Hospitality Property School

This has been a very up & down year for the hospitality property industry but that hasn’t stopped hoteliers & innkeepers from wanting to prepare for the future, which has been evident for our episode views.

I am going to share with you the top 10 most popular episodes of 2021.

During the last year, I have noticed that many followers are searching for ways to prepare their business to safely welcome guests while giving them an incredible experience. The episodes we have produced have worked towards this goal.

Now it’s time for our annual look back at the Hospitality Property Schools 10 most popular episodes of the past year.

I will be counting down from 10 – 1 and I will give you a snippet from each episode to remind you of why they were popular.

If you go to KeystoneHPD.com/10MostPopularEpisodesof2021-273
you will find the show notes with all the links to the top ten episodes.


So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top ten most popular episodes of 2021, starting with #10…
Ep. #229 - Property Management System – What You Need to Know

I have been getting questions lately about choosing the right PMS or Property Management system.

Your property management system or PMS, also known as a front desk system, is the heart of any hospitality property. It is the systematized mechanism that oversees and coordinates the relationship between the customer and your services.

Without one, a hospitality property will labour to professionally manage all of their daily operational tasks.

What are the benefits of a property management system?

In choosing the variety of options available to you, it’s important to think about what features would best suit your hotel, resort, inn or bed & breakfast.

Here are the top features you should consider when making your selection.


In 9th position is
Ep. #255 - Revenue Management and How to Increase Your Cash Flow

In protecting, forecasting, and strengthening a hotel-resorts-inn-bed and breakfasts etc. cash flow and overall financial position, revenue management will be needed to drive the top-line and eventually the cash position of the property.

Here are 6 ways revenue management can make a difference.


Next at #8 is
Ep. #250 - What Will Your Guests Expect Post Lockdown?

When faced with the challenge of preparing to reopen a hospitality property in an uncertain environment, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Where will potential guests travel from?
What will they want from their stay?
What can be done to increase demand?
Part of a reopening strategy should include understanding who your post-lockdown guests are likely to be and what stay experience they are pursuing.

With ongoing international travel restrictions in place and public concerns about the safety of air travel, hospitality properties will likely see guests arriving from driving, rather than flying. Given corporate travel is pretty much at a standstill, properties should anticipate that the domestic leisure market will be a key focus for the foreseeable future.

Continue watching or reading and I'll share the next 7 most popular episodes of 2021...

⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:
https://keystonehpd.com/hospitality-property-school-10-most-popular-episodes-of-2021-ep-273

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https://youtu.be/D232xThriZk

A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development

Post COVID-19, a well-planned marketing strategy is imperative for the success of your hospitality property.
I will share tips to help you succeed.

If you have been listening to the Hospitality Property School Podcasts since the beginning and have been following some of the steps and recommendations, I know you have been seeing improvements in your property's operation.

Maybe you have not implemented all the changes yet and that is all right, many of these changes might feel dramatic so one step is fine. But it is important to stay the course and look at these suggestions and your property as a work in progress.

As I had mentioned, today we are going to be talking about developing your marketing strategy. When it comes to most businesses, this topic is huge.

I just don’t mean all the information available, but the importance of marketing your property correctly.

If you are not getting heads in your beds consistently, then your marketing battle is going to be consistently uphill.

Continue reading and I will look at the point of a marketing strategy...

⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:

https://keystonehpd.com/how-to-develop-your-marketing-strategy-increase-bookings-ep-272

Post COVID-19 Action Plan
https://KeystoneHPD.com/PostCovid19ActionPlan


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YouTube
https://youtu.be/M-blk99T75c

A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development

Cross-selling and upselling products can be a win-win for both guests and hospitality property owners.

Here’s what you need to do to increase your profits?

Promoting your hospitality property can be a daily grind, but it doesn’t have to be.
And you don’t have to do it alone.

You can increase your client base and improve your bottom line by using cross-promotion, collaborating on marketing with comparable business partners.

Cross Promotion is a great way of tapping a target group of partners without investing much. With more businesses competing for a slice of the market share, creative businesses of all sizes are trying more cross-promotion campaigns, in the hopes of driving sales and increasing brand loyalty.

It can be a win-win situation for all of the parties involved.


