Social Networking

As the self-booking trend continues to gain momentum in the hotel segment, it is imperative for operators to build an innovative Web presence, in conjunction with new online technology strategies, to capture online revenue. The Strathcona Hotel, recipient of the 2008 eMarketer of the Year award, shares its Web reservation generating secrets.

Hotel Check-In is the latest online community from USA TODAY that features forums dedicated to delivering hotel news, consumer advice and information on hotel industry trends for frequent business travelers.

TravelCLICK launches a new personalized program designed to harness the viral power of social networks, such as Facebook, Bebo, and StudiVZ, to connect hotels with new target audiences worldwide.

The emergence of Web 2.0 is transferring brand buzz power into the hands of customers through new marketing strategies and applications such as social networking, cell phones and more. Hospitality Technology sits down with Don Zimmerman, CIO of the newly formed Wendy's/Arby's Group, to discuss which technology trends hold the biggest potential for driving customer loyalty in the emerging marketing landscape, and why. 

On the loyalty battlefield, systems that once tracked guest preferences after they've gone are losing out to newer applications powered by predictive loyalty tools. Learn how hotels and restaurants are leveraging targeted offers, the power of partners, and mobile communication to boost customer traffic.

Ernst & Young identifies the ten key trends that will shape the hospitality industry in 2009 in its most recent report. Green practices, globalization and business development are just some of the trends that make the list.

The MileStone Internet Marketing company predicts that 2009 will bring many challenges and opportunities for hotels. From blogs to video, the company outlines its online marketing predictions and recommendations.

Lifeware TEK's i-COOK Professional is an online platform that provides restaurant operators with multiple capabilities to manage their food costs through recipe management, menu engineering, social networking and more.