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Contents contributed and discussions participated by berkley7

berkley7

Online Marketing and the Hotel Industry - 0 views

  • The rapid spread in the usage of the internet and the increase in access to ecommerce and online bookings has definitely been a boon to the hospitality industry.
  • In other words, the advent of online booking has been a win-win situation for the hotels and the customers. Next, with so many guests from around the world flocking to the internet to book their rooms and plan their itineraries, hotels are turning to online marketing of their products. This has the effect of reaching out to a wider guest base as the hotels need not constrain their marketing efforts to nearby places and geography is no longer a limiting factor for hotels.
  • Online marketing by hotels has the added advantage of improving the brand image of the hotel by ensuring that customer reviews of the hotels and the glitzy marketing of the hotels have the intended effect of enhancing the reputation of the hotels.
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  • As the internet is supposed to add value to all stakeholders in the value chain, the experience of the hospitality industry is a case in point about how the online transactions can result in a win-win situation for all.
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    I found the following article to provide a lot of useful information regarding the new trend of online marketing within the hotel industry specifically. The article reviews how the hospitality industry is now moving towards a "paradigm" and a business model where the service providers and the customers interact directly leading to the removal of the intermediary layer. eMarketing has truly taken off and it is important to be aware and educated when it comes to new marketing aspects in order to set the trend and put yourself has a business ahead of your competition. The key to eMarketing is that one has to be aggressive at all costs while keeping an open mind in order to be creative and unique in order to stand out above competitors.
berkley7

5 Reasons Why Event Management is Important in Tourism - 2 views

  • Events act as important motivators for tourism.
  • If you look at the destinations that gained popularity in recent times, you’ll find out that the flow of tourists to this place began after the successful event management.
  • This is the major reason why the role of event management in tourism is so important. Tourists and travelers need to understand why they should visit a particular destination. Therefore, event tourism comes to the rescue.
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  • These plans should focus on the planning of social events in order to achieve the full potential of tourism. Managing events is the activity that deals with developing and planning various kinds of events for that society. A fruitful integration of event management into touristic activities will win success and attract numerous customers to the target destination.
  • The development of tourism and the introduction of new destinations reveals the huge perspectives for the growth of event management. The majority of most social activities, such as festivals, recreational events, etc., have become possible due to the tourists, which travel around the world in search for new impressions and emotions.
  • Tourism event management promotes the loyalty of regular customers.
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    The following article, 5 Reasons Why Event Management is Important in Tourism, focuses on event management within the hospitality industry. The role of an event manager within the hospitality industry is a very complex job and it takes someone with a vision and skills in order for a successful outcome. Event management is important within the hospitality industry because tourism is truly dependent on the effective management of events. The article provies the following example, Niagara Falls is now a known destination and is a prominent place to visit, however, the main "flow" of tourist started as soon as the event managers had begun to arrange tours, cruises, etc. Event management is vital within the industry and this article highlights some of the important impacts it has on the industry as a whole. "Naturally, tourism and event management can exist separately, but their consolidation can bring many benefits not only for the development of tourism but also for the development of the economy of countries or cities in total."
berkley7

Security: Something No Hotel Can Ignore - 0 views

  • Security has always been a key issue for hoteliers.
  • Technology plays a major part in meeting today’s security requirements, but there are other important factors in implementing effective security measures.
  • McShane emphasizes that the people link to technology is critical in the successful use of any security system. The attitude of the hotel staff must be oriented toward security and the proper use of the equipment that is installed.
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  • Security Innovations, Incorporated (SII) specializes in online and real-time access control systems for the lodging industry. SII provides security products that integrate standard electrical and building specifications.
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    The following article does a great job outlining different aspects of cyber security within the hospitality industry. Security is one of the main departments that need attention and an additional budget in order meet todays security requirements. After doing some research, it is clear to see that all employees must have the same focus in order to provide the best security for their guest. Hotel security can provide things like: facility protection and control, guest and visitor monitoring and assistance, security command center monitoring (cameras, alarms systems and surveillances), maintain emergency response plan, etc. "Security has a difficult job of enforcing the rules and regulations of the establishment while making the guest feel welcome." The article goes over different security systems and what differentiates them, I thought that it gave a lot of insightful information into various cyber security systems.
berkley7

