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Definitely Doug 6/9/23: Hotels Fighting Trafficking: The Role of Technology
Posted: 06/09/2023

This week I want to address an important issue for the hospitality industry, albeit one that technologists have not historically had on their radar. They can potentially play a significant role in addressing the issue, which is human trafficking, and more specifically sex trafficking.

In my last column, I reviewed some key trends in autonomous mobile robotics for hotels, and dove into three categories of delivery robots in more detail – room delivery, food delivery, and heavy-lift robots. This week I will round out the topic with several other robot types and applications, as well as general guidance for evaluating, acquiring, and adopting mobile autonomous robotics. If you have not yet read part one, I recommend going back and doing so before continuing below, as some of the introductory material is important background to what follows.

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Best Practices for Hotel & Resort Operators in Pool Season 2023
Posted: 05/25/2023

With the arrival of warmer weather and summer fast approaching, hospitality operators are gearing up for another pool season. This year, technology is at the forefront of driving booking revenue and taking operational efficiency to the next level. Modern technology platforms (such as hospitality’s newest technology category – the Property Experience Management System or PXMS) are providing brand new capabilities that unlock new strategies and approaches to filling the pool with satisfied guests.

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The Growing Role Technology Plays in Hotels and Restaurants
Posted: 05/25/2023

In the past few years, hotels and restaurants have grown into hubs for entertainment, leisure, and human connection. In an effort to best serve their guests, operators have begun rethinking their technological investments and working to adapt to recent shifts in consumer preference and operations. To ensure that guests have the best on-site experience possible, brands are increasingly looking to new technologies to make their experiences more convenient and comfortable. Advanced property management systems (PMS) and point-of-sale (POS) systems can increase operational and staff efficiency, while also meeting changing customer expectations for a high-value but relatively low-touch experience.

This week I will return to a topic I have covered before, because it has, within the last 12 to 18 months, become one of the hottest-growth categories in hospitality technology. That topic is autonomous mobile robots – specifically, ones that can move around the facility as well as perform specific tasks. Many of these products were launched pre-Covid but were often seen at the time as more of a marketing gimmick than a legitimate operational solution.

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Five Latest Internet Marketing Updates That Hoteliers Should Know

11/05/2018

by Nimesh Dinubhai

Digital marketing, also known as internet marketing, plays a significant role to boost hotel website traffic and online bookings. Recently, many big announcements were made in the digital industry, for example when Facebook introduced a new video format for marketers, or when Google announced a board core algorithm. If you are a new hotelier and want to stay ahead in the industry, then you should know what’s going on in the hotel digital marketing industry.

Here are 5 things that every hotel marketer should know.

1. Google Search Algorithm Update for SEO

Though Google updates its algorithm so frequently, it has recently rolled out one of the biggest algorithm updates which is called “a broad core algorithm update.” The update is not based on single element and therefore, there is no specific way or trick that webmasters can opt to regain their website ranking. But your website must have quality and relevant web content to offer a great experience to the visitors. If you will analyze your Google analytics report, you will notice a drop in ranking of some sections of the website and on the other hand, website content may get higher ranking in SERPs. However, the effect of August Google update will be totally different on all sites and all webpages.

2. Ad Strength Indicator by Google Ads

Google has recently launched a tool called ad strength indicator to assist advertisers in evaluating their ads before publishing. This new tool will measure display ads and responsive search on ‘Poor’ to ‘Excellent’ scale. It will evaluate the relevancy, diversity and quantity of ad copy in responsive search ads. You will also get suggestions like add more headlines. For hotel marketers, it will help in optimizing the performance of responsive text ads.

3. Display Advertising

User-generated content is so regular and frequent in social media marketing. But, the latest trend in display marketing is spinning user-generated content into paid marketing. You should understand the customers usually do not trust paid advertising. You should take genuine content from your customers to promote them across different channels. This strategy was already adopted by many top brands. You should share your promotional campaign on social media sites like Instagram every day.

4. Facebook Introduces New Video Ad Format

Facebook, the largest social media network, has released new video ad option called In-stream Reserve that will allow you to get more control on where you can show video advertisements. You can pick content packages in different categories like travel, hotel, fashion/beauty, sports, or entertainment. With In-stream ad unit, you can include 15 sec pre-roll/mid-roll ad unit throughout video on Facebook with image ads displayed below the video. The feature is the perfect option for hotels with a strong Facebook following and video content. You can use this video add corner to promote your hotel offers, deals and holiday packages.

5. Use Animated Typography for Designing

Animated typography designs which combine static text and pictures into enticing and effective videos are gaining huge popularity in today’s digital world. With interesting and engaging animation, you can generate good impressions on your website visitors. You can use impressive typography designs to highlight headlines and taglines throughout your hotel website. It is sure to attract attention toward your hotel website.

These latest trends in digital marketing will help you make a strong dominance in online hotel industry.

About The Author

Nimesh Dinubhai
President
Websrefresh

Nimesh Dinubhai completed his studies in 2003 and launched Websrefresh to help businesses grow their ROI. He also owns two Arizona hotels, one of which earned the Historical Hotel Award in 2014.