Lodging

Hotels fight the battle against workforce miscommunication with six system trends that are efficient and undetectable by guests. Text massaging, Blackberry-type devices and WiFi connectivity top the list.

According to a new report released by PhoCusWright, the online leisure/unmanaged business travel market in the U.S. has matured, while supplier Web sites and online travel agencies appear to have reached relatively stable market share.

In part one of this three part series, Deloitte examined the outlook for the US consumer of hospitality services and offered the first of four marketing and sales functions that will mitigate financial burdens during this downturned economy. In part two, learn how to achieve financial success by improving spending across sales and marketing channels and by re-evaluating customer segments and touch-points.

A hotel's central reservation system is the link to most sales opportunities. Learn how to boost bookings and revenue with a fine-tuned central reservations system.

Research conducted by the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research highlights the direct correlation between workforce scheduling practices and employee job satisfaction. Operators turn to technology to promote keep employees happy and boost guest return visits.

Hotels raise the guest satisfaction bar with in-room technology that promotes a superior guest experience. From loaner iTOUCHs to the next generation of customer relationship management, operators aim to impress through personalization.

Intelity bridges the gap between guest interaction and access to multiple hotel service systems with the launch of a self-service solution that aids guests in planning their hotel stays.

Best Western generates 30 percent more in incremental revenue following an eight week loyalty reward pilot that encouraged guests to upgrade their membership level through increased hotel usage.