An analysis of e-procurement applications and trends in hotels: a pilot study

The role of purchasing is very significant for both small scale and large scale hotels. It affects operational efficiency, quality of products and services and customer satisfaction (Lawlar & Jayewardene, 2003).publisher versio

Ismail Kızılırmak (Istanbul University)

Branding strategy is used by hospitality companies for many years. One of the reasons behind it is to reach various segments ranging from luxury to economy. Guest loyalty is very important for hospitality companies since loyal guests are more profitable and less price sensitive. Strategic branding plays a critical role in order to maintain long term relationship with the guest. In this study, relevant literature about branding was reviewed. Strategies of Accor Hotel group were analyzed on based on online distribution, online marketing, sustainable development program, loyalty program and digital marketing. According to the result of this study, Accor Hotel Group bought Fairmont Group in order to be stronger in the luxury market and become stronger in Asia and US market. The company have invested around 225 € million to be stronger in the digital area. