This is the archive for January 2006
Improve on your email marketing prowess
Karen Gedney takes a look at what it takes to be a good email copywriter and offers the following tips:
- Funnel Your Creativity Into the Subject Line
- Know Your Template
- Activate the Impulse to Buy
- Divide and Conquer
- E-Mail Assignments Are Like Mini Masterpieces
Read the whole story here:
What It Takes to Be a Good E-Mail Copywritertags:
ecommerce
Improving Sales Through Customer Satisfaction
CRM Daily discusses ways in which you can effectively employ CRM to improve your Sales results.
To quote:
"It's your task to define what customer behavior you want, and then it's up to you to clearly define that behavior to your sales staff, getting feedback, studying results, and making changes as necessary."
Read the whole story here:
Improving Sales Through Customer Satisfaction - Sales Force -tags:
sales
What Your Worst Customers Teach You About Loyalty
Jill Griffin looks at what insights even our worst customers, or the more disloyal ones can provide into the issue of "loyalty". Some of the types discussed include:
Rule Breakers: Not Playing Fair,
Churn Makers: Unwittingly Encouraging Volatility?,
'Bought-Aways': Lowest Price at a High Cost and
Variety Seekers: Easily Bored but Important
Read the whole article here:
What Your Worst Customers Teach You About Loyalty | MarketingProfs.comtags:
hospitality
Which places will travllers flock to this year?
Some of the places that will pique the interest of travellers in 2006, according to travel experts:
Africa, Antarctica, China, Eastern Europe, India, Nicaragua, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and South America.
Read the whole article here:
Full steam ahead for global voyagers - Los Angeles Timestags:
travel
01/28/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Travel
No comments | Permalink |
World Tourism Organization forecasts 4-5% rise in travel in 2006
Madrid based World Tourism Organization expects that travel will increase by 4-5% in 2006, up from 808 million arrivals in 2005.
Read the original article:
USATODAY.com - Tourism group sees 4-5% rise in travel in 2006tags:
travel
01/28/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Travel
No comments | Permalink |
Starwood Hotels' New Brand - Aloft - sees applications roll in
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide announced at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) in Los Angeles this week that it has received five applications from developers to build Aloft Hotels, a select-service brand Starwood unveiled last summer that focuses on Gen X travelers.
Read the whole article here:
Starwood Receives Five Applications for Aloft Hotelstags:
hospitality
01/28/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Development
No comments | Permalink |
Carlson Wagonlit Travel tells us What Business Travellers really want
A recent global business travel survey by CWT tells us what Business Travellers really want when it comes to travel...
Excerpt:
Security queues and flight delays top the list as the events that most negatively affect travel. Also, the majority of business travellers do not want mobile phone use allowed in-flight. As for travel managers, they say expectations from top management are cost savings and globalisation of the travel programme.
These are among the findings of the Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) global business travel survey, the “CWT Business Travel Indicator.” The survey was commissioned by the travel management leader to gauge attitudes and perceptions of business travellers and corporate travel managers about the current and future state of business travel. The survey randomly sampled opinions of 2,100 business travellers and 650 travel managers, both CWT and non-CWT customers, in 12 countries.
Read the whole story here:
Breaking Travel News: What business travellers wanttags:
travel
01/26/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Travel
No comments | Permalink |
Travelocity Acquires Full Ownership of ZUJI Continuing Its Global Expansion
In a move that further strengthens its global presence and positions it for additional growth in the Asia-Pacific region, Travelocity has acquired complete ownership of ZUJI, the leading online travel company in the Asia-Pacific region. ZUJI includes operations in Australia, Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan.
Travelocity and its affiliates previously owned, directly and indirectly, approximately 13.63% of ZUJI. In the transaction completed on Jan. 24, 2006 in Singapore, Travelocity purchased the remaining shares in ZUJI from Abacus International Pte. Ltd. and AGC Holdings Ltd., a consortium of 15 airlines in the region, giving Travelocity ownership of 100% of ZUJI. The purchase price was approximately US$34 million.
Winning The Moments of Truth
Rick writes:
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Dear JJ,
This is important, not just because so many operators miss these 'Home Runs' that are just sitting there to be hit, but that the Moments of Truth are the essential fuel for a brand to make an impression. Buying is about emotion, even if we don't want to believe it. In any case, I'm feeling prolific. I also hope you like my Ladder of Raving Fandom
Best Regards
Rick
---
One of the essential elements in every business is to recognize where the Moments of Truth are for your guest. One could make a case that every moment is a crucible which may tip the consumer up or down the Raving Fandom Ladder, which looks something like this:
Fear of the Year: Bird Flu
The New York Times reports that it would take a foolhardy traveller indeed to contract bird flu on their travels. Many misconceptions about the spread of the disease exist .. and a lot of people do not know that currently avian flu can only be contracted by prolonged close contact with live, infected poultry.. something most travellers are usually not in a position to do.
Read the story here (free subscription):
Fear of the Year: Bird Flu - The New York Timestags:
travel
01/24/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Travel
No comments | Permalink |
Former Starwood chief launches luxury hotel brand
USATODAY.com and Reuters report that Barry Sternlicht (former CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts) and owner of Starwood Capital Group, plans to launch a new luxury hotel brand to compete with St.Regis. The new brand will be named Crillon and it's flagship will be the Hotel de Crillon in Paris, which was acquired with the Societe du Louvre acquisition earlier this year.
