Minimum Wage Impact on Tips and Allowances
from NYSH&TA
A reminder that the July 24, 2009 the minimum wage rate in New York State increased to $7.25 per hour to reflect the increase in the federal minimum wage. Please click here to view a chart with details on how the $.10 per hour increase will impact on tipped employees and allowances. More

Customers Say Hotel Service Improves Despite Cost Cuts
from USA TODAY
Hotels are doing a better job satisfying customers during the recession, despite cutting staff, service and amenities, an annual survey shows. More

Highlights from the Fed's Latest Economic Survey
from The Associated Press
Highlights from the Federal Reserve's survey of economic conditions nationwide. The survey, released Wednesday and known as the Beige Book, is based on information collected from the Fed's 12 regional bank districts. More

Consumers Consolidating Travel Loyalty Memberships
from Hotel Marketing
Travel programs have seen a 31.2 percent decline in active participation since 2007, which means the general population actively participated in 1.5 travel-related loyalty programs in 2009 compared to 2.18 programs in 2007, according to Colloquy research on U.S. consumer attitudes and perceptions. More

The Only Differentiator Left in the Guest Experience is Service
from ehotelier
Nothing like a world-wide recession to expose brand vulnerabilities. Advantages have been shed, slashed and even trashed. Everything has been discounted to leverage some type of parity and attractiveness. Now, value is seen as two-for-ones, 50 percent off, good through October, meals for two under $10, children and pets fly for free, upgrades in suites, cars and loyalty points. More

To Make Hotel Training Work, Make It Fun
from ehotelier
Hotel industry trainers know just how excited frontline associates typically get when notified of an upcoming training workshop or seminar, which is of course not very. Certainly, many participants are excited about new-hire orientation and their initial departmental training. More

Internet Marketing 101: Which Ad Format Is Right?
from BizReport
When it comes to online marketing there are a plethora of advertising options. Online display, search marketing, pay per click (PPC), social marketing, online video, in-game advertising. And the list goes on. Knowing where to start is the first big step for most new online marketers. Here are a few tips from two marketers building their businesses online. More

Make Guest and Employee Security Top Priority
from NYSH&TA
The security and safety of guests and staff are top priorities at any property. Make sure that everyone at your property is trained in hospitality security basics with these EI and AH&LA resources-now available at a 30 percent discount for a limited time Click here for more information. More