This article does a great job at summarizing the successful e-marketing strategies and actions that help hoteliers reach their planned objectives. Search Engine Marketing,  Social Media Marketing, Mobile Advertising, Email Advertising and Display advertising are mentioned as the e-actions of successful Marketing in Hotels.  It also touches on the importance of Reputation Management and how leading companies such as Starwood have deployed this important tool to maximize their online presence, solidify their marketing strategy and also keep a close eye on the competition. The article reiterates the fierce competition to lead the online space and also mentions the overwhelming amount of marketing being thrown at the consumer. It also warns of the importance of managing the online space correctly and of providing updates and innovations to attract customers and 'keep their interest constantly stimulated'.  I think this is especially important as so much information is being shared through e-Marketing that it has the potential of becoming spam, or over-saturating the consumer. Good e-Marketing is not just 'in your face', it's also crafty, opportunist and subtle. 

As we talk about investing in technology for the hospitality industry it is also clear that not investing is a huge part of why the industry has not advanced as far as it can. The question is not whether we should invest, the question is 'Can we? Do we have the budget?' Another big part of the component is the fear of change. Staff redundancies, hassle of switching or not knowing where to start were the main reasons after budget, for not investing in new technology. The irony lies in the fact that many hotels fear being 'too efficient' and 'risking jobs as a result', when the reverse is just as true: Inefficient service will lead to jobs lost. In my opinion, the  fear of growth should not overshadow the fear of being 'left behind'. 

I found this article so interesting as we continue our discussions on GDS and Travel Agents. As reported in the article by Danielle DeVoren/ Taylor McGrann on TravelClick, "a study of more than 650 agents from 34 countries found that travel agents are using Global Distribution Systems more than ever before". GDS has managed to maintain a rate parity, added with more benefits, have added incredible value  to booking with GDS. So much so, that GDS is one of two channels TA's are using more of with a 14 percent increase. The other channel, which was hotel/chain websites, paled in comparison at 3% increase. Promotional messages play a big role as well, as GDS helps Agents find the best rate with the best added amenities. I think this clearly shows that GDS is still a powerful tool for Travel Agents and has continued to deliver to TA's needs by keeping up with the rate race and adding other values in amenities (such as upgrades, complimentary breakfast, etc.). 

I wanted to write about Telecommunications in the hospitality industry and found that most articles related to this where from 2003 to 2006 and there was very little on more recent years. However, I found this article interesting because it singles out Telecommunications as one of the Five changes coming in Hotels financial reporting. Telecommunications is no longer considered to be Other Operation Department but instead as a Minor Operating Department. I can tell you from experience that as a Minor Op, Telecommunications will run in the negative for most if not all hotels. Which is why I think it's important that there is a trend for a new line as Information and Telecommunications Systems Department. Depending on the hotel, there are many hotel  that generate very little from charges related to telephone and guest Internet usage. Having administrative and free-to-guest phone calls and Internet connectivity listed elsewhere will give a real view of cost and reviews from telecommunications in the P&L report (profit and loss). The reality is, there is very little money to be made of Telecommunications (everyone has a cell phone now, and Internet is almost always included), so why have it as an operating department at all? The reality is that it makes no money and just generates cost...a necessary cost. 

I found this piece interesting because it is pointing to a foreseen change taking place with POS systems in the near future, one that will be bigger than anything that's happened previously. The integration of new capabilities to the Point of Sales will benefit both front of the house and back of the house (kitchen) and have a significant impact on Restaurant business. In the past, in order to change or integrate better resources to the existing POS system the APIs (application programming interfaces) had to be compatible or made by the same company as the POS system. This would not be the case as more and more POS vendors are pushing to a more shared platform so their API's are available to developers (for instance, developers of apps or apps platforms). While for now, it is still easier to stick to the usual POS provider and buy whatever application has been created by said POS provided, this does not appear to be the way future business is heading. I view it as having an iPad and not necessarily having to buy Mac cover, but a more generic one that fits it perfectly and is the right color and size you were searching for.