Read the whole story here:
USATODAY.com - Former Starwood chief launches luxury hotel brandtags:
hospitality
01/24/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Development
No comments | Permalink |
Web sites judged in a blink
Everyone knows that a website's design and 'feel' is crucial to attracting and more importantly keeping visitors on your site. Canadian researchers report that it takes users just one-twentieth of a second (less than the time it takes us to blink) to give a website a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on aesthetics.
All the more reason to design right!
Read the whole story here:
CNN.com - Web sites judged in a blink - Jan 17, 2006tags:
ecommerce
2006 online travel spending off to a strong start
Online travel spending is off to a great start in 2006, with more people booking their journeys online.
---
Excerpt:
The growth in 2006 online consumer spending follows a year of solid gains. Total online spending for the full year 2005, including travel, reached $143.2 billion, up 22 percent over 2004. Online non-travel spending in 2005 accounted for $82.3 billion, an increase of 24 percent over 2004 levels.
The 2006 year opened on a strong note, with solid growth of 33 percent in online non-travel sales versus the same period in 2005,” said Gian Fulgoni, chairman of comScore Networks. “It’s clear based on what we’re seeing so far in 2006 that the strength in online sales will not wane anytime soon.”
Read the whole story:
2006 online travel spending off to a strong starttags:
ecommerce
Expedia guarantee comes with conditions
The Expedia Best Price Guarantee that made waves last week seems to have too many strings attached, claim industry experts.
---
Excerpt:
Expedia.com last week unveiled a number of initiatives that the Bellevue online travel service said will set "a new industry standard for empowering consumers in booking travel."
Kayak.com Chief Executive Steve Hafner, whose Norwalk, Conn.-based startup allows consumers to search the Internet for cheap airline fares, seized on that issue last week, calling the number of exceptions in Expedia's guarantee "laughable."
Read the whole story:
The Insider: Expedia guarantee comes with conditionstags:
ecommerce
Google data request fuels fears - Government snooping the end of privacy?
Google is making headlines once again, this time for fighting a U.S. Department of Justice's order to hand over a week's worth of search data.
Though the government says the data, already obtained from Yahoo, AOL and MSN is for an effort to address protection of children against pornography. While the other Search Engines claim that no personally identifiable information relating to customers has been handed over, the issue has stir up a hornet's nest of controversy.
Cached computer data and the like have successfully been used in the past to prosecute people and many fear that the Bush Administration is trying to set a precedent that will allow them to turn to search engines whenever they're on a 'fishing expedition' in the future.
One thing's for sure...the outcome of this battle is going to one that's going to affect us all!
JJ
Read one of hundred's of articles on this issue:
BBC NEWS | Technology | Google data request fuels fearstags:
privacy
01/22/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category IT and Technology
No comments | Permalink |
Expedia.com Best Price Guarantee
Expedia.com now offers a Best Price Guarantee on Flights, hotels, vacations, cruises, rental cars, and activities.
---
Excerpt:
What is the Best Price Guarantee?
It's really quite simple: We're committed to bringing you the lowest prices, all the time. If you find a better price online for your exact trip within 24 hours, we'll refund the difference—and we'll give you a $50 travel coupon.
Visit the BPG Page:
Expedia.com Best Price Guarantee: Shop with confidence and enjoy your trip!tags:
ecommerce
Word of Mouth Marketing in Five Easy Steps
A great article that discusses ways to utilize Word of Mouth marketing, with 5 steps titled "Talkers", "Topic", "Tools", "Take Part" and "Track"
---
Excerpt:
Word of mouth marketing (WOM) is an umbrella term for dozens of techniques that can be used to engage and energize customers. WOM includes viral marketing, blogs, communities, loyalty programs, and other techniques that get customers talking about your products.
In many cases, WOM isn't actually "marketing" at all. It's great customer service that earns customer respect. And it's fantastic products that get customers talking about you.
Read the whole article here:
Word of Mouth Marketing in Five Easy Steps | MarketingProfs.comtags:
marketing
Marketers Interested in Small Screen - Mobile Advertising, TV Style
Advertising on Mobile Phones is headed our way! Marketers say they want to target mobile phone users with short television-style ads, possibly in exchange for reduced calling rates. This article by the New York Times reports on the issue, including serious privacy concerns.
JJ
Read the whole article here:
Marketers Interested in Small Screen - New York Timestags:
marketing
01/21/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category IT and Technology
No comments | Permalink |
E-Mail Hits and Misses
Consumers request plenty of product information by e-mail. Unfortunately, many do not get what they ask for.
According to responses compiled by Quris from more than 2,500 consumers on a Harris Interactive panel, a gap exists between the information consumers ask for by e-mail and what they get.
Surprisingly, although 77% of consumers report wanting to receive offers from marketers — and you would think that is exactly what marketers would want to send — only 8% reported getting them.
Read the whole article here:
E-Mail Hits and Missestags:
ecommerce
The Great Firewall of China
Censorship in China has always been a hot, but little-debated issue, especially outside the country. This article discusses the issue..and how technology may just give censors the slip...
---
Excerpt:
"It’s no secret that Western Internet companies have to hew to the party line if they want to do business in China. Google, Yahoo!, and scores of other outfits, both domestic and foreign, have made concessions to China’s censors. The latest high-profile example: In December, Microsoft’s MSN shut down a Chinese blogger’s site at the government’s request."
