Recent Travel & Tourism Industry Trends...

04/21/2015

2015 Hiking Destination: The Lost Dog Wash Trail In Scottsdale Arizona

The Lost Dog Wash Trail is part of the Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. If you’re interested in visiting the preserve, or are just looking for a good relaxing hike, Lost Dog Wash is an excellent choice. It’s located near Anasazi Elementary on the northern side of 124th street.

The trail offers a comfortable hiking experience. Vehicle parking is abundant. If you are a rider, you’ll find satisfactory equestrian parking as well. There are also full service restrooms, not portables. Trails tend to be wide open, flat, and rocky. There is not much shade because most of the plants in the preserve are native. On an overcast day, early mornings, or even a day where you want to catch a little sun while exercising, Lost Dog Wash is best.

The trail is ideal for training. It is a great hike for families, mothers’ groups, seniors, or friends. You can easily stroll and chat while taking in the scenery. That said, if you are traveling with younger children in a stroller, you might want to use a jogger with shocks.

Lost Dog Wash is a good option if you are looking for a bike trail that's not too far out from civilization but still natural and rustic. If you don't mind a few bumps, you can definitely mountain bike. At higher elevations you can see beautiful views of the city.

If you are looking for a mild challenge you can take one of the longer paths or the Old Jeep trail, it has a slight hill. Dogs tend to love the terrain. However it is probably not the best trail for very small dogs or puppies, unless it is a dusk or dawn walk, simply because when the sun is high it really heats up.

Of course it is nature, so cacti spikes are pretty abundant. Cholla are just about everywhere. You have to keep an eye out, and watch your step if you’re wearing sandals. It is a good idea to check your animals as you leave. Bring tweezers and a comb to get rid of any stowaways. In the spring and summer months the bees tend to hang around the flowering foliage. They are not bothersome, but are noisy.

Under the main trail map, you’ll find paper take away maps you can use to navigate the curves and paths of the trail. There are both short and long trails. You can pick the route that meets your skill level and needs. In tourist season, there may be a guide or preserve naturalist available to answer questions.

Lost Dog Wash Trail is truly a pleasure. One of Scottsdale’s hidden gems. No doubt it will tempt you to wander through the rest of the preserve and give you a renewed appreciation of nature.

Related article

- Hiking Lost Dog Wash Trail

- Lost Dog Wash Trailhead

- Kovach' Trail opens at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead in Scottsdale

Apr 21, 2015 7:55:10 AM | Hiking, Travel, Vacation

02/04/2015

Mardi Gras at Disneyland California on Tuesday, February 17

If your family enjoys the colorful decorations, traditional music, and elaborate floats associated with Mardi Gras, you will love the Mardi Gras celebration held at Disneyland California. Find family friendly fun and a chance to beat the New Orleans crowds. There is a three acre area where you can experience the allure of New Orleans year round, along with amplified fun in February. Get ready to stroll along and listen to jazz and blues. There is even a Princess Tiana Mardi Gras celebration, for all those fans of The Princess and the Frog Movie, or just the South and Disney princesses in general. There is also Southern cuisine to smell and taste, as well as historic Southern recreated architecture to admire.

Don't miss the chance to partake in this fun and exciting celebration. Plan to visit the park on February 17 for a Bayou celebration including characters and Mardi Gras performers, costumes, music, and delicious food. Anaheim Express Inn Maingate offers best rate guarantees and is only a few minutes walking distance from Disneyland. The hotel is fully ADA compliant and offers free continental breakfast, which is a great way to start your Disney day. The hotel offers stylish rooms at affordable rates, and the convenience of being within walking distance of not only Disneyland, but also Angel Stadium and the Crystal Cathedral. Keep your options open and choose lodging that offers a great value as well as convenience and versatility.

In addition to the special events held at Disney, there is also standard Disney magical happening all the time, so come back and stay at the comfortable and value packed Anaheim Express Inn Maingate during every Disneyland adventure. Experience the cheer, fantasy, fireworks, fun and surprises of Disneyland while keeping lodging costs reasonable and travel time to a convenient minimum.