Sometimes there is confusion over cross-promoting and cross-selling

Cross-promotion may involve two or more companies working together in promoting a service or product whereas cross-selling or upselling, is the act of selling (or upselling) an additional product or service to an existing guest.

If you have additional products or services to offer at your hospitality property, it is important that you and your employees know how to cross-sell or upsell.

Continue reading and I will look at some ways to cross-sell your own products or services...

⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:

https://keystonehpd.com/profit-with-cross-selling-upselling-products-ep-271

Post COVID-19 Action Plan
https://KeystoneHPD.com/PostCovid19ActionPlan


Get Your INNsider Tips
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Listen to The Hospitality Property School PODCAST here
keystonehpd.com/hospitality-property-school-podcasts


YouTube
https://youtu.be/E25H5euIDEw

A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development

Many owners of hotels, resorts & bed and breakfasts want to get their message out but struggle with content writing. Follow the tips from THE Word Specialist to get started.

I am excited to be sharing this encore guest post from professional content writer, Bev Moss-Reilly aka “THE Word Specialist” and as you could have guessed she is going to be sharing tips for content writing. Her post was written but I have also produced a video reading her post exactly as she sent it to us.

So, without further ado, here is

Reading between the lines
Written by Bev Moss-Reilly -THE Word Specialist

When I was kindly invited to write about “the writing of content”, I had to think hard about how I could possibly convey my message, as writing is a passion that runs through my veins. It’s my blood type! So how can one teach about writing and serve up tips to “want to be writers” when you are not sure whether they have the element of passion or not!

One certainly needs to be armed with an excellent vocabulary, as well as correct language skills, encompassing proper grammar, syntax, punctuation, spelling, tenses and sentence construction. However, one can’t be taught passion or how to have a fertile imagination. They are the two key ingredients for a perfectly fulfilling and successful writing career.

J.K. Rowling, the world-renown author of The Harry Potter series of books, would never have been able to write several successful books had she been devoid of a unique and phenomenal imagination. Save to say that the film production company had the ability to interpret and convey her stories with bespoke cinematography and skill. Her descriptive writing provided them with artistic interpretation.

As a self-made millionaire, Rowling wrote her first book in a small coffee shop in Glasgow. What motivated and inspired her is unknown, but she wrote with passion, and it was evident how it flowed through the ink of her pen, just as it was passionately running through her veins. She had the ability to paint a picture and evoke an imagination within millions of readers. This was clearly palpable.

Without hooking a reader with an enchanting title and a compelling introduction, the blog or article is lost, and the reader has moved on.

Continue watching or reading and I’ll share more from THE Word Specialist - Bev Moss-Reilly, right after a word from our sponsor…

⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:

https://keystonehpd.com/content-writing-for-promoting-hotels-resorts-bed-and-breakfasts-270

Post COVID-19 Action Plan
https://KeystoneHPD.com/PostCovid19ActionPlan


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YouTube
https://youtu.be/M5F0Hfx0k6M

A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development

I don’t like patting myself on the back, but I am recognized as a hospitality property authority or influencer. You as well can become an influencer for your region or property.

I’ll tell you how.

In the past, if you had a celebrity promoting your business or product, that was worth its weight in gold. Today, when it comes to getting advice or recommendations on what to do, where to vacation, where to stay or where to eat, most people trust peers more than so-called "experts."

Now, you might be an expert in the hospitality property field, especially in your region, but to benefit an influencer in your field, your goal should be to become a peer and this can be done by sharing your content and insight in a certain way, so your returning and potential customer see you more as a peer.

Influencers are ordinary people who have earned a substantial loyal following because of their expertise and transparency. Unlike celebrities who actively endorse products on their social media accounts, influencers achieved their fame because of the valuable information they share with their followers.


Continue listening or reading and I'll show you where to start with 12 guidelines to follow...

⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:

https://keystonehpd.com/brilliant-tips-to-help-become-an-influencer-269


Post COVID-19 Action Plan
https://KeystoneHPD.com/PostCovid19ActionPlan


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https://youtu.be/C3MHPNS0CYA

A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development

Getting eyes on your property online is the best way to start your guest’s journey, so when planning your marketing you have to ask “how to get visitors on my website”.
Here’s how.

“How do I get potential guests to visit my website?”

At some point, that thought crosses the mind of every hotelier/innkeeper with a website.

