Search

This article presents updates on the U.S. hotel industry as of July 2004. Ginn Hospitality's new horizontal management model has been successfully employed at its new $150-million luxury oceanfront resort. The model is built upon a team approach that revolves around the concept of a personal concierge who serves the guest from booking through arrival and departure. The latest Lodging Executives Sentiment Index stands at 77.8, compared to last month's 76.7. Lodging executives continue to be optimistic about future business conditions, and their enthusiasm for future business expansion has steadied as economic conditions continue on The Reservations Expectations Index, in which executives project rooms reservations over the next 12 months as compared to the last 12 months, reads at 91.7, their upward pace. Cendant's Hotel Group hired Erik Sabato as director of sports accounts. He had been owner of Team Lodging, a sports consulting firm. Best Western named David Kong as executive vice president of international operations. Give people what they want is always smart business. That was the strategy Hilton Grand Vacations Co. employed in developing The Hilton Club, an urban timeshare product. The company launched the concept by taking 118 rooms out of the 2,000-plus-room inventory at the convention property and converting them into 78 timeshare units.

Presents newsbriefs related to lodging industry in the United States. Extension of hotel service to clubs; Information on trial closings in hotels; Franchising in the hotel industry. INSETS: Trial Closings Help You Know Where You Stand;The Ultimate Encroachment Solution.

Reports that Fremont, California's enlistment of its landlords in a rent-reduction `scholarship' program to help those on welfare make the transition to work. Likelihood of paying on time and taking care of the units by the recipients of the scholarship; Qualification requirements; Affordable housing as a critical element of the welfare-to-work transition.

The article offers steps for effective hotel marketing in the U.S. When marketing hotels to customers, hotel managers are advised to first look at their product, its strengths and weaknesses from the customers' point of view. Other factors that should be considered include the strengths and weaknesses of each competitor, the market segments that are generating business for their hotels and competitors, and the market position of their hotels. The author also discusses the considerations that should be included when writing a marketing plan for different market segment, and recommends constant monitoring of progress and adjustment of plans.

The article focuses on the failure of some hotels in the U.S. in formulating and implementing their marketing strategies. According to the author, majority of hotels are poorly marketed and they are not ready with strategies for the tough times because they have not learned the basics of marketing. He notes that most hotels do not have real marketing program, reflecting to his visit at some hotels where owners and managers did not know about their marketing plan. He suggests that managers should be knowledgeable and have experience in the field because marketing a hotel is a complex task.

This article addresses several advertising misconceptions in the U.S. Many people honestly believe that advertising does not work and never give it another thought. Thinking of people who consider themselves to be excellent marketing people yet do not believe in the power of advertising, it is a wonder how they can go through their entire careers with misconceptions about the basics of their profession. When someone says that they do not advertise and just rely on word of mouth to get the word out, it usually implies that the speaker uses word of mouth instead of media advertising. Media advertising is the essential that gets word-of-mouth going in full force. Before the launch of advertising and other marketing activities, ensure that the product is capable of producing positive word of mouth. If it cannot, it will be driven into bankruptcy. Most people in hotel sales and marketing have the occasion to use advertising. Taking a course on the basics of advertising can be very helpful to the industry.

Compares Web-based sales and marketing training courses and live seminars for the U.S. hotel industry. Advantages of Web-based seminars; Suggestions regarding role playing with real prospects; Concerns in discussing the pros and cons of Web-based and live seminars.

Presents an article on situations within the U.S. hospitality industry where it makes sense to use professionals to acquire optimum return on investment. Views on advertising developed by amateurs; Ability of the creative people at advertising agencies; Importance of publicity.

This article presents the author's opinion on the hospitality shown by hotels in U.S. While technology is clearly the hot subject in our industry, it should not replace the cornerstone of the businesses: hospitality. Many indicators point to hospitality as a thing of the past. While a small percentage of hotels are doing an outstanding job, many people in the industry believe hospitality is truly passé. A few weeks ago the author traveled to Hot Springs, Arkansas to work with the sales staff at the city's convention and visitors bureau. Steve Arrison, executive director of the bureau, told the author that friendliness is something area businesses sell as one of the city's assets. There are ways in which hotels could improve their level of hospitality. They must have some people do a little mystery shopping to see what their present hospitality rating is. They must develop a written plan to make better hospitality happen. Hotels could also lead through example. It all starts at the top. If management is hospitable and helpful to guests, employees will follow and realize their jobs are more enjoyable when they deal with happy guests. In addition, hotel employees must offer assistance and chat with members of tour groups, families and others in the breakfast area and lobby.

Focuses on competitive pricing among hotels in the United States. Analysis of whether a customer would be willing to pay an additional charge to get the best value in hotels; Examination of how much a hotel should charge for its services.

Covers news briefs on hotel marketing in the United States as of February 2001. List of questions a general manager should ask to himself; Appointment of Bob Gilbert at Best Western International; Agreement signed by Hilton Hotels Corp.

Opinion. Discusses the use of stock presentations in the hospitality industry in the United States. What stock presentations depend on; Suggestion of a technique which a marketing team can use in stock presentations.