Feb 4, 2015 2:48:43 PM | Anaheim, Disneyland

01/22/2015

Top Things to Do in San Diego for Valentine's Day

The average high temperature in San Diego in February is 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it an ideal place to warm your valentine's heart. What's more, it's a city of mountains, fine restaurants, and pristine Pacific shores. Perhaps no other metropolis in the world ― not even Paris ― is more romantic.

One terrific Valentine's Day option is to head to the beach: You could book oceanside massages or a whale-watching cruise. Private boating companies such as Flagship also offer nautical packages that will let you enjoy musicians and views of gleaming skyscrapers in the distance. Plus, for a more intimate adventure on the water, you could always rent a kayak.

You might want to take in the city from the air. You could thus reserve a hot air balloon tour at sunset, one that gives each of its passengers a glass of champagne. A licensed pilot can take you high above the area's forests and islands. In addition, you and your sweetheart could gaze down at some of the region's stunning mansions and dream about your future together. For a speedier journey, the company Corporate Helicopters offers exciting Valentine's Day trips ― complete with candy and flower bouquets ― that will fly you over Mission Bay, Torrey Pines, and many other favorite locales.

If you and your partner would prefer to keep your feet on the ground, why not embark upon a tranquil hike? After all, the city boasts a wide range of spectacular trails. One that's particularly idyllic is Sunset Cliffs Beach Walk, which begins on Ocean Beach. You don't need to be an experienced hiker to tackle this path, and it will provide you with gorgeous ocean vistas. Meanwhile, the San Diego Botanic Garden, which encompasses 37 acres and a wide variety of trees and flowers, is another outstanding spot for simply walking around with the person you love.

Maybe you're willing to venture about an hour north of San Diego so that you and your date can visit Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards, a beautiful family-owned establishment in the city of Temecula. This winery has a tasting room, picnic grounds, and a manor for overnight stays. It's a popular destination for weddings as well. While you're there, be sure to sample its specialty: almond champagne.

Whatever else you do on February 14, you might enhance the experience by stopping at the San Diego Jewelers Exchange on Sixth Avenue. It contains eight floors, each of which is packed with vendors. It's the perfect place for browsing and purchasing pieces of jewelry ― perhaps even that special ring that could make the day absolutely unforgettable.

Book now at Valentine's Day 2015 restaurants in San Diego

Check out San Diego's 2015 Valentine's Day activities

Jan 22, 2015 1:27:25 PM | San Diego, Travel

12/19/2014

Canopy by Hilton: Great Hotels Know It's the Little Things that Matter

Hotel stays are not always special experiences, especially for frequent business travelers. If a hotel can make guests feel at least a little more at home, there's a good chance they'll want to return. The Hilton hotel chain promises that -- and more -- from its new brand, Canopy. The newest member of the Hilton family is taking the boutique approach by incorporating local flavor and offering almost-like-home comforts.

Often, staying in a hotel is a separate experience from staying in a neighborhood. Many corporate hotel chains provide cookie-cutter rooms that, while they may be comfortable, are anything but inspiring. A new breed of hotel guest enjoys curated experiences, from shops offering products in very specific niches to tasting dinners with hyper-focused themes. Hilton hopes to attract these guests with their own carefully selected amenities and extras.

The chain hopes this demand for all things specialized and handpicked will spread to the general public. Canopy is touted as an affordable way to get the kind of service and high-end details you'd expect from a much more expensive hotel. With goodies like local artisanal foods for breakfast, nightly tastings of local spirits, wines and beers, and gifts from local retailers welcoming each guest to the neighborhood, it's easy to see how travelers could get used to the new brand.

Hilton wants guests to know they've been listening. They've gleaned from guest feedback and market research that little things really do mean a lot. The hotel giant wants to express that they understand what you really want, and are responding with a multitude of personal touches and creature comforts. Hilton Canopy hotels offer common spaces with the vibe of the hotel's neighborhood, complimentary toiletries from hip brands, Serta Night Series mattresses and beds with à propos canopies.

