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The article covers a great deal of the technology products in all of the hotel aspects. it also focuses on the fact that hotels are investing a lot in offering technological tangible services to the clients where must shift its focus a bit and invest more in the guest engagement technology to close the gap between them and OTAs.

Hospitality is being transformed into a 100% digital technology-enabled industry; however, it is very challenging to maintain. Employees are overwhelmed by the amount of technology they need to lear to do their job efficiently

This article focuses on the fact that technology is now being used in almost every aspect of the hotel industry. This is because hoteliers are beginning to understand that guests are expecting to enjoy the same level of technology used in the comfort of their homes when they are at hotels. Therefore, hotels that are more technologically advanced are more empowered to satisfy guests' technological needs, but the information collected by the hotels' systems also enables the hotels to acquire new guests, engage current guests and retain past guests; as such, there are benefits to both the hotels and guests when the level of technology offered is updated.

This article outlines some of the procedures that are used in the Hospitality Industry accounting departments. Beginning with document retention, GAAP is followed to comply with how long the documents need to be kept. In keeping documents, data security needs to be in place to protect sensitive information. Internal controls are also important and follow GAAP, so that stakeholders and owners are protected. The procedure is so that the proper allocation of assets are maintained. Revenue recognition is also part of accounting procedures, as revenues may be sorted in various ways as appropriate. Lastly, timeshare accounting being one of the most complicated, due to the different agreements. I found this article to be a good guide in knowing the basic procedures that are followed in hospitality accounting.

This article talks about how IT investments related to the profits.The IT investments has a significant positive impact on profitability. Investment in IT had a greater impact on a company's profits than comparable spending on either advertising or R&D.  IT investments offer more room for creativity and innovation. IT investments were more effective in improving profitability by increasing revenue than by decreasing operating expenses.

In recent years the combination of new types of IT investments and increasingly constrained sources of revenue have conspired to place information technology investments under a scrutiny they have historically avoided. New research finds that investments companies make in information technology increase profitability more than investments in advertising or R&D do. CEOS often struggle with some critical choices as they allocate their companies' discretionary dollars among various categories of investments. Investment in IT had a greater impact on a company's profits than comparable spending on either advertising or R&D. Information technology can be used to increase efficiency and reduce costs, or it can be used to support sales growth through, say, customer satisfaction and customer retention strategies. Industries become more competitive, the effect of IT on profitability increases.

This article discusses 'E-Tourism Evolution' from tourism initial goal of establishing an online presence (96-99) to acquiring customers (99-03) and then retaining customers (2003-now). E-Tourism started with a focus on getting travel industry members in front of consumers on their computers, then offering attractive travel site features such as direct booking for customer convenience. This course has shown that while travel providers increased online travel options and services, consumers were finding a lack of personalized customer service which prompted increased dissatisfaction with the eMarketing providers. This led to the current focus by the tourism industry seeking to provide exceptional customer service within their eMarketing platform to ensure effective service and enhanced customer satisfaction, thereby ensuring increased customer retention. Whereas eMarketing has greatly increased travel to under developed countries, such countries must gain greater access to information and communication technologies to capture more of the tourism market. Tourism is utilizing a variety of communication channels including social media. Facebook booking engines are utilized by online travel sites, and travel packages and services are auctioned or bought direct on eBay. An online brochure, VBrochure by VFM Leonardo provides virtual tours and marketing content for mobile applications as well.

In the beginning of this article, it uses a chart to depicts the transformation and evolution of e-tourism over the past 15 years. According to the chart, we can easily find out that the goal and focus has changed as the year changes, from just to establish an online presence to customer retention. Then, it uses the changes of the number of tourists visiting Cambodia, one of the poorest countries in the world, as an example to say how information and communication technologies impact the tourism industry. However, this trend seems put more good impacts on developed countries. So next, the article gives some solutions to reverse this trend. In the end of the article it shows a chart to compare the percentage that people use e-market with the percentage that people use traditional methods.