Read the whole story here:
The Great Firewall of Chinatags:
IT
01/21/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category IT and Technology
No comments | Permalink |
Hoteliers: Include these five points to your contracts with event planners
Meetings and events are an important source of revenue for hotels and may account for a big percentage of some properties' bottom line. Renée Lane-Kunz discusses five basic points that must be included in contracts with event and meeting planners, including rates, cancellation policies, washdown, indemnity and payment clauses.
JJ
Read the whole article here:
Hoteliers: Include these five points to your contracts with event planners - 2006-01-16tags:
sales
Time management techniques for the overburdened
We're all familiar with work overloads and stress at the workplace. As company staffing becomes leaner, the workloads for remaining staff increase in inverse proportion. And in today's high-tech world, it's very easy to get overwhelmed by information... So how do we cope with all this?
This article emphasizes the need for us to work smarter, not harder, to cope with this changing dynamic in the workplace.
Read the whole article here:
How to work smarter, not just harder - Small Business - MSNBC.comtags:
management
01/19/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Human Resources
No comments | Permalink |
Hotel Sales Audits Close Gap Between Training and Performance
Doug Kennedy discusses the benefits of Internal Sales Audits.
Excerpt:
"Hotel sales audits are a great tool for closing the gap between what today's meeting/function planners truly want versus what they actually experience. Sales audits go beyond looking at the verbal exchange between the prospect and salesperson, allowing hotels to measure their team's overall sales effectiveness."
Read the whole article here:
Hotel Sales Audits Close Gap Between Training and Performance - By Doug Kennedy :: Hotel News Resourcetags:
sales
Bedbug fiasco prompts a "Bedding Review Website"
The recent bedbug fiasco that happened in the US has prompted 'Healthy Hotels Guide' to build a website that will rate hotel mattresses and bedding. The site, which is planned for launch in June 2006, hopes to guide guests on certified, sanitary hotels they can trust and also eductate them about hygience and other related issues in the hotel / hospitality industry.
Hotels watch out! Amazing what a revolution such small insects can spark, isn't it? :)
JJ
Read more at HotelChatter:
Finally, Someone Decides to Grade Hotel Bedding || HotelChattertags:
hospitality
Jumeirah targets North America for it's growth
The popular Jumeirah Group, part of Dubai Holding is setting its eyes on the North American market for it's next growth opportunities. Jumeriah has a planned roll-out of 40 hotels over the next 4 years and at least 5 luxury hotels are planned for North America. Jumeriah also recently took over management of the famous Essex House Hotel in NY, replacing Starwood Hotels & Resorts as the operator fo the 605 room hotel (bearing the Westin and St.Regis brands).
Read the original article here:
Jumeirah To Build Hotels In U.S.tags:
hospitality
01/19/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Development
No comments | Permalink |
What The #$*#@%!!#$%!!!! - Get Mad, Get WOW
by Rick Hendrie (reproduced with permission from the author)
When I speak to groups I am struck by two things, the eager yearning I see in many faces to elevate their game, to ‘Get To WOW’ and a cloud of doubt that lurks, peeking out through the sudden downcast motion of the eyes. The way to WOW sounds right. By God, it IS right, but the obstacles seem so large, the inertia to remain in stasis so profound that action appears doomed. So, let me reiterate the basic mantra, “WOW is not nice to do, it is a Must Do Proposition”. How do you get the forward momentum? Get mad at the barriers which have held you back. Stand up, look in the mirror and shout, “What The #$*#@%!!#$%!!!!”
Starwood Bets on China Boom, Expects 60% increase in number of properties by 2007
Forbes.com reports that Starwood is planning to grow substantially in the Chinese marketplace. Starwood Hotel & Resorts Inc., which has over 430 properties in North America but only 24 in China, expects to grow this number to 40 by end 2007.
Starwood's portfolio mainly comprises of luxury brands like Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, Luxury Collection, Four Points, St.Regis and the recent Aloft and Le Meridien additions. With the unprecedented growth in China's economy, the company hopes to target rich Chinese patrons and those with better discretionary incomes as a result of the boom.
The article also discusses the challenge of management vs franchise options opted for by investors in China.
JJ
Visit Forbes.com for the original article:
In Bed With China's Traveling Rich - Forbes.comtags:
hospitality
01/18/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Development
No comments | Permalink |
Online Marketing - Fourth Annual Wisdom Report
This is a free report offered by MarketingSherpa.com and contains results from 110 organizations. It covers topics like:
- Email campaign segmentation test results
- Search marketing lessons
- Offline advertising and marketing lessons
- Web site design and landing page lessons
- Business-to-Business marketing campaign lessons
- Office politics and job searching tips for a successful marketing career
Get the free report here:
MarketingSherpa.com : Practical News & Case Studies on Internet Advertising, Marketing & PRtags:
ecommerce
Hotels wake up to the lifestyle trend - Starwood, Mariott and Hilton lead the way
Hotel chains are realizing the crucial need to differentiate the guest experience and create a lasting impression... Since the tourism bounceback a lot of new development had occured and a lot of money has been spent on upgrading and renovating facilities - but very little attention paid to brand positioning and the "lifestyle" focus. This is surely a keystone to a marketing edge in the hospitality business.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc., Marriott International Inc. and Hilton Hotels Corp. have all announced initiatives towards differentiation, using technology and tweaked CRM approaches.