These considerations give visitors the impression of being in a very specific place instead of feeling like they could be anywhere. Only time will tell if Hilton's efforts will pay off. Whether it plays in Peoria will depend not just on how neighborhood vibes are translated at Canopy locations, but affordability, accessibility and convenience as well.

Dec 19, 2014 3:17:10 AM | hospitality industry

11/12/2014

Beautiful Gardens for the Family in Phoenix

Although Phoenix may be in the Valley of the Sun, it is home to some absolutely beautiful gardens that the whole family will love. Two of the best are the Desert Botanical Garden and Japanese Friendship Garden.

Desert Botanical Garden

This 140-acre attraction is conveniently situated north of Tempe, and students and children get to enter at reduced rates.

All members of the family will surely enjoy seeing the gorgeous saguaro cacti that Arizona and the Sonoran Desert are known for as well as tens of thousands of plant displays. Animals such as roadrunners and quail may be viewed here as well while spectacular exhibits take place on a regular basis. Chihuly in the Garden, which recently ended its stay here, was especially popular.

The Desert Botanical Garden also offers plenty of programs throughout the year that are designed with children in mind. Some examples include Seedlings Preschool, Learning Labs Homeschool, Summer Camp and Desert Discovery Program for Girl Scouts.

Visiting this attraction during the evening can be an especially enjoyable experience as the lights create a more intimate setting. Those heading here during the summer will also enjoy the cooler temperatures that evening hours bring. Read more.

Japanese Friendship Garden

This serene, tranquil attraction is beautifully situated amidst an urban setting north of downtown near Burton Barr Central Library.

Its waterfall, which is designed to mimic one that would occur in a mountain setting, is one of the garden's highlights. It is especially beautiful at night as it is illuminated at that time. Colorful koi fish swim in the water at the bottom of the waterfall and show a great deal of enthusiasm for the food that children and adults feed them.

The Japanese Friendship Garden also offers the entire family opportunities to enjoy educational programs that describe the beautiful things located here. Several also celebrate this connection between the United States and Japan as well as between Phoenix and Himeji, which are sister cities. Read more.

Children receive slightly reduced entry fees to this attraction while those under 6 receive free admission.

Nov 12, 2014 8:46:03 AM | Travel

11/04/2014

Three Sensational and Affordable Hotels Around Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is the perfect vacation destination for virtually anyone. The city offers endless entertainment, and the natural beauty of the area is stunning. Whether you want to treat the family to a weekend getaway, sneak off for your own private escape or meet with business associates in a comfortable setting, Utah’s capital won’t disappoint. There are dozens of accommodations to choose from in and around the city, but we believe several options outshine the rest.

Deer in Salt Lake city at Canyon Road Tooele

The Radisson Salt Lake City Airport Hotel

This hotel is a combination of convenience, comfort and familiarity. Located approximately three miles from the airport, the Radisson is ideal if you don’t want to stray too far from the heart of the city. Its interior is filled with rich, deep, earthy shades that instantly create warmth. The rooms are spacious and inviting, and you’ll find all the amenities you need, including a heated pool, free Wi-Fi and an impressive fitness center.

The Comfort Inn & Suites

If you want simplicity paired with style, this is the place to set down your suitcases. The Comfort Inn & Suites is similar to others of its kind, but what makes it stand out is the home-away-from-home affordability. You’ll get quite a bit for your money, and you can even bring your pets along. While you’re there, check out the indoor hot tub, fitness facility and breakfast buffet. When you need to scurry off for your Salt Lake adventures, Interstate 80 is conveniently close.

The Anniversary Inn

This bed-and-breakfast establishment in the Avenues district is the king of the hotel jungle. Each room in the Victorian-style luxury mansion is based on a unique theme. Would you prefer to experience the magic of an enchanted forest, the mystery of a sultan’s palace or the romance of Savannah nights? There are more than 10 charming themes to choose from, and each one is just as creative as the next.