E-tourism represents the paradigm-shift experienced in the tourism industry as a result of the adoption of ICTs and the Internet. It is evident that all best business practices have been transformed as a result, and that the each stakeholder in the marketplace is going through a redefinition of their role and scope. There are both challenges and opportunities emerging but the competitiveness of all tourism enterprises and destinations has been altered dramatically. It is evident that the "only constant is change." Organisations which compute will be able to compete in the future.

The article discusses five issues that hotel operations are facing, and how to decrease these issues in regards to data thieves. The first security issue discussed is "Remote Access", the article states "Many hotel operators and franchisors use remote management applications (RMAs)". This enable easy access to manage multiple locations downloads; conduct sales polls, and other systems within multiple companies. A advices to remote control issues are to change vendor default settings, in which you can create unique user IDs and complex passwords. Another advice is to "Configure the RMA", in which users are only allowed to connect to known MAC/IP. I personally don't think that creating a unique ID or account password may solve this issue, but allowing connection capability to a set IP/MAC is a wise intake. Although being able to just connect to a set MAC, will cause a limit on where and when you connect. The second security issue is "Network Security", many transaction volumes are being exposed, brand recognition as well; and that attract hackers. In order to reduce this problem, it is suggested that companies need to install and maintain a fire wall at all time. I agree with this other suggestion which is to Use outside resources to help identify new security vulnerabilities. This is great, because a company will be able to receive an outside outlook in regards to security. The last three issues that are on this list are: Password Management, Wireless Security, and Incident Response Plan. Overall it's evident that any system that has a password requirement is causing a major attraction towards security thieves. The suggestions within this article are great, but from my observation; many companies will have to put in time to track and monitor their systems. Systems can't allow to be left open without monitoring, and the internet is a lead way to all this, so any system that requires the internet must be monitored, and protected.

Technology enables service. That's the idea, anyway. In the hotel industry, thousands of companies worldwide provide hundreds of software applications to help hotels and hotel companies manage operations to provide better guest service. However, the hospitality industry continues to find itself targeted for damaging data compromise events by hackers. There are some good ways to decrease the attack of hackers. For example, Remote Access, many hotel operators and franchisors use remote management applications (RMAs).  Their ease of use in managing multiple locations makes them ideally suited to disseminate business downloads, conduct sales polls or survey inventory. RMAs are often packaged from vendors with default or blank passwords. Creating unique user IDs and complex passwords can reduce the risk of data compromise and help facilitate compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). Another example is about Network Security, transaction volume, brand recognition and the potential for sensitive data retention are all factors that make hotels (particularly franchise networks) juicy targets for hackers seeking to exploit insecure networks via the Internet. The hotel can install and maintain a firewall at all times.  Disabling a firewall can put a business at heightened risk of Internet attacks and potential system compromise.

This article presents that many of independent hotels choose the cloud based PMS to make their working systems more profitable. One of the cloud based PMS, Maestro property management system showcases enhanced technology, additionally customer engagement for increasing a loyalty as like as chain hotels. Here are trends that make independent hotels more productive and profitable. First, it makes direct booking that could reduces reliance on OTAs and boost occupancy. Second, its automated e-messaging increase guest retention and revenue. Third, it boast its affordable and secure information. It delivers instant remote access to property and let operators manage multipe properties. Fourthly, it provides dash board to access to real-time data and make on-the-spot decision. Fifthly, it provides guest loyalty programs to compete with chains. It has automated tracking system to redeem points and boost customer loyalty. lastly, it offers to users the knowledge center for 24/7 to let Maestro users to be familiar with the system and provide access to tools and resources.