Some examples of announced changes include Marriott's new lobby design, Starwood's tie-up with Yahoo! and a major ad campaign by Hilton, including extensive TV advertising (the first in over a decade).
One thing is clear in today's market - you've really got to capture your guests' hearts and minds .. and emotion-based marketing tends to do that best.
JJ
Read the full story on Reuters: "Hoteliers search for ways to stand out from rivals"
National, World and Business News | Reuters.comtags:
hospitality
Google Tests Local Ads on Maps - Starwood and Interncontinental chains participating
Clickz.com reports: "Google is experimenting with plotting local advertisers' locations on its Maps product, giving marketers a visual and spatial accompaniment to their locally targeted ads."
This is a great functionality - so far it has been reported that the Starwood and Intercontinental brands are participating in testing.
Try it out for yourself:
Visit Google Local and search for "hotels" in/near New York (
Link)
This will give you a list of hotels in the area with positional markers..clicking on the markers gives you more information about the hotel. Logos may also be included in the future, by Google.
JJ
Read the original article:
Google Tests Local Ads on Mapstags:
hospitality
Converting 3rd Party Bookers - by hook or crook?
Neil Salerno analyses the trend among hotels and airlines of "punishing" 3rd party bookers in order to coax them into booking directly.
The article makes some valid points, esp. regarding discrimination to influence a desired outcome...which is never a good strategy for an effective long-term relationship!
I believe a lot of what is said however, applies well to the smaller - medium segment of the market. When considering larger hotel chains who already have a considerable investment / base in online marketing and tools, it makes sense to shift as many bookers as possible to direct channels...it's far less expensive per booking! Also another factor that must be considered is the market and competition..and unusual conditions like prevalent, legal rate cartels (just visit the Middle East :)) Oh..and the BRG (Best Rates Guarantee) trend hasn't just been a trend-bandwagon...it's really done its job, at least for those chains who're dedicated to an honest, no small-print approach.
In the end though, we just have to take the right approach...never forgetting we're in the "Hospitality" industry and are selling "experiences"!
JJ
Read the article:
Shame, Shame, Shame on You! Shortsighted Thinking is a Terrible Thing - By Neil Salerno :: Hotel News Resourcetags:
hospitality
The Waldorf eyes chain hotel possibilities
The popular Waldorf-Astoria, owned by Hilton since 1949 is expected to launch a branded chain, which will include various luxury hotels and resorts.
Read the story:
USATODAY.com - Waldorf turns lavish brand into chaintags:
hospitality
01/18/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Development
No comments | Permalink |
Eastern Europe to give the western bit a run for their money in 2006
Hotel investors predict that Eastern European markets will give their more established peers in Western Europe a run for their money on trading performance this year says a report by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. The research that has surveyed 2,000 of the world’s principal investors and owners of hotel and resort properties, found that the majority are keen to hold on to their European hotel assets with a third looking to buy in the short term.
Read the whole storytags:
hospitality
01/17/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Development
No comments | Permalink |
Just What Is Customer Experience Management, Anyway?
A growing number of books and articles are actively promoting the concept of Customer Experience Management (CEM).
When we look at the nature of Customer Experience Management, there are essentially five key areas that CEM practitioners or "Experience Architects" examine. While these are broken down by consultants in slightly different ways, based on individual methodologies, they can be described, at a high level, as follows:
1. The Customer
2. The Environment
3. The Brand
4. The Platform
5. The Interface
Read the whole article here:
Just What Is Customer Experience Management, Anyway? | MarketingProfs.comtags:
hospitality
Marriott eyeing conversions for growth
Marriott International Inc. plans to grow by converting hotels into its brands, but it may acquire new chains as well, Chief Operating Officer William Shaw said on Thursday.
Shaw told Reuters that the company, which owns the Ritz-Carlton, Courtyard and Marriott brands among others, did not have to buy another hotel chain as it had a diverse portfolio. "It's not that we need a segment."
Shaw said that Marriott had plans for more than 60,000 rooms, including expansions internationally. He said the company expected to add 25,000 to 30,000 rooms every year over the next three years.
Read the full story on Reuters.comtags:
hospitality
01/16/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Development
No comments | Permalink |
SkyScanner Beta - Budget airline booking search for Europe and Australasia
SkyScanner have unveiled a preview of the latest version of its flight search engine. Via a link from the current SkyScanner homepage, you can now explore a faster, simpler and more accurate version of the award winning flight search engine. Check it out at:
http://beta.skyscanner.net/
Features Tour
tags:
airlines
Branding: Setting the Standards
The author discusses the clash between brand parameters and creativity..and how to come out on top.
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The trick for any brand is to define the standard but not to stifle innovation. The brands need to ensure the expectation of the guest is satisfied but also that the ‘wow’ factor and sense of theatre the best hotels have is also there. This needs clear criteria for how a room is presented to the guest and what it must contain to meet the brand standards. Such definitions are often a part of the franchise documentation, which may start with architectural standards (square footage devoted to the bedroom for example) and proceed to set performance criteria for the furnishing items in the room.
