Module 3: This article discusses the potential future of various payment methods and the recent innovations for companies obtaining payment. Within the hospitality business there are numerous ways of obtaining payment from credit cards to online payments and bank transfers. The caveat in having with various payment channels is that there could be an increase in confusion if the processes aren't aligned properly. However, the pros do outweigh the cons in this instance because it can reduce fraud, obtain better conversion rates and improve data gathering. According to the article, choosing payment methods should be part of the company's "localization strategy" making the transaction more seamless and creates consumer trust. With the ongoing innovations in payment processes, now consumers can make purchases with their mobile devices like Apple Pay and they can also make purchases via social media. By adapting to these innovations, the companies could enhance their consumers experience since the "transaction" will be seamless. As I mentioned before, the caveat in offering numerous payment methods is that it can be confusing. If the payment methods aren't aligned with the brands software, then it can get complicated for the consumers. Also having too many payment methods can also clutter the payment portion of the transaction.

This article is about a property called the Ranch at Laguna Beach that uses multiple sustainable practices throughout their operations. One unique sustainable practice that this property partakes in is that they grind glass bottles into very fine grains of sand using a machine called the GL Sand Machine. The property uses this machine to replenish their sand bunkers for their golf course and sometimes they use this same machine to help replenish the sand for nearby beaches. In order to use this machine, the property was thoroughly reviewed by a National Geographic sustainable tourism expert, who then stayed at their property for an extended time. The application process to access the certified usage of this equipment is a lengthy process, the Ranch at Laguna Beach waited approximately two years before they were able to officially use the machine. The resort also has an irrigation system that uses reclaimed water for the resort grounds and golf course. Annually, the resort saves more than 21.2 million gallons of water using this water reclaimed irrigation system. The resort had tried to receive the LEED certification for their sustainable practices, but they were not able to obtain it. The resort is also known to have the largest organic garden in Laguna Beach; collaborating with the Ecology Center of Southern California to assist in the maintenance and cultivating of the garden. The Ranch at Laguna Beach is also involved in a community cleanup effort for the Aliso Creek Channel. Since their efforts of initiating the channel clean up in December 2015, the volunteers have removed more than 2,500 pounds of trash and debris.