This article discusses the use of data mining and analytic techniques to create a competitive edge for companies in the hotel industry. Hotel companies are a customer centered business which accumulate large amounts of data on customers from various databases. Implementing a data mining system will improve profits, loyalty and retention and enhance guest experiences by helping the marketing and management teams create focused policies. The article discusses seven guidelines that create appropriate use of data mining technology. These guidelines include synching your IT infrastructure with the right data experts. Also, creating accurate segmentation and predictive models of the customers information or profile. As well as gathering the correct data for use in the system's models. Also utilizing the proper methods to collect and sort relevant data. Another important guideline is to have a speedy turnaround of the data. Also, continuous improvement is important find better ways to implement the processes. The final guideline mentioned is to find the proper IT employees to manage the data. The article proceeds to discuss five categories to utilize the information. These are classification, clustering, deviation detection, association and forecasting. The article predicts that over the next ten years there will be more attention paid to data mining to improve the guest experience and focus marketing initiatives. Data mining will be a critical tool to understand and utilize customers behaviors and patterns.

Proximity Marketing yields tremendous benefits to both the consumer and companies. There are six benefits that companies take advantage of inclusive of geotargeting being able to measure the roi on advertising as opposed to traditional advertising methods.

This article not only describes the 6 benefits of proximity marketing but also how to execute it. It explains what is proximity marketing, its benefits in detail, and how it's the future and is here to stay.

Proximity marketing is more beneficial than I originally thought. Geotargeting is the biggest advantage when using this marketing method and I think that a company can definitely take over a certain area by using this method.

Proximity marketing is a hotel's current powerful tool for elevating guests' experiences. It is imperative for a hotel to have a fun, interactive, and easy-to-use app that creates a better stay for its guests. Some benefits include geofencing, room entry and room controls, and hotel navigation. These factors all go hand in hand in creating a seamless and memorable hotel stay.

This article goes into detail about the utility of proximity marketing in terms of adding guest experience within the hospitality industry. It also details how guest retention can be increased by the ability to use analytical data in order to gain insights on guest trends allowing for a memorable personal touch. Another major point made within the article details the importance of hospitality companies promoting local experiences outside of the venue itself and proximity marketing allows for local businesses and attractions to be highlighted.

Note: my above post is comprised of highlighted excerpts and intended to be in quotes but the editing tab is not working accordingly. No plagiarism is intended and credit goes to the authors of the posted web page. Nelson AS DESCRIBED ; this is the fundamental problem with the proximity marketing process. The fact that this is some sort of "subliminal" type of messaging through push marketing, that not only send out ads but collectively gathers personal data, should be an area of concern for everyone utilizing a smart device. "Our in-app features enable you to reach the right customer and push the right message at the right time and at the right location BLE iBeacons for accurate mobile proximity marketing. Analyze customer patterns, dwell times, measure performance, promotions, track conversions and customer retention & loyalty better understand your customers & increase your foot traffic, sales and revenue."

This article very much relates to what we discussed in class on Monday and what ebusiness' are doing these days to stay afloat. The internet is taking over the travel industry since everyone likes to do things on their own these days. Travel agents are trying to find ways around this growing trend. The two main tips for travel agents in this article are staying close with your existing customers while gaining new ones. This will alter the way your business will run. Once your existing customers realize you are loyal, easy to work with and focused them they will start spreading the world about the work you have done. The new customers will see the customer base you have and will more than likely choose you over t.agent 2 with only a few existing customers and no new clients in years. Once you complete a job, it is a must that you follow up. After everything is said and done, send them a quick email & maybe offer them a better package deal next time. Yes, the internet is putting a damper on the travel industry but at the same time agents are finding ways to work around this highly growing trend.

This article illustrates how using e-commerce can increase a hotels profits/revenue. In the article three major strategies are being used. Customer acquisition and retention, personalized service and web site upgrade are the three strategies mentioned in the article. The customer acquisition and retention strategy involves of initiation of customer loyalty program, email campaigns, and continues web site improvement and the web site as a single stop shop. The personalized service strategy consists of personalized content presentation and advance customer care. The web site upgrade includes of creation of micro sites, implementation of content management tool and quick web site searches.

