Linchi Kwok, Ph.D.

Have you made any travel plans for the summer?  If not, it is probably a good time to do so.   As a matter of fact, it is now also a good time for business operators in the hospitality and tourism industry to revisit their existing summer plans and make adjustments if necessary. But first, let’s check what we can expect in this year’s summer travel. The Positive Positive growth can be expected due to the following reasons: ·       The unemployment rate continues to fall, with an estimation of going below 4 percent by the summer . Companies located in areas with low unemployment rates have already voluntarily increased the hourly wages and/or add more benefits to their staff members. The improving economy will encourage more people to travel.  ·       The minimum wage is also on the rise. Many areas across the nation have set a schedule to raise the minimum wage (e.g., to $15 an hour by...

What keeps the hospitality industry going, especially in hotels, are the employees. Human resources (HR) have become an important asset to many hospitality businesses. Since workers in a hospitality business are the ones who make connections with the guests and make sales, it is very critical to keep the employees happy. Finding the right employee that fits into the company has also become an important component of human resource management (HRM). Lately, there emerge a lot of new trends, one of which is about employee satisfaction and growth with the aids of technology. Technology in Human Resources HR managers and directors come up with many strategies to recruit the "right" employees. For example, HR managers are now implementing web-based programs to assist them in their day to day work. Such implications have been put into place at Pechanga Resort and Casino. With the employment pool being over 5,000, the HR managers have to have their work cut out for them. The...

The young, fun-loving traveler who is looking for an affordable yet stylish place to stay is the target market for Marriott’s new lifestyle/boutique hotel Moxy. The new hotel brand was designed to attract people who want more than a room to sleep in. This group of travelers tends to be cost-conscious and demanding at the same time while trying to stay socially connected. Moxy is the place to be. The brand’s affordable prices, stylish amenities, and technical accommodations attract the “fun hunters,” as Marriott calls its new target market. The rooms are small yet comfortable and stylish featuring large flat screen TVs, USB outlets, and high-speed wifi. Staying true to their motto: Less is more - they accentuate more not less. The lobby or living room is the center and heart of the hotel. The public space is a place to relax, play, hang out, and meet people. Guests check in at the bar while enjoying a complimentary cocktail or having a snack at the 24/7 self-service beverage and food....