Hotel Operations

🏨 These awards celebrate outstanding hospitality managers who have significantly impacted their profession. The focus is on the importance of human connection in hospitality, emphasizing that a hotel's true value is in its team and relationships. This recognition underscores that the strength of employees and their daily interactions is crucial to the industry's success.

🌎 Global tourism rose 5% in the first half of 2025. Locations like Qatar, Albania, and El Salvador experienced over 80% growth in tourism since 2019, while Tanzania saw a 48% increase. Valor Hotels emphasizes a "think global, act local" strategy, integrating local flavor and community involvement. Through initiatives like SAVOR, Valor enhances dining experiences across 110 global locations. Success hinges on flexible contracts, local partnerships, and tailored operations to elevate regional hospitality.

🏨 Forbes Travel Guide announced the 2025 Hotel Icons List, highlighting 23 Five-Star hotels. London leads with five entries, including Brown's Hotel (est. 1832), while Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, dating back to 1650, is the oldest. Europe features 15 properties, the U.S. has six, and Asia two. Iconic hotels recognized for a century-long legacy and exceptional service. For the full list, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.

📊 Apply the 80/20 rule: focus on the top 20% of channels to drive 80% of performance. Experiment annually with niche OTAs and platforms. Measure key metrics like NetRevPAR and revenue by channel. Run a parallel direct booking strategy to increase margins and build guest loyalty. Cut the noise: prioritize quality over quantity in channel selection. A modern strategy should be data-driven and profit-focused to maintain control. #HotelDistribution #RevenueOptimisation #DirectBookings #OTAstrategy

✈️ Ryan Magnon, Chief Operating Officer at Ithaka Hospitality Partners, shares insights on leadership shaped by his early years as a young Air Force officer. He emphasizes the importance of humility, trust, and listening, which have become the foundation of his leadership style. These principles guide him in building teams and driving excellence within modern hotel operations.

📊 Are your weekend rates competitive or profitable? Data reveals "discounted-package" guests might incur losses compared to transient guests spending more on amenities. Marketing channels differ: an email campaign may boost F&B spends by 50% over OTAs. Front desk efficiency? Agent Jane achieves 30% more paid upgrades. Maintenance logs show 3rd-floor AC units fail 80% more in July, suggesting preventative action. Leaking 90% of in-house bar revenue to competitors? Repurpose data for strategic decisions and automate with Hotel BI systems.

📦 Hotels and resorts face supply chain unpredictability, impacting operations and profitability. Building a resilient supply chain is vital for transforming procurement into a strategic advantage. Key strategies include supplier mapping, identifying risk areas, and creating contingency plans. Essential elements of backup plans involve pre-approved substitutes, tiered supplier lists, contract flexibility, enhanced inventory strategies, and crisis communication plans. Communication with procurement partners is crucial for both short-term and long-term planning, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional guest experiences.

🏨 Alec Dalton received the 2025 Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting at the ISHC conference in New Orleans on November 4-6. This accolade includes a one-year ISHC associate membership. Dalton leads Accelerating Leaders, provides consulting across various sectors, and teaches at Boston University and Florida International University. His achievements include being named among the 100 Most Inspirational People in Global Hospitality & Travel and co-authoring best-selling books on customer experience.

🏨 Ryan Magnon, COO of Ithaka Hospitality Partners, reflects on his time as a bat boy for the Atlanta Braves, highlighting how it taught him essential hospitality and time management skills. This experience emphasized anticipating needs and personal excellence, which continue to influence his leadership. These insights are crucial for anyone in hospitality. Music for the episode is by Clay Bassford from Bespoke Sound.