I think that it is very important for hotel to go green. Many top hotels are the members of green hotels. That means go green is a trend. Go green could makes the hotel cost savings, competitive advantage, employee retention, customer loyalty, regulatory compliance, decrease risk and it's the right thing to do. When I went to New York, Key West and Boston, I found the hotels where I lived are all green hotels. They use retrofitting light bulbs instead of regular bulbs. But in China, green hotel is not popular. I think that it will be the trend in the future all over the world!

The hospitality industry is showing signs of becoming a 100% computerized operation. Trends are showing that technology in hotels are directly correlated to its guest retention rate. There are many aspects to the growing technology capabilities in many hotel sectors. The sectors include: security improvements, guest interaction through AI, and automated self-serve kiosks.

CEOs of companies struggle with the decision of investing more in IT rather than in advertising or research/development tools. When and if investing in IT the question would be what kind of projects should have the focus. Recent studies have helped determine that since 1995 there has been significant positive profitability in IT investments. This research indicated that IT investments have a larger profit impact than spending money on advertising. IT investments are creative and use new technology that may help attract new consumers. Some IT projects however work better than others. They can be used to support sales by customer satisfaction and customer retention strategies. As more companies invest in IT investments, profitability increases due to competition. In conclusion business owners should focus on IT projects that will have potential growth in revenue over projects that only focus on cost savings.

This article makes me proud to work in the hotel industry. Of course, there's financial motivation for being energy efficient, but hey, we can pretend we also do it because it's the right thing to do. As long as owners and operators see opportunities to continue to reduce energy costs, they won't stop. I have to believe that hotels will continue to look for ways to become even more efficient to the point of eliminating their carbon footprint. The hotel business is one of the few industries that have a strong incentive to dramatically reduce energy costs. The fact that the EPA's ENERGY STAR program is working on a new, hospitality-specific scoring system in response to the industry's specific needs and growing demand is pretty cool. I can see such a system becoming measurements for bonus payouts like market share is with Smith Travel Research and further accelerating the work around sustainability in hotels. A great point is also made regarding the retention of employees. The article argues that employees will feel that management cares about their health and well-being. But I would also say that employees want to work for hotels that do what's good and right for our world. You want to work for the good guys. Individual travelers, companies and meeting planners are more and more looking to stay or do business with hotels that are eco-friendly. Thirty six percent more travelers are expected to choose more eco-friendly travel options than they did in 2016. That statistic should definitely get the attention of owners currently in the process of planning a new hotel. If you want a competitive advantage from the day you open your doors, fill up that building with green initiates and let the green slide right down to the bottom line.

Proximity marketing is the act of delivering advertisements to customers based on their location. However, as more and more proximity marketing activities begin to take place, marketers everywhere are now beginning to realize that proximity marketing is more than just providing vouchers and coupons.If used properly, proximity marketing can even help you increase customer retention. Wénzhāng tōngguò sān gè wéidù 1. Tōngguò cǎiyòng jiējìn yíngxiāo, nín de jìngzhēng duìshǒu yǐjīng biàn dé yuè lái yuè cōngmíng. 2. Nín de kèhù yǐjīng jiāng zhùyì lì jízhōng zài shǒujī shàng. 3. The online world is fast coming offline. 展开 99 / 5000 翻译结果 The article passes through three dimensions 1. By adopting proximity marketing, your competitors have become smarter and smarter. 2.Your customers have focused their attention on their mobile phones. 3. The online world is fast coming offline.

The article delves into the aspects and benefits of deploying human resource information systems, also known as human resources management systems. The software assists with database management, time and labor management, payroll functions, benefits management, employee interface, talent acquisition and retention and input/output.

Article explores the uses of data mining in hospitality. How when used effectively data mining can result in the creation of strategic sales and marketing plans that improve customer satisfaction and retention. Author also discusses the importance of data security and warehousing throughout the phases of executing a "big data strategy."