Dean Anderson

The “Taylor Swift Effect” on Travel At the Bank of America Gaming & Lodging Conference Hyatt Hotels Corporation,CEO Mark Hoplamazian shared that Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour had a bigger impact on his hotels than the 2024 Olympics! Fans traveled globally, with Europe often being a more affordable option than U.S. concert tickets. This highlights how pop culture can drive major trends in hospitality and leisure travel. Even post-pandemic, luxury travel remains strong, and Swift’s influence only proves how travel demand can be shaped by unexpected factors. How do you see pop culture shaping travel? #TravelTrends #Hospitality #TaylorSwiftEffect #LuxuryTravel

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San Diego's tourism economy has staged a remarkable comeback from the pandemic, outpacing much of the nation's recovery. Forecasts indicate a complete revival is on the horizon, with international and business travel sectors expected to rebound fully by 2025. As we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, let us appreciate the resilience of the travel industry—an economic force that connects people across cultures and rejuvenates local communities through its vital economic activity. #NTTW24 #NTTW2024

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Group travel is a key component of an effective sales strategy for hoteliers, but responding to a request for proposal (RFP) can be time consuming, resource intensive, and sometimes fruitless. This doesn’t have to be the case. By taking stock of your strengths, you can identify which opportunities to pursue and create open channels of communication with planners to maximize bookings and win more market share. John Russell, Product Director, Sales & Event Management, Hospitality, Amadeus explains how to take the friction out of group RFPs in this article for Premier Hospitality Magazine: https://lnkd.in/eU_923JY

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Hotel sourcing is about more than rates now — it's about #sustainability. 🌍 From prioritizing emissions to engaging travelers, your strategy could make a bigger environmental impact than you may think. Read more here: https://ow.ly/JZ6F50Ta44y #HotelSourcing

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The hospitality industry is booming again, but are you maximizing your revenue potential? Hospitality Net's article, Rethinking Revenue Management, challenges hoteliers to re-evaluate their revenue management strategies. The article highlights that: Traditional methods might not suffice: Legacy revenue management systems may not capture the nuances of today's dynamic travel market. Embrace flexibility: Consider employing more dynamic pricing models to optimize revenue across different channels and segments. Data is king: Leverage data analytics to gain deeper insights into guest behaviour and market trends. #HOSPOB2B #HTE24 #RTIE24 #TDE24 #HRIE24 #CBE24 #SFB24 #hospitalityevents #hospitality https://lnkd.in/ekuWvj7P

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Is your hotel leaving money on the table? 💰 A Revenue Management System (RMS) could be the game-changer you need. By optimizing pricing, forecasting demand, and managing inventory, an RMS can significantly boost your bottom line. Learn more about how an RMS can elevate your hotel's performance. #RevenueManagement #Hospitality #HotelManagement

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Here are 7 things we can do as tour operators to enhance our tours and create an unforgettable experience for our guests. 1. Your tour guides are the face of your company and the ones who directly shape the guest experience. Hire guides who are not only knowledgeable about the destinations but also excellent storytellers, problem-solvers, and have engaging personalities. Provide them with comprehensive training on your company's values, safety protocols, and customer service standards as well. 2. While following a set itinerary is essential, don't be afraid to go off the beaten path and tailor experiences to your guests' interests and preferences when it's possible. Take the time to learn about their backgrounds, passions, and travel goals, and incorporate unique touches that resonate with them. 3. Go beyond merely showing guests the sights; strive to immerse them in the local culture, traditions, and way of life. Incorporate interactive experiences such as cooking classes, artisan workshops, or cultural performances that allow guests to actively participate and engage with the local community and its culture. 4. Encourage guests to connect with one another and form bonds during their tour. Facilitate group activities, discussions, and opportunities for shared experiences that foster a sense of camaraderie and lasting friendships. 5. Seek feedback from guests throughout their journey and after their tour. Use their insights to identify areas for improvement and continuously refine your offerings to exceed expectations. 6. Look for opportunities to surprise and delight your guests with unexpected touches or thoughtful gestures. This could involve celebrating special occasions, providing unique local treats or souvenirs, or arranging impromptu experiences that align with their interests. These small surprises can leave a lasting impression and elevate the overall guest experience. I have found out over the years that these are sometimes the things that become the highlight and most memorable aspects of the trip for many guests. 7. Embrace technology solutions that can enhance the guest experience and improve operational efficiency. Consider implementing mobile apps, digital itineraries, online check-in processes, or other tools that can simplify logistics and provide guests with convenient access to tour information. I hope you find this helpful and I would love to hear from you in the comments about things you also do to create awesome and memorable trips for your guests.

