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ecognizing that operating hotels is a global industry, HFTP determined that there is not a globally accepted method that financial professionals, ownership structures, investors and benchmarking information services can use to support efficient operations. There is also not a globally accepted method to monitor investment performance from region to region without significant assumptions and data mining.

Currently, research is being conducted into current practices. This research will identify who is doing what in different parts of the world, with a view to establishing best practice and providing practical guidance for students, practitioners and professionals involved in the industry.

In order to create a global resource for the hospitality finance industry, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) began development on a global hospitality accounting system users guide this past March. Recognizing that operating hotels is a global industry, HFTP determined that there is not a globally accepted method that financial professionals, ownership structures, investors and benchmarking information services can use to support efficient operations. There is also not a globally accepted method to monitor investment performance from region to region without significant assumptions and data mining. HFTP’s Global Hospitality Accounting System Users Guide (GHASUG) will address this need. Where does the project stand right now? Currently, research is being conducted into current practices. This research will identify who is doing what in different parts of the world, with a view to establishing best practice and providing practical guidance for students, practitioners and professionals involved in the industry. The guidance will be formulated by industry experts, based on the research findings. To date HFTP has commitments from major information benchmarking companies, hotel corporations, hospitality associations and globally recognized hospitality schools around the world. Once completed, HFTP will make the outcome accessible online, together with analytical tools. It will be available at a minimal cost and users will have the capability to print versions if they desire. The hotel sector currently enjoys the benefits of an accounting structure developed in the USA specifically for the industry.  The Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry has been widely adopted, principally by US based operating companies, and linked to management contract terms.  HFTP has been involved in this project for many years and will continue to sponsor the 11th edition in support and via a monetary contribution.

The PCI Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), an open, global forum for the development of payment card security standards has published the PCI Mobile Payment Acceptance Security Guidelines for Merchants as End-Users.

Even with rapid adoption of mobile technology in payments, security still tops concerns for merchants. It comes down to the basic element of trust.

Currently, it is challenging to demonstrate a high level of confidence in the security of sensitive financial data in devices that were designed for other consumer purposes.

"The result allows hotels to complete the process of removing all payment card data from all of their systems, dramatically reducing the cost of PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliance," according to the framework's executive summary. "Because hotels have no obligation or reason to tell customers if a breach of useless data occurs, the cost and impact of remediation, and the effect on brand reputation, are minimized."

In addition, according to HTNG, guests' credit card numbers typically are shared with a number of third parties during the booking process. As well, many hotels are independently owned and operated, and these franchisees often lack the technical resources to ensure security and compliance.

Bomgar remote support solution

Revention’s search for a new remote support solution began with the previous solution’s inability to meet the company’s growing needs and comply with rigid security standards.

security is a major focus for their business,

For example, McDonalds was recently hit with a nationwide class action alleging that its new Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage dispensers violate the ADA because their touch-screen interfaces are inaccessible to the visually impaired.

The availability of hefty damages in many states increases the potential exposure businesses face. For example, in California, a single violation with respect to a POS device, entitles the plaintiff to a minimum of $4,000 in statutory damages, plus his attorney’s fees and litigation expenses. Potential liability can be overwhelming when these type of lawsuits are brought as class actions.

OPERA offers effective and easy deployment for smaller, independent single and multi-property operations and global, multi-branded hotel chain environments. OPERA Enterprise software solutions can be deployed in any size environment, from a single property with just Front Office to a large, full-service hotel with Sales & Catering, Revenue Management, Spa and Golf and Materials Control.

Innovative carbon-capture projects are ready to launch in the U.S., according to experts gathered yesterday by the Atlantic Council, but they are waiting for IRS guidance expected since fall.

The guidance should resolve uncertainty over how companies can take advantage of the carbon capture tax credit in Section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code.

we think is the next generation of carbon capture.”

Transitioning to a new event management software (EMS) solution can be an exciting, but also an overwhelming experience for event planners. Check out these tips to make your EMS migration a smooth one.

