whether its via QR codes, mobile apps or web apps – contactless technology drives revenue and guest satisfaction.
July 11
HITEC 2022: Current Crypto Winter Is Actually a Good Thing
"The recent bust has helped wipe out many 'Ponzi' schemes and now that we've gotten through the bubble of stupidity, we can start to really look at how it will benefit business."
July 08
Is Automation the Answer to Hospitality’s Labor Shortage?
It can be. The key lies in having a healthy balance.
July 06
When Big Data Kicks in, Is Excel Still Needed in Hotel Asset Management?
Learn more about the pros and cons that come with both IT software and traditional spreadsheets.
July 06
Why It's Time to Extend Hospitality into the Metaverse
Shifting digital interactions into persistent shared virtual environments will create a whole new world of opportunity for the industry.
July 06
Back to the Future for Hotel Retailing
Embracing predictive AI will help hoteliers win back direct bookings, and improve revenue and customer satisfaction.
July 01
How an Omnichannel POS Platform and Data-Driven Loyalty Program Can Help Hotel Owners Tap into Increased Summer Travel Demand
Following over two years of pandemic-related travel restrictions, hotel operators have an opportunity to significantly boost revenue and guest engagement by leveraging a solid technology stack and enticing rewards program.
July 01
How Hotels and Hospitality Brands can Harness NFT Technology for Better Guest Experiences
As hotel chains look to position themselves to capitalize on the NFT boom, this article explores the potential of NFTs to drive mass innovation in the hotel and hospitality industry.
July 01
Attracting, Managing, and Retaining the Millennial Workforce in Hospitality
As millennials account for 50% of the job market, hospitality firms need to prioritize attracting and retaining this dynamic, young workforce.