Whether you’re you are looking to reopen in the near future or have been operating your property for a while, trying to attract your first or your 1,000th visitor, generating more traffic to your hospitality property is a crucial part of growing your business. If your site is properly optimized for conversions, getting an increase in web traffic could mean more visitors and bookings.

From a marketing perspective, the good news is the process of getting your first visitor versus your 1000th is the same.

How to get visitors on my website - 15 proven, high-impact tactics.

1. Manage a ‘Google My Business listing

Google My Business is an essential tool for any website.
https://www.google.com/business/
Using Google My Business, you can input your hotel’s contact information into automatically optimized fields, as well as recent photographs and guest reviews within your listing.


2. New Content Creation

Create a blog and set up a consistent publishing schedule.
Blog articles are among the most popular types of content. They provide evidence of your knowledge, boost your credibility, and help bring in traffic from search engines.
Keep in mind, consistency and quality matter far more than quantity.


3. Old Content Optimization
If you have old content on your blog or website, don’t let it pine away into oblivion.
You can revisit old content and update it with more relevant references.
Republish it with a new date so it goes to the top of your blog.

Continue reading, watching, listening and I’ll share 12 more high-impact tactics for driving more traffic to your property website…

⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:

https://keystonehpd.com/eye-opening-how-to-get-visitors-on-my-website-268

Post COVID-19 Action Plan
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Listen to The Hospitality Property School PODCAST here
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YouTube
https://youtu.be/GNweqQ0QW54

A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development

Although COVID-19 is an expected temporary disruption, the growth of hotel technology is evolving and will define the future of the hospitality property industry. Here’s what you can expect.

Why new hotel technology is important
New machine-learning-based systems will play an important role as hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts recover losses in the post-pandemic period. They are useful for:

• Automated revenue management

• Micro-targeted marketing

• Fare forecasting

• Predicting seasonal demands

• Personalised search and booking engines with learned preferences

• Competitive pricing

• Customised, personalized experiences

Here are seven of the most important technologies that have emerged as essential for hospitality businesses in a post-pandemic future.

Machine learning & AI systems

New developments in these technologies shaped by online search engines and booking apps have a huge potential to revolutionize the hospitality property industry, including:

• Automated Revenue Management Tools

• Evolving Search and Booking Databases

• Getting More Personal

The biggest advantage of developments in machine learning is the ability of businesses to personalize experiences and provide constantly improving, streamlined services and marketing, based on customer data.

In-property communication

Clear communication amongst hospitality property employees will become more vital in the future and this can be made more efficient by moving things onto an app. Your staff will be able to easily share pictures of rooms that need cleaning or tasks that need specific attention across all different departments so you can quickly react.

Training can also be moved to online so that all of your employees are able to stay up-to-date with any new changes.

Continue reading and I’ll share more hotel technology for the future…

⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:

https://keystonehpd.com/bona-fide-hotel-technology-for-the-future-267

Post COVID-19 Action Plan
https://KeystoneHPD.com/PostCovid19ActionPlan


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YouTube
https://youtu.be/19FRJamZQ48

A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development

The future for spa and wellness travel post-COVID may seem a bit unclear now with so many new regulations, that some might worry we won’t enjoy the experience as we once did.

So why are many hospitality property owners optimistic?

No matter how you look at it, the last year and a half have been stressful—from worries about catching the virus to job stress and all the other problems in the world around us. Through all of this, not everyone has taken the time to focus on themselves and their own wellness. As COVID-19 has caused so many changes in the world, it has also affected how people look at health and wellness going forward.

So, what can hospitality properties do? I’m going to give you spa and wellness travel options to consider.

1. Increased cleanliness procedures

Spas have to adopt new cleanliness methods every day. While sanitation has always been a priority, it’s clear that constant sanitization and disinfection will have to increase. As properties reopen their spas we can expect staff to take on extra responsibilities when it comes to cleanliness. These steps not only protect customers but also help employees stay safe as they return to work.

2. Outdoor facilities will become more popular

People will focus on outdoor activity more since many are tired of the stay-at-home restrictions. For the foreseeable future, their focus will be more on getting outside, where they feel safer and more socially distant as the impact of COVID still remains a problem in congested areas. The ability to be in a location where there is access to top-quality facilities to help reset their mind and body, yet isolated from crowds, will be in great demand.