5 Things Hotels Should Consider when Investing in Technology | By Hammad Hussain - Hosp... - 1 views

  • With over half of hotels (57%)[1] poised to spend more on technology in 2017 than they did last year, hotels are looking for fresh ways to deliver high-quality experiences to keep pace with rising customer expectations.
  • While most hotels are generally focusing on being "smarter" and "more innovative", the real burning questions are: how can hotels make sure their investments are worthwhile in the right technologies?
  • Implementing the right technology allows hotels to focus on modern needs beyond what traditionally makes good service, such as offering travelers mobile check-in and check-out, virtual concierges and one-touch access to room facilities.
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    • berkley7
       
      I completely agree with this statement! Technology is not meant to replace human interaction, only to complement human interaction to provide a balance and the best experience.
  • Technology should be an aid, not a replacement, for face-to-face staff and guest interaction. Person-to-person communication is an essential part of hospitality. Guests expect travel tips, attentive services and friendly, personal interactions as part of their hospitality experience.
  • The balance is in finding technology that complements human interactions and vice versa
  • Guests expect more than just WiFi – they want all services at their fingertips at all times.
  • Mobile based technologies have the advantage of familiarity and convenience. With handy's preloaded apps, curated city guides and maps, guests can find out about the city, decide what to do, where to go and where to shop – with all the convenience mobile technology brings.
  • Future-proof your technology investments Think about which parts of your business you are trying to improve by using the technology, and look for one integrated system that could manage this.
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    What an informative article! In my own opinion, the following article gave a great insight to investing in technology within the hospitality industry. The 5 helpful tips they provided within the article are the following; get to know your guest first, balance technology with the human touch, invest in mobile based technologies, try before you commit, and future-proof your technology investments. Each of these suggestions truly would make a huge impact within the hotel industry if followed and practiced. In my own opinion, the most vital thing to be sure of when introducing new technologies into your business is to make sure you have the right balance of human connection and technologies. Like stated in the article, technology is not meant to be an aid or replacement for face-to-face staff and guest interaction. New technologies are giving the industry the ability to provide fresh ways to deliver high quality experiences to keep pace with rising customer expectations.
berkley7

Accounting and Bookkeeping for the Tourism Industry - 0 views

  • Just as the history of the tourism and hotel industry has grown and evolved into the mega economic force it is today, so has the bookkeeping necessary grown into a mega accounting career that the tourism business could not live without.
  • Opportunities working in the accounting services of major tourism theme parks and related companies may include professional and managerial roles in Financial Analysis, Planning Operations, Auditing, Tax preparation and Contract Reporting. To advance into tourism management training for upper corporate managerial level you would require knowledge in of these areas: Cash-flow Operation & Cost Budget Pensions Foreign Currency Accounting System Integrity Accounting & Reporting Standards
  • The career incentives of all bookkeeping and accounting positions within  tourism and especially the major theme park resort industry are immense.  You have a career length opportunity for travel to exotic locations and if desired, working and living abroad.  The world of tourism, theme parks and resorts is always growing and consequently your work environment’s aspects grow with it.
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  • Basic accounting training is still the obvious first step, even starting with career college based diplomas.
  • Avail yourself of basic certification, familiarize yourself with quality bookkeeping and accounting software, and climb aboard the hospitality and tourism career train!
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    Module 8: "Everything in the business world is about the bottom line, and the accounting department of an organization is the keeper of that bottom line's flame." The following article, Accounting and Bookkeeping For The Tourism Industry gives and inside look and new perspective into the accounting and bookkeeping within the hospitality and tourism industry. The following are a few topics that are required in order to successfully run financial aspects within the travel industry; cash-flow, operation & cost budget, pensions, foreign currency, accounting system integrity and accounting & reporting standards. I was interested to read all of the possible job opportunities that are available in accounting and booking sides of the travel industry; for example - opportunities to travel to exotic locations, work/live abroad, possible events, etc. It is clear to read that employees in both accounting and booking are vital today and their role continues to play a major role in the overall success of the industry. "Just as the history of the tourism and hotel industry has grown and evolved into the mega economic force it is today, so has the bookkeeping necessary grown into a mega accounting career that the tourism business could not live without."
berkley7