No matter what type of retreat you're seeking, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained in Salt Lake City. From hiking to fine dining, this friendly, exciting city has something for everyone. Before you plan your trip, ask yourself which lodging option will offer you the greatest reward. Your adventure should be enjoyable, memorable and hassle-free, so begin your journey by choosing the accommodations that will indulge all your personal desires.

Nov 4, 2014 5:16:58 PM | Vacation

10/31/2014

The Social Connection: Social Media Marketing in the Hospitality Industry

Social media is still relatively new, and it continues to evolve every day. However, despite the fact that it is not as well established as other mediums, it is clearly a platform that is here to stay. In fact, most studies suggest that a growing number of consumers turn to social media while making their travel plans. From booking hotels to planning their route, consumers use social media to make their travels easier, safer and more fun.

Photo courtesy tintup.com

Because of this, businesses in the hospitality industry should be seriously looking at their own social media presence. Since so many consumers are already using these platforms, it is possible to meet consumers where they are comfortable. This type of marketing can only enhance the quality of the relationship between the business and the consumer over time.

Overall, social media is a unique way to maintain ongoing contact. Establishing long term relationships with consumers can improve the odds of a return visit, which can be an important building block of ongoing business success. Consumers feel comfortable looking at an email or following a business on Twitter or Facebook. This means that ongoing contact with consumers can be a natural part of their social media lifestyle.

Social media can also be a great tool for market research when used correctly. Consumers are already inclined to leave online reviews, which can highlight the things people like and dislike. Although it can feel daunting to ask for this kind of feedback, knowing what consumers like and dislike can be a critical part of making successful changes on every level. This can lead to enhanced performance and better consumer satisfaction.

Many businesses already have some presence on social media, but presence alone is not enough. Consumers respond best to timely and authentic interactions. Moreover, businesses should be very purposeful, picking one or two social media platforms to concentrate their efforts. Many businesses develop specific social media campaigns, which are designed to connect with their core demographic. This type of campaign will vary from business to business, but when well executed, it can promote consumer engagement dramatically and lead to better brand recognition on a broad level.

Ultimately, social media and the hospitality industry is a natural partnership. In order to continue to grow as a business, it is time to meet consumers where they are. A natural, targeted social media presence is simply a win for everyone.

Related article:

Oct 31, 2014 10:01:56 PM

09/30/2014

A Day in the Life of a Hotel General Manager

Are great hotel general managers born or can they be made? The answer is probably a little bit of both. Education, training and on-the-job experience are all important elements that contribute to the effectiveness of a hotel general manager. The very best-of-the-best hotel general managers hone their skills and used their innate senses to make the hotel they manage stand out from the competition.

Personality Traits

As trite as the expression may be, you have to be a "people person" if you want to work in the hospitality industry. While management styles do vary, there are certain characteristics that are universal. The best hotel general managers exude confidence and enthusiasm in the work they do. They truly love what they do and it shows. Honesty and integrity are a given and your hotel GM should be straightforward and able to accept criticism. He or she should be consistent, focused, and able to motivate employees.

Employees

First, let’s start with the fact that no two days are ever alike for a hotel general manager. It is typical to encounter something new every day. Most hotel GMs start their day early and spend a full day on the property site. Many arrive at 7:00 am and do not get home until 7:00 pm.

Walking through the lobby door as daylight emerges, the hotel general manager heads directly toward the front desk to check-in with the manager and clerks. Greetings are exchanged and then any issues from the previous night are addressed.

While most of the guests are still up in their rooms, the hotel GM uses the quiet time to walk through the lobby and make sure it is ready when guests come down and are ready to start their day. The GM may tidy up a bit, straightening magazines and making sure the current day’s newspaper is available. He or she will make sure the lights are all turned on and the TVs are tuned to the right channels.

All of the time, while the GM is walking around the lobby and other public areas of the hotel, he or she is interacting with employees and guests. Communication is a big part of the job and a friendly smile and some encouraging words puts everyone in a positive mood.