Read the whole articletags:
hospitality
Avian Flu: UNWTO calls for caution but says no need for travel restrictions
While the latest outbreak of avian flu in Turkey is not expected to have a serious impact on tourism in the country or the immediate region, the tourism industry must not underestimate the threat and needs to keep preparing for the worst should it occur, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said on Wednesday.
Read the articletags:
travel
01/15/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Travel
No comments | Permalink |
Dubai Hydropolis Construction begins next month
The construction of the $500 million under water hotel will start in the first quarter of this year.
Read the articletags:
hospitality
01/15/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Development
No comments | Permalink |
The Frequent Traveler: Online travel revolution
This article takes a look at the revolution created by the online platform for the airline industry. To quote:
---
Ten years ago only 16 million people had "any experience of using the Internet." Today "more than 400 million passengers book online;
e-ticketing saves the industry $2 billion a year (and paper tickets are set to disappear by 2007). Direct booking saves airlines another $1.2 billion a year in flight reservation fees with the Global Distribution Systems.
Read the full article here:
The Frequent Traveler: Online travel revolution - Travel & Dining - International Herald Tribunetags:
airlines
01/14/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Airlines
No comments | Permalink |
Priceline.com Announces Significant Web Site Improvements Giving Customers More Ways to Save on Travel
NORWALK, Conn., Jan 09, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Since opening its doors in 1998, priceline.com (Nasdaq: PCLN) has saved customers more than $5.5 billion* on their travel purchases. Today, priceline.com made a commitment to increase those savings with the launch of a significant web site redesign and service upgrades that give customers even more choices when it comes to finding the right travel products at the right price.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Asia Pacific tie up with Travelocity
Starwood Hotels and Resorts throughout Asia Pacific are the newest members of Travelocity’s industry-leading global Net Rate Hotel programme and will be featured on Travelocity’s hotel and TotalTripSM shopping engines.
The deal gives millions of consumers worldwide access to Starwood’s many brands throughout the region, including the newly-acquired Le Meridien properties.
Read the full story here:
Starwood Asia Pacific taps Travelocitytags:
hospitality
Loyalty Leaders grow faster and are more efficient
Research indicates that "Loyalty Leaders," or companies with strong customer relationship programs, grow faster and are more efficient than the industry average, an expert says. Strong customer relationship management can help achieve that, and the author offers a list of resolutions for 2006 to become a "Loyalty Leader."
- Begin (re-energize) my CRM initiative
- Make my customer database the foundation of my marketing efforts
- Identify my most profitable customers
- Integrate all my marketing efforts – customer service, sales, advertising, public relations, direct marketing to focus on the customer
- Establish metrics to determine the success of my CRM program
- Allocate my marketing budget to programs and media that offer my hotel the greatest return on investment (ROI)
- Romance my most profitable customers before, during and after their stay
- Employ “best practices” including permission based marketing to build strong relationships
- Expect it will take some time to start realizing a return on my CRM effort
- Seek the integrated marketing and technical expertise needed to ensure my CRM initiative is successful
Read the whole article:
Hospitality Net - Industry News - Luxury Hotelier's 2006 Top Ten CRM Resolutions | By Madigan Pratttags:
hospitality
Sheraton and Yahoo team up to test Net Cafe concept
Sheraton (Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide) is teaming up with Yahoo to test new Yahoo Internet lounges at two Sheraton hotels. The lounges, opening at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina and the Sheraton Boston, will expand on the business center concept to be part Internet cafe, with free wireless Internet access and desktop workstations.
Sheraton, Yahoo offer free lobby Internet | CNET News.com
Press Release:
Yahoo! and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Help Guests Stay Connected with Yahoo! Link @ Sheraton tags:
hospitality
01/14/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category IT and Technology
No comments | Permalink |
Personalized Guest Services with Mariott
Marriott International has implemented new personalized services allowing guests to input a code when they reserve a room that will identify their personal preferences on room type, special requests, method of payment and Marriott Rewards accounts. The chain is also launching a pre-arrival e-mail system, providing guests who sign-up with information on weather, transportation and events during their stay.
Source:
Marriott Unveils Cross-Brand Traveler Profile Servicetags:
hospitality
100 Best Companies to Work For - Hospitality Chains
Hospitality companies on Fortune magazine's annual 100 Best Companies to Work For list:
- Four Seasons,
- Station Casinos and
- Marriott International
See the list here:
Fortune: 100 Best Companies to Work Fortags:
hospitality
01/14/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Human Resources
No comments | Permalink |
Hilton launches 1 Billion Dolllar Campaign "Travel should take you places"
The purpose of the "Re-ignition" campaign is to connect with the customer on an emotional level, instead of just listing a series of amenities that the Hilton hotels have to offer.
The campaign will focus on the concept that "travel should facilitate meaningful experiences" and how Hilton plays into that connection. The ad campaign is called "Travel should take you places" and will begin Jan. 15 on TV, online and in print publications.
Read the full article here:
Lodging & Conventions - bizjournals.comtags:
hospitality
Strongest Leg Of Industry Recovery Yet To Come, Says Analyst
According to Harry Curtis (JP Morgan Chase analyst), the industry has moved into the longest and strongest leg of the lodging up-cycle. Revenue and EBITDA outperformance could last three-five more years and stock outperformance could last another two-three years. JP Morgan Chase estimates higher than expected RevPAR growth of 9%, compared to other analysts' forecasts of 8%. Through 2007, the firm sees supply growth in most destinations of 1% or less, while room demand grows at 3-4%.