The Benefits of Restaurant iPad POS systems - 0 views

  • you might think that an iPad POS system cannot compete with the level of depth that a full, PC-based system offers
  • These systems let you conduct all of your sales, track your inventory and more, directly from the iPad. Plus, restaurant iPad POS systems are mobile and can connect to any Wi-Fi network. You can use them at the table or on a counter, or you can carry it around. 
  • iPad POS systems, you have the luxury of being mobile.
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  • Your iPad POS system automatically tracks your inventory. It will also provide you with a detailed list of which items you are running low on and need to refill soon. You can even set the system up so that you receive email notifications when it is time to restock specific ingredients. A good iPad POS system will also show you which ingredients are your most popular. This lets you stay on top of your ordering and lets you see which items are customer favorites.
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    Module 7: I found the following article, The Benefits of Restaurant iPad POS systems, to be very interesting and informative as it was all new information to me. I was not aware that iPad POS's could provide restaurants with such efficiency. I believe that one of the main benefits of choosing an iPad POS is that it is totally mobile and has the ability to connect to any Wifi network. I was truly surprised to read the possibilities iPad POS can provide to users - from tracking inventory, update on items, automatic refills, immediate email notifications, give information on most popular ingredients/menu items, totally mobile, etc. The article reviews various aspects of iPad POS, such as, inventory management, table-side payment processing, and various benefits of using iPad POS.
berkley7

7 Most-Popular Hotel Management Software for Small Hotels - 3 views

  • 11 most popular hotel management software
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    The following article reviews the 11 most popular PMS systems that are used within the lodging industry. The importance of choosing the right system for your property is vital and should be taken seriously when comparing the different features offered, etc. I found the article to be very helpful in the fact that it goes into detail analyzing the different systems and highlighting what each have to offer. Depending on the size of your property, facilities, and even location are just a few factors that truly depict which system is best for you. Comparing cloud based systems to dashboards is also something to consider and can drastically change the overall functions of your property based from the system that is used.
berkley7

5 eco-friendly trends radically transforming foodservice | Fast Casual - 1 views

  • Deploying technology that conserves and saves
  • Subway is leveraging the latest technology to cut down on paper waste, conserve power during restaurant down times and improve overall efficiency so that operations are sustainable and environmentally sound.
  • Provision dynamic virtual/cloud systems
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  • Automation can optimize an IT department's use of cloud and virtual resources, allocating additional computing resources when needed as well as powering down resources during idle times.
  • Onboard and offboard employees
  • Streamline reporting
  • IT organizations can streamline and consolidate reporting by using parameters instead of hard-coding, resulting in reports being run once rather than hundreds of times.
  • High efficiency HVAC (Heating, ventilation and cooling) equipmentEnergy Star rated equipmentHigh efficiency lighting programLow flow faucets and low flow or dual flush toiletsMotion sensor lighting controls in restroomsDay light sensors in guest areaLED interior and exterior signageNon-smoking environmentOutside air monitoring of CO2Indoor air quality management during constructionReuse of at least 30 percent of store furnitureForest Steward Council-certified wood moldingsLow VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials, paints, adhesivesElectrical sub metering and thermal comfort monitoringCertified green cleaning programRecycling and construction waste management programLEED/Eco Restaurant educational materialFurniture products not manufactured with or containing ozone depleting substances
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    The following article reviews a few eco-friendly trends that are helping transform the foodservice industry. As green technology becomes mainstream it is important for companies in the hospitality industry to understand the potential impacts they could have on the environment by adopting some of these trends. Streamline reporting is one way that green technology shows to be beneficial. By streamlining and consolidating reporting vs. hard-coding, etc. offers users greater visibility over workload performance. Another popular green technology is virtual cloud systems. These cloud systems can help eliminate resource waste and reduce operational costs. The article mentions how Subway and BurgerFi are taking major steps in leveraging the latest technology to minimize their carbon footprint. A few things they focus on is cutting down their paper waste, conserve power, and improve overall efficiencies so the restaurants are environmentally "sound".
berkley7

Why a Global Distribution System (GDS) is important for the success of hotel firms - Bl... - 0 views

