Heartland Payment Systems Uncovers Malicious Software In Its Processing System
from NYSHTA
Payments processor Heartland Payment Systems has learned it was the victim of a security breach within its processing system in 2008. Heartland believes the intrusion is contained. "We found evidence of an intrusion last week and immediately notified federal law enforcement officials as well as the card brands," said Robert H.B. Baldwin, Jr., Heartland's president and chief financial officer. "We understand that this incident may be the result of a widespread global cyber fraud operation, and we are cooperating closely with the United States Secret Service and Department of Justice." No merchant data or cardholder Social Security numbers, unencrypted personal identification numbers (PIN), addresses or telephone numbers were involved in the breach. Nor were any of Heartland's check management systems; Canadian, payroll, campus solutions or micropayments operations; Give Something Back Network; or the recently acquired Network Services and Chockstone processing platforms. More

Hotels Will Lower Rates in 2009, Ovation Travel Group Predicts
from MeetingNews Magazine
After a year of raising rates, three-, four- and five-star hotels will trend toward lowering rates in 2009, predicts New York-based corporate travel management company Ovation Travel Group, which recently released the results of a hotel rate survey in which more than 400 properties worldwide participated. On average, the survey revealed, hotels have lowered their 2009 rates by 4.31 percent compared to their 2008 rates. More

The New Era of Hotel Experience Marketing: Choice is the New King
from Hospitality.net
Today, hotel guests have the option of various online tools that aid transparency, search and booking. However the research and booking process can still be pretty clunky and fragmented. The author believes we need to move beyond the era of Search and Booking Engines to building superior “Experience Engines.” The idea behind an experience engine is remarkably simple. Break down the units that constitute a guest experience like hotel rooms, spa treatments, restaurant meals, sport reservations, sightseeing, etc and make them bookable so guests can choose exactly what they want and build an experience. More

Hotel Industry Prepares for Worst of Times
from The Chicago Tribune
Hotel industry fortunes fell hard at the end of 2008, and the prospects for 2009 look grim as Americans cut travel spending and leave plenty of room at the inn. Hotel operators have seen room reservations fall drastically as business travelers and vacationers cut down on trips. In 2009, U.S. hotels will suffer one of the greatest annual declines in occupancy and revenue in history, according to analysts. In their suffering, however, many hotels will give travelers a break by lowering prices or offering incentives, such as free meals, in hope of enticing more business. More

At Newer Hotels, Luxury Goes on Sale
from New York Times
Opening in a tough economic environment, new hotels are slashing significantly discounted introductory rates even further and extending the deals long after officially opening their doors. For travelers who can take advantage of the bargains, the discounts are an opportunity to stay at upscale, amenity-laden properties for what they normally might pay for a more moderate hotel without the latest perks. More

Hotel Giants Seek Refuge in Niches
from Reuters
It's a trend pre-dating the global slowdown: big hotel chains are moving into the quirky boutique sector to tap into a niche of profitable growth. What's not clear now is how many can succeed. More