Early morning is also the time for meetings. Each department usually holds a pre-shift meeting to get ready for the day. The hotel GM tries to make time to attend meetings with the housekeeping staff, the front desk personnel, sales & marketing team, and other departments that all contribute to the success of the hotel. While the hotel GM meets with individual departments, he also schedules a group meeting with all the department heads.

All of this usually gets done before 9:00 am, but that does not mean that the GM can slack-off the rest of the day. The rest of the day is filled with responding to voice mail messages, reading and writing emails, masking phone calls, reviewing documents and checking key statistics and hotel performance data.

After finding some time to grab lunch, the hotel GM may do another tour of the property. He or she may check a few rooms for cleanliness, talk with staff members, and have an engaging conversation with a hotel guest. While walking around the grounds, the GM always carries his smartphone so he can be reached at any time or can make a call at a moment’s notice.

You have to love your job to be a great hotel general manager. Being an effective hotel GM requires energy, enthusiasm, technical knowledge and excellent leadership skills. Even when you go home for the day, you are never really off-duty. If there is an emergency at the hotel, your phone will ring.

Realted Articles:

5 Top Reasons Why Hotel Managers Have The Best Job
http://www.hcareers.com/us/resourcecenter/tabid/306/articleid/1273/default.aspx
10 Ways to Help an Effective Hotel General Manager
http://hmghotelsblog.com/2014/09/29/10-ways-to-help-an-effective-hotel-general-manager
The Day in the Life of a Hotel GM vs. CEO
http://hospitality.cvent.com/blog/charmed-by-hospitality-marketing/the-day-in-the-life-of-a-hotel-gm-vs-ceo
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Sep 30, 2014 1:36:32 PM | hospitality industry

04/29/2014

Blogging and Frequent Website Updates are a Must in the Hotel Business

Don’t break the first commandment of effective hotel marketing by ignoring the enormous power of the Internet. In today’s highly competitive battle to attract guests, every hotelier needs to have an informative and interesting blog and make certain that their website is updated on a regular basis.

Today’s travelers are much better informed about their options for accommodations. Before the emergence of social media and the easy access to information, you might have made a few phone calls and checked with a couple of brand name hotels before making a reservation. Today, not only can a traveler look-up a dozen hotels around their destination, but they can also compare your hotel to your competitor’s hotel. Forget about building brand loyalty if you are stuck in the “Dark Ages” and do not have a blog, or heaven forbid, a professional website.

3 Reasons blogging is a plus for hotels

1) Google’s new search algorithm rewards new and interesting content by placing it above older content in search results. To get noticed, you need to get on the first page when someone does a search. Google loves new articles and will give you points that will improve the effectiveness of your SEO.

2) A blog is a great way to get conversations about your hotel started on Facebook and Twitter. When you create a buzz by posting details about an upcoming promotion, word will spread quickly. As people share and talk about what they read, your hotel’s name also becomes part of the discussion.

As a hotel manager, you want to know when a guest has an unfortunate experience while staying at your hotel. You want to know when they were really thrilled with the breakfast buffet or had a suggestion to improve the guest experience. With a blog, you can get almost instant feedback. Past, present and future guests can post on your hotel’s blog and you then have the opportunity to respond and make a personal connection.

3) Useful information is probably the most important reason as to why people develop an interest in reading and following a hotel blog. Potential guests want to know about any recent changes at your hotel or how they might benefit by visiting. For instance, if you made arrangements with the local steakhouse to give your hotel guests a 25 percent discount, give the restaurant a nice write-up and then share it with that restaurant. If they repost it on their site, you are reaching more people and potentially, more paying guests.

Why is doing a blog with Wordpress better?

Wordpress already has millions of bloggers on its social media platform and when you put the right tags in your article, some of those bloggers will see it. They can help promote and spread your message in a number of different ways. If you write something really cool, they may want to reblog your original article or they may feel compelled to comment on your article. Maybe they will link to your article with something they write. In any case, the more you network, the better the chance that someone looking for a place to stay will take note of your hotel.

