Guest Contributor - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 2

4 min

Bad actors: How to protect your hotel against cyber threats

📶 Hospitality leaders face increased cyber threats, notably from Scattered Spider, emphasizing the need for robust security. Loyalty programs, described as "death by a thousand paper cuts," are exploited for fraud, costing millions. Call centers, vulnerable to social engineering, require improved identity verification. A "Zero Trust" model and better vendor governance are essential. Lessons from aviation and finance can help secure digital access and enhance guest trust, positioning hotels as leaders in guest safety and resilience.

4 min

How digital tools are reshaping team accountability and leadership in F&B operations

💻 F&B leaders face economic pressures, labor challenges, and rising guest expectations in 2025. Digital tools transform operations by increasing clarity, reducing micromanagement, and fostering accountability. Managing multi-outlet hotels becomes efficient with centralized digital platforms, enhancing task compliance and consistency. This approach aids talent retention by improving job satisfaction and reducing turnover. Data-driven leadership allows timely interventions, boosting performance. Digitalization enhances hotel culture and performance, providing a competitive advantage.

How checking-in with your employees can reduce your hotel’s turnover rate

🏨 Hospitality industry employees face increased turnover during summer months, specifically June, July, and August, with rates rising to 3.56% compared to 3.14% in other months. The leisure and hospitality sector sees the highest summer attrition at 5.04%, significantly more than the retail trade sector at 4.87%. Key retention strategies include frequent check-ins, transparent communication, and 'stay interviews' to address employees' concerns early. Implementing these in spring can optimize the working environment before the busy season.

4 min

Dubai to Riyadh, how the Middle East became the world’s leading hospitality region

🏨 Dubai and Riyadh are becoming powerhouse global hubs. Dubai's transformation over two decades includes architectural icons and sprawling districts, while Riyadh's Vision 2030 drives infrastructure and tourism growth. From 2023-2025, the Middle East remained the world's most profitable hospitality region. Riyadh leads with a 48% F&B margin, outpacing Dubai's 41.3%. Egypt has the lowest labor margin at 11.5% in 2025. The midscale hotel segment shows strong profitability, with upscale hotels maintaining margins in the low 40% range.

3 min

Hidden in plain sight: How hotels can monetize non-room spaces and amenities

💸 23 of the top 25 U.S. hotel markets have exceeded 2019 RevPAR levels, but costs have risen post-COVID, diminishing income gains. Costs include salaries, construction, taxes, and insurance. Hotels are exploring revenue sources beyond room sales: parking fees, resort fees, off-site catering, and "ghost kitchens" for food delivery. As EV sales hit 7.5% in Q1 2025, hotels offer EV charging. Additional revenue streams include content studios, event hosting, and retail partnerships.

Smaller teams, smarter support: Why fractional finance teams are a win for hotels

📈 Hotels in 2025 are shifting to fractional finance models due to labor cost hikes and tight profit margins. On-site finance teams are costly, with a full-time role exceeding six figures. The U.S. faces a shortage of 340,000 accountants, prompting flexible staffing solutions. Despite higher pay, 65% of hotels report shortages. Fractional teams offer scalable, strategic support, addressing fluctuating financial needs without full-time overhead, aligning with trends in IT and marketing sectors.

4 min

Forecasting the impact of the 2026 World Cup on North America lodging

🏆 From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the FIFA World Cup will occur in 16 North American cities, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. The U.S. GDP impact is projected at $17.2 billion. The longest distance between host cities, Mexico City and Vancouver, is 3,000 miles. The U.S. hotel industry might see a 1.8% RevPAR boost. Cities like New York and Los Angeles are likely to benefit most, while others may see minimal impact.

3 min

How soft brand hotels became a winning formula for independents and lodging companies

🏨 Soft brand hotels, blending individual charm with major group support, have emerged as a key trend in hospitality since independent hotels faced marketing challenges post-1950s branding surge. Millennials and Gen Z favor authentic, local experiences, driving demand. Soft brands offer brand reliability and loyalty perks alongside unique experiences, attracting both travelers and owners. These hotels balance creative freedom with operational support, leveraging online platforms for global reach. Expected to persist, they cater to travelers' desires for flexibility and authenticity.

4 min

The digital future of procurement in hospitality

📦 Sage Hotel Management and Resolute Road Hospitality are leveraging tech solutions to optimize inventory management. Automated systems enhance accuracy, efficiency, and cost control, addressing challenges like supply-chain disruptions, price volatility, and labor shortages. Amazon Business offers tools like Guided Buying and integrations with over 300 systems, improving procurement strategies. Real-time tracking and data analytics streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance guest experiences. This digital shift is revolutionizing inventory and purchasing decisions across hospitality.

4 min

How overcoming supply challenges improves the guest experience

📦 Peter Tziahanas, EVP of Hotel Equities, highlights the shift from manual procurement to digital, predictive analytics in the hospitality industry. Labor shortages and fluctuating costs challenge operators, necessitating creative sourcing and ‘just-in-case’ inventory planning. Amazon Business improves efficiency with solutions that integrate shopping, shipping, and analysis. Tools like Business Prime and Spend Visibility facilitate fast, cost-effective purchasing, optimizing time and inventory. These strategies aim to maintain guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

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