  • There are many aspects that hotel companies need to consider when they are creating their business, and one of them is how to distribute details about their firms.
  • allows travel agents to access hotel rates and availability as well as prices for flights, trains and rental car companies in real time
  • GDSs have been influential in shaping the modern travel market and still have an effect in this modern digital age
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  • Hotel firms are always looking for ways to promote their business, so that the general public learn about their products and brand. A GDS is exactly what a hotel business needs to link up with to get its firm noticed.
  • The general idea is accommodations will receive a higher amount of reservations if their details are easily available to share with travel agents and the public. A GDS is crucial to independent hotels that can benefit hugely from being associated with one to achieve a greater amount of online bookings.
  • loyal guests
  • directly book on the site
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    The following article gives and inside look to the importance of Global Distribution Systems and how they're important for the success of hotel firms. The systems works as a tool to reach customers easily and gives the information needed to allow travel agents to access the best prices provided. Although the hotel industry would prefer for their customers to book directly through their website so that they do not have to pay the fees associated with Online Travel Agencies - GDS is still a beneficial platform to gain attention and promote their business. Once they have returning/loyal guests, this is when the hotel industry strives to encourage them to book directly to their site to increase overall revenue.
berkley7

HITEC 2001 - Hospitality E-Business - The Future by by Roger S. Cline and Dr. Mark Warner - 0 views

  • Hospitality e-business is not only here to stay, but destined to play an increasingly significant role in the way the hospitality business is conducted in the future.
  • Technology is also forcing out distribution inefficiencies with a significant impact on the travel industry's intermediaries and their traditional business models. It is also reducing transaction costs (the interactions between people and functions) within companies. In the future, successful companies will likely tend to specialize in one or two, but not all three, of the key elements of all businesses: customer relationship management, infrastructure (back office support) and product innovation.
  • Despite the surprisingly high general levels of connectivity in the industry, however, only 58 percent of reporting organizations have a formal e-business strategy.
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  • Chart 6. E-Business activity is projected to nearly double over the next three years.
  • One of the principal attractions of online distribution for hospitality companies is the opportunity to reduce the high costs of distribution that such companies have historically faced. Between travel agency commissions, GDS fees, switching costs and the costs of a central reservation system, hospitality company executives have complained for years about the onerous costs of their multi-faceted distribution systems.
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    The following article reviews the hospitality E-Business as well as the industries "E-profile". It was interesting to read how the article breaks down the realities of the new millennium and what it has brought to the table for the entire hospitality industry. It is vital for the hospitality industry to be available to evolve with the current technological trends and innovations. The article reviews how e-business has removed the traditional barriers to commerce; for example, time, distance and physical location. The future for "Web-enablement" within the industry has major potential and will soon be implemented. Ex; virtual tours, guest history and loyalty programs, sales force automation, etc.
berkley7

8 Best Hotel Management Software | Global Hospitality Portal - 2 views

  • What makes a hotel management software best in the business?
    • berkley7
       
      I have experience working with My Cloud PMS and compared to some of the other software systems I have experience with, such as Opera, this is hands down one of the most convenient PMS software I have used. It truly makes it easy for every department to edit, update and stay connected within the hotel and other departments.
  • There are a lot of hotel management software but myCloud PMS is trying to retain the innovative edge within the hospitality industry.
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  • A competitive hotel property management software provides you with financial and business reports regarding your hotel business. You can learn about room occupancy ratios, the duration of stay of your guests, payment collection methods, and similar statistical forecasts about your hotel.
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    Module 2: Hardware/Software (Berkley Alessandrini) The following article compares the current top/trendy management software programs within the hospitality industry - specifically within lodging operations. Obviously manually updating your hotel's information is no longer an effective way to do things. The following article breaks down certain software programs like; My Cloud PMS, Oracle, roomMaster, etc, and gives information on each that differentiates them. I can relate to the article because I have experience working with a few different types of software programs and I know first-hand how important it is to have a software that is convenient, organized, and user friendly. Depending on the program, they have the ability to be customised based on needs of the hotel and can even add certain features if necessary. After analysing the article, I believe that it is vital to compare the different programs available to find a PMS that fits best for your specific hotel. In some cases, maybe your property will not benefit from the "top" management software system; therefore you must compare and find one that will work best with your needs, requirements, budget, etc. It is important for the Lodging Industry to take full advantage of the technology that is provided to them and as technology is constantly evolving - you must (as a business) evolve with the changes and update your current technology to lead and stay ahead of the trends. Having a software that provides your hotel with the best features, availability, etc. is a must!
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