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What separates an industry-leading hotel program from the rest? Having a strategy in place to actively manage your program and engage travelers. In Advito's latest blog, Ambra Christie, Vice President, Hotel Spend Management and Customer Success, shares 5 ways to ensure your business travelers use your hotel program in 2025: https://ow.ly/Ir7650TIvhS #BusinessTravel #TravelerEngagement #TravelerManagement

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Group travel is a key component of an effective sales strategy for hoteliers, but responding to a request for proposal (RFP) can be time consuming, resource intensive, and sometimes fruitless. This doesn’t have to be the case. By taking stock of your strengths, you can identify which opportunities to pursue and create open channels of communication with planners to maximize bookings and win more market share. John Russell, Product Director, Sales & Event Management, Hospitality, Amadeus explains how to take the friction out of group RFPs in this article for Premier Hospitality Magazine: https://lnkd.in/ehQ-mqe9

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THE HOTEL INDUSTRY relies on meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (#MICE) for a significant portion of its revenue, which means engaging and influencing meeting and event planners–who choose which hotels will get the business–is crucial. And if you’re in the hotel industry trying to attract these planners, you’re in for some stiff competition. BUT WHAT IF you could peer into their minds, understand what makes them tick, and tailor your B2B offerings to align with what truly matters to them? Clearly you’d have a major advantage. So that’s exactly what I’ve set out to share with you in this case study on the shared values of planners. And just in time for the annual IMEX meet up of the MICE industry! #keynotespeaker #values #MICE #miceindustry #hotels #hotelsales #hotelmarketing #b2b #incentivetravel #meetingprofs #eventprofs https://lnkd.in/gxf5TXwA

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💡 Hospitality Insights: Day 1 at the Independent Hotel Show Had an incredible time at the Independent Hotel Show in Miami! Ryan Connelly and I connected with industry leaders, explored the latest trends, and gained valuable insights. From innovative guest engagement strategies to cutting-edge operational efficiencies, the show was a treasure trove of information. A key takeaway was the power of personalization. Understanding your hotel's unique selling points and tailoring your offerings to create memorable guest experiences can significantly boost revenue. Don't let budget season stress you out. Let Frontline Performance Group help you optimize your hotel's revenue and create a more profitable future. #Hospitality #IndependentHotelShow #FrontlinePerformanceGroup #FPG #Ancillary #Upsell #Revenue #BudgetSeason

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Total Revenue Management is the key to unlocking the full potential of a hospitality organization’s revenue strategy!

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Did you know 88% of business travelers fly economy for short haul flights, but only 48% do for long haul ones? Check out BCD’s most recent Air Travel: Traveler Survey to learn more on the current state of corporate air travel: https://ow.ly/PNTC50TZPCF #TravelManagement

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In the hospitality industry, a focus on guest personalization, technology integration, and staff retention drives business success. Leveraging tech solutions and partnerships optimizes operations and enhances guest satisfaction. Strategic investments in technology ensure a competitive edge and long-term growth. #HotelManagement #TechInnovation #GuestExperience #StaffRetention #BusinessSuccess

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Building Resilience in Sales Teams: Lessons from Hospitality 🏨 Working in the lodging industry—especially in the extended stay space—has taught me that resilience isn't just a skill; it's a mindset. Over the past few years, our industry has faced unprecedented challenges: travel restrictions, shifting guest expectations, and economic uncertainty, just to name a few. But here’s the silver lining: these challenges have made us stronger. 💪 One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that adaptability is key. Whether it's a change in market dynamics or a sudden shift in guest needs, our sales teams have had to pivot quickly while keeping our focus on long-term success. Here are a few things we've leaned into to build resilience: Empathy First: Understanding the stress our clients and guests may be under and being flexible in our offerings has deepened our relationships. Building trust isn't a “nice-to-have”—it's essential. Collaboration Over Competition: In tough times, we’ve doubled down on working with our clients to find solutions. It's less about “making the sale” and more about helping others succeed. When our clients thrive, so do we. Continuous Learning: As the market evolves, so do the skills we need. Encouraging a culture of growth within the team—whether through training, mentorship, or just sharing experiences—has been crucial. We’re all learning and improving together. Celebrating Small Wins: When the big victories feel few and far between, recognizing the small wins becomes even more important. Every client we help, every challenge we overcome—those are the moments that keep us moving forward. I’m incredibly proud of how our team at Extended Stay America has risen to the occasion. We may not have all the answers, but together we’ve proven that we can handle the unexpected, and we’ll keep growing stronger with each challenge. What are some ways you’ve built resilience in your work? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 👇 #SalesEffectiveness #HospitalitySales #Resilience #ExtendedStay #SalesLeadership #TeamBuilding #Adaptability #EmpathyInSales #ContinuousLearning

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Sharing knowledge is the most valuable gift you can offer to yourself and others. #hospitality #growth #buildingcoachingcultures #coaching

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Here’s how an Aerospace & Defense company reduced travel costs from last-minute bookings using BCD’s Travel Report Card: https://ow.ly/Q7wv50UnE5g #TravelManagement #TravelSmartAchieveMore

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Boutique hotel operators understand the value of making the most out of what's available to them - and the tools they invest in should reflect that! Check out how advanced revenue management systems like G3 RMS from IDeaS Revenue Solutions help boutique hoteliers stay scrappy and maintain a competitive edge. #RevenueManagement #Hospitality #HotelManagement

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