THE MAGAZINE OF THE WORLDWIDE HOTEL INDUSTRY
EDITORIAL Jeff Weinstein , Editor In Chief 1.312.274.2226 E-mail : jweinstein @ hotelsmag . com
Ann Bagel Storck , Managing Editor 1.312.274.2209 E-mail : astorck @ hotelsmag . com
Nathan Greenhalgh , Associate Editor 1.312.274.2229 E-mail : ngreenhalgh @ hotelsmag . com
Dani Friedland , New Media Editor 1.312.274.2223 E-mail : dfriedland @ mtgmediagroup . com
Queenie Burns , Vice President , Design 1.312.274.2216 E-mail : qburns @ mtgmediagroup . com
Bert Ganzon , Senior Art Director 1.312.274.2227 E-mail : bganzon @ mtgmediagroup . com
Steve Vanden Heuvel , Senior Art Director 1.312.274.2218 E-mail : svandenheuvel @ mtgmediagroup . com
Bill McDowell , Vice President , Editorial Director 1.312.274.2201 bmcdowell @ mtgmediagroup . com
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Mary Gostelow , Adam Kirby
PUBLISHING Dan Hogan , Vice President , Publisher 1.312.274.2221 dhogan @ hotelsmag . com
INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
Nakul Anand Executive Director , ITC Hotels Ltd ., Gurgaon , India
Stephen Bartolin Chairman and CEO , The Broadmoor , Colorado Springs , Colorado
Eric Danziger President and CEO , Wyndham Hotel Group , Parsippany , New Jersey
Geoffrey Gelardi Managing Director , The Lanesborough , London
Kirk Kinsell President , the Americas , IHG , Atlanta
Alex Kyriakidis President and managing director , Middle East and Africa , Marriott International , Dubai
Christopher Nassetta President and CEO , Hilton Worldwide , McLean , Virginia
Monika Nerger Chief Information Officer , Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group , Atlanta
Paul Sistare President and CEO , Atlantica Hotels International , São Paulo
Kathleen Taylor President and CEO , Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts , Toronto
Susan Terry Vice President Culinary Operations , Hyatt Hotels North American Operations , Chicago
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2013
TO-DO LIST
Tis the season of hope and reflection , and a time to make plans for the year ahead . Planning has never been more challenging with so much uncertainty in the world ’ s economy and geopolitics . As a result , it seems best to stick to what we know and can control .
With that in mind , here are my suggestions for you , gentle hotelier , to help you prosper in 2013 :
� Participate in the activities of your local or national hotel association to affect change for the good — both socially and for business . Regulatory changes are a constant , and you can only effect those changes by using the collective voice of the industry . Support green and other social initiatives , as potential guests will take note of your philanthropic intentions .
� Stay very well informed on quickly evolving marketing trends , and keep funds available to react to new digital marketing opportunities . In our increasingly mobile-enabled travel society , digital budgets must be increased and agile for everything ranging from improved and customized website functionality to SEO maintenance and new tablet marketing initiatives .
� Be as visible as you can to inspire your team . While you might not have the budget to institute fat raises , you can offer the little , thoughtful perks that truly do make a difference with this new generation of employees .
� Make food and beverage more convenient , healthier and locally sourced . Look at Hilton ’ s new concepts that are distinctly casual , limited-service and costeffective . F & B does not have to be a loss leader .
� Make sure your connectivity options are plentiful and robust . Whether you want to charge for Wi-Fi is up to you . Some say free Wi-Fi has become a cost of entry , but I am not sure we are there yet , and the tiered structure seems to be gathering a bit of steam .
� Monetize your lobby space . Our increasingly mobile society also likes to gather — just look at the flash mob craze . The trend of converting your lobby to a Starbucks on steroids — or something similar befitting your target audience — is no longer new , but it is a trend with legs .
� Embrace causes , and you don ’ t even have to shout about it . Social media will give you the word of mouth you require to prove you have a soul . Again , this is another trend that is just getting started . Your transient and certainly group business is already checking to see how thoughtful you are . CSR will only grow in importance .
� And if you haven ’ t already , further prioritize security , and don ’ t be afraid to market it .
Despite all the challenges the hotel industry has faced , it has proven resilient so far this century , which can only bode well for the future , including the year at hand . Hold on to that thought , and please accept best wishes from the HOTELS Magazine team for all good things in 2013 to you and those important people you are surrounded by each day .
Editor In Chief www . hotelsmag . com December 2012 HOTELS 7