If you are in the market for a new EMS provider

Maybe you’ve outgrown them, or your tools are no longer working together. Maybe you’re not satisfied with their current offerings or customer service. Or perhaps you simply just want a more high-tech or budget-friendly solution.

The benefits of energy conservation apply to the bottom line of business but extend beyond money into the realm of image, industry reputation, general conservation and social responsibility.

Competition in the world of hospitality requires more than a clean room and sparkling service. Guests are acutely aware of the world of carbon footprints, energy usage and eco-friendliness.

Studies show people will consistently seek and pay more for a hotel that consciously treats the environment kindly.

Currently, the following Mobile POS solutions providers have successfully completed the registration and self-certification process for their solutions: Corduro, Ezetap, Elavon, Handpoint, Itos, iVeri, iZettle, JSC Smartfin (2Can), Miura Systems, NetSecure Payments (Kudos), Payworks, ROAM, SCCP (Swiff), Soft Space, Square and Thyron Systems.

Small businesses and retailers that have never accepted card payments and previously operated on a cash- and invoice-only basis are turning to mobile point-of-sale (MPOS) solutions to expand their customer base and sales. Established retailers are also adopting MPOS solutions to engage customers in-aisle and enhance the retail and payment experience. MasterCard introduced the MasterCard Mobile POS Program to provide guidance to Mobile POS solution providers and promote simple and secure transactions when consumers use their debit, credit and prepaid cards to pay merchants that use these devices.

The eCommerce world is undergoing significant changes and consumers have higher expectations. Because of this if eCommerce websites are going to be successful they need to adapt to the new realities of the market. Izzonet CEO, Tallya Rabinovich, offers guidance for both existing and aspiring online sellers.

However, as those numbers continue to increase, overall customer satisfaction with online shopping experiences seem to be on the decline. Recent surveys have shown a general downward trend in satisfaction over the past few years, something that appears to be the result of increased customer expectations. “In the past retailers thought it was enough to simply have an online store, but times have changed,” says Tallya Rabinovich.

When asked what eCommerce websites need to succeed in 2013 and beyond, Tallya offered a few useful tips. “First, it is important that eCommerce store owners are not only looking at next year, but also looking 5-10 years down the line. Keep abreast of events and developments in both the technology and business sectors so that your site can continually grow and adapt. Second, my observations show that the one thing that customers want more than anything else is personalization. As much as customers appreciate the convenience and lower prices of online shopping, they sometimes miss the personal experience of a brick and mortar store. To overcome this, make sure your online store is as personal and interactive as possible. This means have a good “contact us” page that makes you seem accessible, and, even better, have a live chat option to show your customers that there is a real person who is there for them.

As consumers demand more eco-friendly vacation choices, the tourism industry is responding with energy-efficient and carbon friendly resorts and hotels.

solar power system uses SunPower’s high-efficiency solar panels with its patented PowerGuard roof tile technology.

the system will help reduce New Jersey’s CO2 emissions by 10,000 tons over the next 30 years, and will help lessen oil dependence by at least 749 barrels annually,

Green Key Global announced today that with the registration of the Motel 6 Anchorage Midtown in Alaska, the Green Key Eco-Rating Program has now established its presence in all 50 United States.

the majority of travelers who indicate they use a hotel’s environmental program as a decision-making factor in where they stay

Green Key rankings are recognized by major travel services including CAA/AAA, Travelocity and Expedia.

In an age where travelers of all ages turn to the Internet to book flight and hotel reservations, modern travel agents are offering expert advice on cruises and tour packages to far-flung locales, advice on the best a particular city has to offer, exclusive perks, hidden discount prices and the security of an adviser in case of inconvenience or disaster.

Successful agents know that their customers have access to lots of travel information -- often too much -- and want time-saving guidance, exclusivity and security in a complicated world.

It's true that there are fewer U.S. travel agents today: 105,910 in 2010 versus 111,000 in 2006, according to the American Society of Travel Agents. And there are fewer agencies: 14,800 agencies in 2010, compared with 18,850 in 2006, according to ASTA.