Blogging is not easy, but using Wordpress is. The platform makes it simple to create headlines that attract the attention you want. You have great control over your blog as you are able to customize it just the way you want. You can add pictures and create links. You can change fonts, bold, or italicize words. You can even draw attention to your blog by using color.

Regular posting

Here is where you have to be a little creative to come up with interesting topics. If you are going to be blogging several times a day, come up with unique topics. Sometimes, it is as simple as creating a top-ten list of local restaurants. You can get readers to give their favorites. Anyone can think of conversation starters. Is it wrong to walk barefoot to get some ice for your room? How much should you tip the maid? Is it wrong to steal the little bottles of shampoo?

Regular posting means that you will have more content online and more searches will be generated. You must be careful not to just post endlessly if your content quality suffers. Remember, good, fresh content is rewarded by Google, while you are punished for lame content.

Your hotel will get more leads with a blog if the article is really good. Quality articles can keep you at the top of Google for months. If you are ranking low in the Google search results, blogging and content creation moves you higher in the search rankings and may even land you on the first page of search results without spending a dime on Google AdWords.

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Apr 29, 2014 10:34:49 AM | hospitality industry, Hotel marketing, Social Media, Tips

04/17/2014

Utilizing a Hotel Renovation to Secure a Top TripAdvisor Rating

Having a long history of providing high quality service will definitely make a positive impact on your TripAdvisor rating, but the unfortunate reality is that the top spots in each city around the world are almost always dominated by recently renovated hotels. There are several reasons that this has become a fact, and this makes it important for you to carefully consider scheduling a renovation for your hotel if you want to be able to remain successful in your market. After all, TripAdvisor is one of the most popular travel related websites, and tourists from around the world pay close attention to the ratings and reviews that are posted by other travelers.

Why Are Renovations So Important?

People have a positive psychological response to seeing something that is new and very clean. Unfortunately, no matter how much time you invest into keeping your hotel in good condition, it will eventually begin to look dated and dirty. After all, standard quick fixes such as patching a hole and slapping some new paint over it to cover the repair are no longer good enough to satisfy most consumers. Instead, this is typically seen as evidence that the hotel is getting old and rundown, and this is a label that you want to avoid at all costs. It is also essential to remember that the vast majority of travelers have smartphones, and they are not shy about using them to document issues in their hotel room. For example, the millennial generation loves to use their iPhone for everything, and they will quickly photograph any stains that they see. Sadly, this could quickly lead to a very damaging review: "This is a bad hotel. There were bed bugs and a stain on the wall. Stay away!"

The Distinction Between Renovated and Non-Renovated Hotels

Every person is going to prefer something new when given the choice. After all, if you were asked to choose between a couch that is brand-new and one that is dirty and old, it would make no sense for you to select the old option. The same thought process is utilized when people make decisions about where they are going to spend their vacation. Although you might be able to attract some tourists by significantly reducing your rate, the reality is that you most likely need to keep your prices comparable to your competition in order to make a profit. With this in mind, travelers are going to select the newly renovated hotel over yours almost every time, especially if the other option provides them with the same amenities.

Improving Your Reputation

Hotel guests are typically not very gentle, and this makes it a necessity to perform renovations every few years in order to stay successful. Keep in mind that tourists are trashing hotels in their TripAdvisor reviews every day due to the perception that places that have not been recently renovated are too old and dirty. Fortunately, you can quickly turn your reputation around by making your hotel spotless through the renovation process, and this will make it much easier to keep it clean and in good repair going forward. In fact, this will instantly make your hotel more appealing, and it is the absolute best way to secure the number one hotel spot on TripAdvisor in your city.

- How to Increase Hotel Revenue by HMG Hotel

- TripAdvisor Now Removing Old Negative Reviews After Hotels Renovate by SKIFT

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Apr 17, 2014 1:51:33 PM