Sourcetags:
hospitality
Comments for non-members disabled
Dear Blog members and users,
Due to the huge amount of comment spam received on the blog over the past few days, I've disabled the comments feature for non-members. This means that only members can post comments on the blog, when logged in.
Also, please restrict copying from source articles to a big extent...I know I've made the mistake quite a few times. This is to avoid any copyright infringements. It's ok to quote pieces of articles or to quote the content in your own words. Also, a link to the original source is recommended for any references and quotes.
Thanks for the great content, comments and your participation!
Best regards,
JJ
01/14/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category General
No comments | Permalink |
The State of Search Engine Marketing
New research from SEMPO sheds light on what's happening in the search marketing industry today, from the size of the industry to key trends that will shape the year ahead.
The SEMPO sponsored survey was conducted by Radar Research, LLC and Intellisurvey, and drew 553 respondents. This is the second annual industry-wide survey; last year's 2004 State of the Search Marketing Industry was released a little more than a year ago.
The report had both predictable findings and a few surprises. According to the study, the U.S. and Canadian SEM industry has grown from $4 billion to $5.75 billion, with paid placement accounting for 83% of the total spend.
Read the article here:
Search Engine Watchtags:
hospitality
I Want My Boarding Pass!
Travelers who book through an online agent don't always get a fair shake; fly, ritzy little robin, fly! (1/16/06)
Michele Cennamo was planning to surprise her cousin by taking her on a weeklong vacation in the Bahamas for her 60th birthday last fall. The Manhattan legal assistant had reserved a room at the Atlantis, a high-rise hotel on Paradise Island, through Expedia, the online travel site. "I was looking forward to walking along the beach and hanging out by the pool," she says.
Read the whole article here:
USNews.com: Travelers who book through an online agent don't always get a fair shake; fly, ritzy little robin, fly! (1/16/06)tags:
hospitality
Navigant to maintain TQ3 branding and worldwide network
Navigant International, Inc., the second largest provider of corporate travel management services in North America based on airline tickets sold, provided an update on Friday regarding the previously announced agreement with TQ3 Travel Solutions Management Holding GmbH, to terminate the joint venture agreement under which they co-managed TQ3 Travel Solutions GmbH. TQ3 Travel Solutions Management Holding GmbH also transferred its interest in TQ3 to Navigant, making Navigant the sole owner of TQ3.
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Navigant to maintain TQ3 branding and worldwide networktags:
hospitality
01/09/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Travel
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Today's hotels: Check in, turn on, tech out
Bloody Mary on draught... optical scan door keys... and rooms that remember your name - as Rob Waugh reveals, they are all realities in today's sci-fi hotels. Don't miss live every week in The Mail on Sunday
You know how it is - after a long, exhausting flight, you and your partner have finally stepped into the calm of a hotel foyer.
You want everything to be already in place, arranged exactly as you like it - and in this modern age, is that too much to ask?
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Today's hotels: Check in, turn on, tech out | the Mail on Sundaytags:
hospitality
Woe To Thee, If Thou Ain't WOW
Dear Colleagues and Friends in the Hospitality Industry:
We are not here to sell rooms!!! Our job is to sell "experiences"! Here is a taste of what I mean:
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"Companies used to focus on making new, better or cheaper products and services - and then selling them in the marketplace. Now, the game is to create wonderful and emotional experiences for consumers around whatever is being sold. It's the experience that counts, not the product…The Goal: to build communities of passionate and loyal consumers…"
— The Best Ideas of 2005, Business Week
Sex appeal a useful marketing move
Sex appeal has a strong marketing allure and hotels can stay "ahead of the curve" by responding to consumers' needs or dreams. Simply relating to the audience's senses and creating a stimuli that influences their decision can do the trick, an expert says.
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You see, it works. I have your attention! - Whether it be comely lasses, gliding along the beach, or a catch phrase for Las Vegas, 'shussing' the mountain, or Brooke Shields and her Calvin Kleins, we know that sex sells. In our business, we showcase the senses, stimulate the expectations and hopefully deliver the goods - the measure of your Hospitality Performance.
Sex appeal comes in many forms.
Full Article:
Hospitality Has Sex Appeal - By John Hendrie :: Hotel News Resourcetags:
hospitality
Big Plastic's Online Challenger
Gary Marino is giving e-shoppers an alternative to credit cards -- and his Bill Me Later service is catching on. Is it an idea too good to survive?
Here's how it works: When consumers click on the Bill Me Later icon, they're asked for only two bits of information: date of birth and the last four digits of the purchaser's Social Security number.
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Big Plastic's Online Challenger
Hotelier’s 2006 Top Ten Internet Marketing Resolutions
By Max Starkov and Jason Price
In 2006, 27%-29% of all revenues in hospitality will be generated from the Internet (25% in 2005, 20% in 2004). Another 27% of all hotel bookings will be influenced by the Internet, but done offline (call center, walk-ins, group bookings, etc). By the end of 2007, 39% of all travel sales will be online (Merrill Lynch). Are hoteliers taking full advantage of this dramatic channel shift? Has the shift increased commoditization of hotel rooms and the overall experience? Is there such a thing as customer loyalty in this environment? Can one compete with the intermediaries? Has the online channel become the company’s fastest growing revenue channel? Is there more a hotelier can do to compete and succeed? The 2006 Top Ten New Year’s Internet Marketing Strategy Resolutions, presented for a sixth year in a row but in today’s context, by Hospitality eBusiness Strategies (HeBS) provides some of the answers and action steps.
