Marketing

🏩 On September 3, 2024, Micah Solomon, an author and customer experience expert, spoke about service excellence in the hospitality industry on the Hospitality Daily Podcast. Solomon highlighted how businesses like Ritz-Carlton and Audi of America use superior service as a competitive edge. He stressed the role of word of mouth and online reviews in customer decision-making and the need for memorable experiences. The episode also covered strategies to improve service without significant costs, emphasizing personalization and understanding guest preferences.

📈 PhocusWright predicts a decline in brick-and-mortar travel agency sales, with a slowdown compared to past years as of September 3, 2024. Online travel sales growth tends to decelerate upon reaching 40% market penetration. The corporate travel sector, still largely offline due to complex policies, contributes to this trend. The effectiveness of hybrid offline-online agency models remains uncertain.

🏨 Over 10,000 U.S. hotel workers initiated a strike on Labor Day, September 3, 2024, affecting services in 25 hotels across nine cities. The strike, entering its second day, corresponds with a 9% increase in Labor Day domestic travel. Hyatt and Hilton are working on fair negotiations, while Hyatt implements contingency plans. The strike could last three days.

📈 Article focuses on the disadvantages of using a Global Distribution System (GDS) for hotels. The article discusses high costs associated with GDS, shifting travel trends, and industry controversies suggesting a move towards alternative booking methods. Authored by Prabhash Bhatnagar, the article was published on September 1, 2024, at 06:30 ZULU, with an update at 06:58 ZULU. The content is hosted on the Hotelogix blog, which is dedicated to providing tips and trends in the hospitality industry.

🏝 John Clune, Global GDS Development Manager at STAAH, cherishes Sydney for its iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, stunning beaches, diverse food scene, rich cultural life including the Vivid Sydney festival, beautiful weather facilitating an outdoor lifestyle, outdoor adventures in the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley, friendly locals, a thriving business scene, and vibrant nightlife. Sydney embodies a perfect balance of excitement, beauty, and community for John.

🏨 In Tampa, Florida, Red Roof opened HomeTowne Studios Tampa – Airport with Dhruv Management, featuring 124 extended-stay suites, modern amenities, and designed for long-term stays. The hotel showcases a new prototype for updated guestroom aesthetics and operational efficiency. Dhruv Management and Dhruv Development are constructing another HomeTowne Studios in Bradenton and plan four more properties. The Tampa hotel is strategically located near major attractions and airports TPA and PIE.

🍕 Perrine, a French-American eatery at the Pierre Hotel in Manhattan, launched in 1930, introduces an Indian menu honoring The Pierre Grill's Indian cuisine offered from the 1940s-1970s. Executive Chef Michael Mignano unveiled nine new dishes, drawing inspiration from Taj Hotels' Indian heritage. The menu, which may expand based on guest feedback, includes modern and traditional Indian dishes like dhaba chicken curry. The Pierre, known for seasonal and sustainably sourced menus, may incorporate Indian dishes into its main offerings.

🏡 Located in Cornwall, the Bedruthan Spa Hotel offers stunning Atlantic Ocean views and is close to Mawgan Porth beach. It is family-friendly and dog-friendly, providing amenities like dog beds and a dog washing station. The hotel features a cocktail bar, spacious rooms with sea views, and a spa with a hydro pool and various treatments. Dining options include The Ogo and The Wild Café, which use locally sourced ingredients. The hotel is recommended for a luxurious coastal retreat with options for the whole family, including pets.

🐶 The AHLA survey in 2016 found 75% of hotels had pet accommodations. Sonesta International Hotels increased its pet-friendly efforts, launching the PAWS program in 2022. My Place Hotels has a pet-friendly standard across all 71 properties since 2012. Sonesta acquired Red Lion Hotels Corp. for $90 million in 2021. The full PAWS program will extend to legacy RLH brands in 2025. JW Marriott Desert Springs in California revised its pet policy in February 2024. Finmasters reported Americans spent $136.8 billion on pets in 2022, with $147 billion expected in 2023, and $150.6 billion anticipated in 2024. Sonesta’s fees include a flat $75 for full-service hotels and a minimum of $75 up to $150 for extended stays. Two dogs up to 50 pounds each are allowed per guestroom at JW Marriott Desert Springs, with a $150 non-refundable fee and a $20 daily fee. No fees for service animals are charged. Some hotel brands, like Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, and Kimpton Hotels, do not charge pet fees at all.