This article speaks about the data security concerns in hospitality. Restaurants, hotels, and other companies in the hospitality sector often have complex ownership structures in which there's a franchisor and a management company that acts as the operator. Businesses use different computer systems to store information. The nature of the hospitality industry is such that it is extremely reliant on cards as a form of payment. Cybercriminals use this reliance on cards to infect point-of-sale (POS) systems with malware that steals credit and debit card information by scraping the data. A vital part of protecting data is training staff to securely gather and store personal information. Well-trained staff also know how to recognize social engineering attempts and they understand an organization's compliance requirements. Data security risks in the hospitality industry extend far beyond the reputation hit that a hotel can take if guests' data is compromised. Industry and political regulators are becoming stricter in governing how organizations process and store personal data. Some of the best practices for companies in the hospitality industry to use are: always encrypt payment card info, operate training programs in cybersecurity regularly to keep everyone informed, adhere to regulations, know where the data is, and enforce limit access to sensitive info, and more.

This article introduces the different initiatives that the hospitality industry is taking with regard to technology in order to align with their target market or a large segment of their market. As being perceived, millennials are sought to be the largest generation in the country's history which leads companies to infer that they have a massive amount of buying power in their hands. Hospitality companies are now making strides to become more environmentally conscious. Some of these initiatives is incorporating LED lights throughout the facilities to reduce energy waste and cut down on costs. Another initiative is incorporating new systems in the guest rooms that enhance the stay while keeping it green like systems that adjust temperatures in the rooms, remotely powered shades, etc. Other companies are even using systems as a tool to help track, measure, and reduce food waste for more sustainable and effective restaurant/bar operations. It is no secret that technology is ever-evolving, and it will continue to develop as new features are discovered.

This article talks about the different ways that proximity marketing enhances customer loyalty programs to increase customer trust and loyalty. Proximity marketing is a marketing technique involving the localized wireless distribution of promotional content in specific geographical proximity. One of the ways that it can benefit customer loyalty programs is through laser-focused targeting. This kind of marketing is precise because it allows you to target potential customers close to the area, which will enable it to be a more personalized communication. Another reason is that it helps improve customer experience through the use of QR code coupons for customers, resulting in improved customer engagement and experience. Another reason, this one is used by Marriott International, is utilizing beacons. The beacons transmit in-hotel discounts and offer to loyalty program members through the hotel app. The key to proximity marketing is that customers need to remain engaged, in the area, and new marketing techniques like those described above can absolutely help.

This article speaks about the extensive impact that artificial intelligence has on the hotel industry. The hotel industry was good before, but these new futuristic and techy advancements deliver premium guest experiences that create an everlasting effect. In return, it assists in expanding the business revenue, along with the profits, and creates a larger scale for the business. Some of the ways that big hotel brands are incorporating artificial intelligence is using chatbots. Chatbots help automates the customer support experience so customers are well directed in the right direction. Not only does it offer premium experiences, but it helps businesses to understand the customer's wants and needs to do so. It's a chain reaction. In hotel operations specifically, it helps to deliver a higher level of efficient and effective results when the demand grows higher. It also minimizes guest management time and effort. It is great for hotel operations, revenue management, next-level personalization, data analytics, and multilingual booking experience.

This article explains how PMS, property management system, is integrated to manage and grow customer loyalty independent hotels. It is no secret that some of the best loyalty programs keep guests coming back to the same company/hotel. They attract these guests by incorporating a strong loyalty program that provides rewards, incentives, and exclusive access to certain amenities. It is believed that this is what is needed to attract more bookings that were lost during the pandemic in 2020 up until today. The way to most effectively do so is by integrating a PMS system that allows guests to grow the relationship with the hotel during every transaction and interaction they have prior to, during, and post their stay. There needs to be much more than free wi-fi integrated in hotels as loyalty access as it is becoming so popular that it is not considered an exclusive access feature. Hotels should offer incentives for those who book repeatedly, like free nights, credits at the hotel's restaurant, premium guestroom amenities, hotel spa, and much more. Guests like to feel special, and doing so will guarantee their return to this hotel brand as they want to indulge in this experience every single time.

This article describes the various cloud computing trends in travel and tourism and how they could be beneficial for all travel companies to adopt. It further goes into detail on how cloud computing is becoming utilized by approximately 81% of the travel & tourism companies and how it creates a positive impact on the industry. It mentions the advantages that cloud computing brings to the table like a personalized experience for users as it facilitates data synchronization between channels, is more reliable than holding one singular framework so it lessens the security risks, is being more widely utilized on a global scale, provides scalability and flexibility throughout the peak season and low seasons, saves the company potential expenses that would have otherwise been spent on other infrastructures, software, systems, etc., and benefits tourism on a socio-economic degree which helps fight environmental degradation.

This article emphasizes the different methods and approaches cruise ships are taking to become more sustainable in the future. They are doing so by pursuing innovations like renewable resources, regenerative travel, providing energy solutions, and more. They are seeking to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030. One of the methods described in the article is that cruise ships are now integrating liquified natural gas (LNG) fueled ships which produce zero sulfur emissions and reduce greenhouse gases by 20% when compared to regular ship fuel. Cruise lines have already started to introduce this kind of innovation to newer ships. Ports are also taking initiatives to become greener by having solar-powered terminals, smart waste separation, electric transportation, etc. Cruise lines are also working with organizations like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to make sure that culture, environment, and destination laws are enforced and protected.