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Hospitality Net - Industry News - Hotelier's 2006 Top Ten Internet Marketing Resolutions | By Max Starkov and Jason Pricetags:
hospitality
Gates Sees 2006 as the Year For 'The Digital Lifestyle'
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4 -- Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates outlined his vision for the future of consumer technology in a major speech Wednesday night at the International Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas as he unveiled an array of new products aimed at the growing appetite for digital entertainment.
During his speech, Gates painted a picture of a digital world in which many devices, including cell phones, computers and televisions, seamlessly complement one another.
Read the original articletags:
IT
01/05/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category IT and Technology
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Gulf region to house 80 new hotels by year 2008
As many as 80 new hotels are being developed in the Gulf to accommodate an increasing flow of inbound traffic for business and leisure travellers.
In all over 25,000 rooms and suites will be added to the existing regional hotel room stock by 2008.
Many international chains are present in the region and others are set to join the fray. A total of 28 chains representing 43 hotel brands will open their doors for business within the next three years, according to GCC Market Review by Kuwait-based Global Investment House, The Gulf Today said in a report.
01/05/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Development
4 comments | Permalink |
How Do You Release Discretionary Energy in Your Employees?
What is discretionary energy? Discretionary energy is the energy an employee uses when going above and beyond the call of duty to complete a task or get the job done. Every employee has discretionary energy. The amount of energy released and employed at work depends on their attitude, how well they enjoy being at work, how they are treated and how they feel about the company.
Discretionary energy can be the difference between doing what is expected and performing in an outstanding manner. Consequently, our people skills and leadership skills play a paramount role in determining whether employees give freely of their discretionary energy. Does that mean that we must let the inmates run the asylum and do whatever they want to make them happy? Of course not. But, it does mean that we must utilize effective leadership skills in dealing with issues, problems and just day to day training, coaching and mentoring.
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CEO Strategist - Release The Discretionary Energy In Your Employeestags:
hospitality
01/05/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category General
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Call centers need exceptional training to represent hotels
Central reservation call centers can be essential for management of call volume, but without proper training, reservation agents may be ill-prepared to respond to customers' specific questions on hotels. Tips for making sure call centers can represent properties well include making sure employees understand the importance of possibly being the first live contact on a hotel, and having supervisors on duty to respond to difficult questions.
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Having Reservations About Central Reservations? - By Roberta Nedry :: Hotel News Resourcetags:
hospitality
What is luxury?
According to the new Luxury Customer Experience Index survey (LCEI) from New York-based Luxury Institute, Mandarin Oriental earned top honors as the luxury hotel brand that delivers "the best customer experience" as rated and ranked by their own wealthy customers. Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons tied for second; St. Regis was a close third.
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Luxury Institute Survey Rates Top Luxury Hotelstags:
hospitality
Who is looking at you online?
This piece gives insight into the best way to set up a hotel Web site to serve an online customer base. Once the online customer segment has been analyzed using customer segmentation, it's much easier to target specific visitors as well as figure out ways to attract any types of customers that are missing.
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The Wired Hotel: Understanding the needs of your most valuable web site visitors - By Jerry Tarasofsky :: Hotel News Resourcetags:
ecommerce
Don't Want to Leave the Hotel? Buy the Room
Vacationers are increasingly investing in condo-hotels in order to have access to the properties when on vacation and rent them out when they're not there. Hotel chains including Marriott, Westin and W Hotels are promoting the arrangements more than ever to raise cash and help pay for construction costs.
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Don't Want to Leave the Hotel? Buy the Room - New York Timestags:
hotels
01/04/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Development
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Boutique hotels look to future
Independent hoteliers Jeff Klein and Tim Miller are working to change the face of boutique hotels by focusing on services and amenities and making existing properties into locations that will endure, instead of becoming lost in the expanse of the growing boutique movement. One historic expert says boutique hotel interiors are becoming less "ultramodern" and becoming more "domestic, and the more historic a property is, the better suited it is to become intimate and cozy."
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The Next Boutique Hotel: History Lesson - Los Angeles | Travel Leisure
01/04/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Development
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For Hotel Staff, Competent Trumps Cute
Good news for us average-looking joes in the industry! ;)
JJ
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Consumers are demanding more efficient and more convenient service from hotel staffs across the nation, as opposed to the cute staff trend of the 1990s, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers hotel consultant Bjorn Hansen.
W Hotels has hired more young people for its front desks, instead of "model types who pose," said W Hotels Worldwide President Ross Klein.
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For Hotel Staff, Competent Trumps Cute - New York Timestags:
hospitality
Hospitality execs look ahead
Three hospitality leaders give their thoughts on major industry challenges in the next 25 years. One hotel general manager said there will be a push to service customers born in the 1980s and 1990s, sometimes known as Millennials, and technology will be an important factor on keeping those travelers engaged.
Read the original article here...tags:
hospitality
This is a new recording: Souped-up wake-up calls
A fresh new look to an old and dreary issue..a lot of hotels are adopting new and creative methods to wake you from the blissful slumber...and are making a positive impact!
