Expert at ALIS: Economy Up by Sept. 2009
from Hotel News Now
Though many forecast the gloomy clouds of the economic downturn to linger well into 2010, at least one attendee at the Americas Investment Lodging Summit predicted a break of daylight by the third quarter of 2009. “I think we’re going to get an economic recovery just in time for back-to-school sales in September,” said Todd Buchholz, former White House director of economic policy. “Lodging and hospitality is going to benefit from this upswing as well,” he said. More

According to HotelEPacket.com Data, Hotel Industry Set to Save Between $600M and $1.2B Annually
from MSNBC
Louis Godin of HotelEPacket.com officially released data today showing that the hotel industry is losing millions of dollars each year through unorganized virtual sales procedures and a lack of virtual sales and catering staff training. The data also show that the hotel industry must incorporate traditional selling techniques in its virtual sales procedures. More

Should Bonuses Be Embraced or Shunned During the Recession?
from 4Hoteliers
How will the recession affect bonus payouts in the hospitality industry? HVS, a respected authority on hospitality submits that companies stick to their bonus plans and reward high performers to motivate and retain top talent amidst the downturn. According to HVS Vice President, Trevor Belton, companies should be careful to stick to their bonus plans and reward those in the company that have met their goals and continue to be high performers. More

First Step In New Sales: Believe It Is Possible
from Hospitality Net
As a supplier for the hospitality industry for two decades, it has always been interesting to see how hotels and hotel companies react during times of economic downturn. This current downturn has been especially interesting to observe because for most hotels, it follows several years of record profits, which all seasoned veterans know can’t last forever. Even with the downturn many hotels will still produce respectable profits next year overall. More

EcoGreenHotel Provides Hoteliers Sustainable Solutions for 2009
from Hotel News Resource
EcoGreenHotel has rolled out the 'Sustainability Support Program,' a green solution for a troublesome 2009. The program allows hotel owners and operators to begin a green hotel initiative at their property. 2009 is forecasted by hospitality experts to be a trying year for the entire industry. The Sustainability Support Program not only guarantees 2009 operational savings but also a return on investment in the same year. The program is even backed by the power of a 150% money back guarantee. 'It is a misconception that greening a hotel is a luxury or financial burden,' says EcoGreenHotel President, Scott Parisi. More

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