Hospitality properties can enhance their onsite offerings with engagement activities like biking, hiking and outdoor fitness classes.

Continue reading and I’ll share more spa and wellness travel options…


⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:

https://keystonehpd.com/the-future-of-spa-and-wellness-travel-post-covid-266

Post COVID-19 Action Plan
https://KeystoneHPD.com/PostCovid19ActionPlan


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https://youtu.be/HuQOqyyOSfE

A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development

If you offer f & b services, now is the perfect time to test new approaches that will get your food & beverage strategy in the best shape ever, and generate much-needed income.

Find out how.

Though the pandemic has had profound effects across all industries, few have felt the very real impacts of the major pandemic as much as the travel industry. Impacts for hospitality properties that also support restaurants, bars, or even room service have been especially fierce.

Exploring ways to keep hotel restaurants, bars, and other food services in business and making money is an important task of any hospitality property owner or manager.

Designing your food & beverage strategy

Creating a safe and comfortable environment is crucial at a time when Covid-19 is still on everyone’s mind. Your first step is to find out which new and any updated rules and regulations you must implement in your F&B department. Check your local authority’s guidelines and brainstorm how to put them into practice.

Since running a restaurant normally involves close contact with guests, you’ll also need to adapt some of your SOPs while keeping everyone safe.
Standard operating procedure ideas
• Standards for the correct use of PPE

• Let staff serve the food at the buffet

• New cleaning and sanitizing schedules and procedures for equipment, surfaces, etc.

• A process for employees who feel ill or test positive for Covid-19

• Plan for proper training when you update your SOPs


Keep the focus on your guests

Interacting with guests is going to be different and at times might be challenging. Regardless of the services you offer or how you change your procedures, make your guest’s wellbeing your top priority. Give them space to accept or refuse certain services and show that you take their concerns and safety seriously.

Continue watching or reading and I’ll share more ways to keep your food & beverage department in business and profitable…

⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:
https://keystonehpd.com/a-food-and-beverage-strategy-for-success-post-covid-265


Post COVID-19 Action Plan
https://KeystoneHPD.com/PostCovid19ActionPlan


Get Your INNsider Tips
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Join one of your private groups
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keystone-hospitality-development


Listen to The Hospitality Property School PODCAST here
keystonehpd.com/hospitality-property-school-podcasts


YouTube
https://youtu.be/8WgU1eNSkPg


A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development

Post COVID-19 it will be more important than ever to build guest trust and provide a great experience.

Here are 6 ways your hospitality property can take advantage.

Build your guest's trust while offering a great experience, pre-COVID-19 strategies might not cut it. Even though we are still feeling our way into a new future, here are 6 techniques that have already show promise.

1. Personalize your guest’s experience

Technology is going to be of utmost importance for the future of the hospitality property industry but we can not afford to totally get lost in the world of gadgets.

According to American Express Travel, 93% of travellers indicate that the value of personal service cannot be replaced, regardless of technological advances in the travel industry.

So what can you do to get to know your customers better?

• Ask why they travel and what they are specifically looking for when they do. This enables you to build a more personable rapport with your guests.

• Integrate a customer relationship management system and operating procedure, to keep track of everything.

• Enact policies to provide all guests with a hyper-personalized service.

• Partner with local companies to provide experiences and offers.

• Collect all happy customers´ reviews. They will strengthen your online reputation. This does not mean ignoring guests who have had a less than stellar experience, you can still try to salvage it and turn it into a winner. More than often, guests with a complaint are very appreciative of being listened to and having their complaints addressed promptly.

• Promote word-of-mouth marketing among your guests by asking them to tell their friends, family, and work colleagues about their positive stay. Word-of-mouth remains the most effective marketing strategy of them all.

Continue reading or listening and I’ll share with you 5 more ways to build your guest's trust with a great experience, right after a word from our sponsors.

⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:
https://keystonehpd.com/6-ways-to-build-guests-trust-with-a-great-experience-264


Post COVID-19 Action Plan
https://KeystoneHPD.com/PostCovid19ActionPlan


Get Your INNsider Tips
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Listen to The Hospitality Property School PODCAST here
keystonehpd.com/hospitality-property-school-podcasts


YouTube
https://youtu.be/RI5g-b-HfSg

A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development