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You're in a strange bed when the phone rings, rousing you from sleep. You pick it up and hear a slow drawl saying, "Good morning, this is Tom Bodett using one of mankind's greatest inventions, the telephone, to deliver one of the worst: the wake-up call. Sorry 'bout that."
USATODAY.com - This is a new recording: Souped-up wake-up callstags:
hospitality
Revenue Management 2006 - The Risk and Rewards
I know that you are out there – the ones who will address that nagging worry in the back of their mind after the holiday hoopla is over – can we really achieve that budget in 2006?
The answer is yes and no – there is no reward without risk. If ever there ever was a year with a little wiggle room for taking risks in your revenue management strategy, this is it. Your staff will be looking at you for your risk tolerance and they will follow your lead – what will it be?
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WiredHotelier.com - Industry News - Revenue Management 2006 - The Risk and Rewards | By Carol Verret or visit www.carolverret.com
tags:
revenue,
management
eLong ranks first in China
eLong, Inc., a leading online travel service provider in China, has announced that it was ranked first in the category of Travel Booking Websites in the 2005-2006 China Internet Industry Survey Report Release. It also received the 2005-2006 China Internet Industry Top 100 Award in a ceremony held by the Internet Society of China and co-organized by CCIDConsulting, IDC China, iResearch and Analysys International.
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elong ranks firsttags:
e-commerce
Direct Marketing Tactics Benefit Travel Marketers
A research project indicates that direct, personalized incentives increase consumer retention and purchase follow-through.
It is increasingly apparent that travel consumers love the internet when it comes to travel planning and booking, and it’s safe to say that online marketers play an influential role in their decisions to book trips online.
Read this article by Leah Woolford here:
iMedia Connection: DM Tactics Benefit Travel Marketerstags:
marketing
Holiday Online Shopping Tops $30 Billion
The Goldman, Sachs & Co., Nielsen//NetRatings and Harris Interactive fifth annual Holiday eSpending Report revealed today that online holiday shopping totaled $30.1 billion, excluding travel, during the 2005 holiday season (October 29 - December 23).
This season's online spending in the United States resulted in a 30 percent increase (+/- 3.1 percent margin of error) from the 2004 holiday season.
"Consumers continue to shop later in the online holiday season as their trust in on-time delivery grows. While 2005 holiday sales appear to be at the high end of expectations, continued heightened competition could hurt profitability," said Anthony Noto, Internet and entertainment analyst, Goldman Sachs.
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Retail Merchandiser - Holiday Online Shopping Tops $30 Billion
Top Ten Global Issues and Challenges In the Hospitality Industry for 2006
At the recent ISHC (International Society of Hospitality Consultants) Annual Conference held in San Diego, California, ISHC Members participated in a series of roundtable discussions to identify the ISHC Top Ten Global Issues and Challenges in the Hospitality Industry for 2006. While there were many issues discussed, in the final voting the membership identified the following top ten issues as the ones that can be expected to potentially have the greatest impact on the industry in 2006.
1.Changing Labor Conditions
2.Escalating Operating Costs
3.Impact of Rising Energy Costs on Consumer Travel & Hotel Demand
4.Escalating Renovation and Construction Costs
5.Havoc from Recent Natural Disasters
6.Growing Global Uncertainly About Safety and Security
7.Evolving Customer Expectations
8.Condo-hotels Growing Rapidly
9.Accelerating Change and Merging of Technologies
10.Increasing Consolidation of Hotel Brands/Companies
For additional information on ISHC or the ISHC Top Ten Global Issues and Challenges for 2006, please visit the ISHC web site at www.ishc.com
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What's Newtags:
hospitality
01/03/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category General
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Hilton pulls out of Bahrain after 2 decades - Golden Tulip steps in
INTERNATIONAL hotel chain Golden Tulip has officially taken over the management of the Hilton, with effect from New Year's Day. A management agreement for the 250-room five-star hotel was signed by Golden Tulip with the hotel owning company, Investment & Trading (Gulf) Enterprises, yesterday. Golden Tulip Hotels, Inns and Resorts is headquartered in Amersfoort, the Netherlands and Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Gulf Daily Newstags:
hospitality
01/02/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category Development
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Marriott starts credit check service after losing data tapes
Marriott Vacation Club International (MVCI) this week admitted that data relating to 206,000 of its partners, employees and customers has disappeared. The missing tape storage holds individuals' credit card account information and Social Security numbers. The likes of Citibank, Bank of America and Time Warner all confessed this year to losing tape drives with crucial data as well.
Read the article here: Source:
ehotelier.com News Archivestags:
hospitality
01/02/06 |
Posted by JJ | Category IT and Technology
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Ten Trends To Watch In The Year Ahead
- Demand for leisure travel services will continue to outpace that for business travel
- More leisure travelers will select cruises and timeshares as alternatives to vacations that include conventional lodging
- Activities that promote stress reduction will gain in popularity
- Meetings and conventions will drive the recovery of demand for business travel services
- Expect to be "fired" if you’re not wired
- Air travel will remain remarkably affordable
- Lodging rates will rise
- Travel agents will continue to morph into sellers of "complex" and "high risk" travel products and services
- Consumers' utilization of the Internet will continue to reinvent the distribution and sale of travel services
- Transparent pricing will underscore the urgent need for brand clarity
Read the whole article here (YPBR):
YPB&Rtags:
hospitality
