Group items matching

in title, tags, annotations or url

Group travel business can bring hotels much needed revenue. Jeff Bzdawka, CEO of research firm Knowland, offers tips on how smaller hotels with limited meeting space can capitalize on this revenue stream. There is a science to sales. Those of us who work in the hospitality industry know many essential qualities are needed for successful sales outcomes. Qualities include verbal and non-verbal communication skills, listening skills, and the ability to convey information persuasively. Empathy, product knowledge, problem-solving skills, and a goal-oriented mindset are crucial when understanding and relating to the customer's needs, concerns, and emotions. When these skills come together, the salesperson can build trust and rapport. These are the essential elements for closing the deal.

DONALD TRUMP WILL return to the U.S. presidency for a second, non-consecutive term in January, making him the first to do so since Grover Cleveland. Hotel associations such as AAHOA and the American Hotel & Lodging Association were quick to offer congratulations. In September, both groups were in Washington, D.C., to advocate for legislation important to the industry. Some of the proposed legislation that AHLA is supporting include: The Closing the Workforce Gap Act would replace the arbitrary annual cap of 66,000 available H-2B temporary visas with a new, needs-based system. Extending a pass-through tax deduction, 199A, which is set to expire in 2025 and provides tax relief to franchisees and other hotel small businesses. Maintaining the like-kind exchange, section 1031, which allows hoteliers to defer capital gains taxes when they sell one property if they roll the proceeds into the purchase of a larger one. According to AHLA, the exchange helps create new jobs and contributes to economic growth. The Hotel Fees Transparency Act and the No Hidden FEES Act would establish a single and transparent standard for mandatory lodging fee display and an even competitive playing field for hotels, short term rentals, online travel agencies, and metasearch sites.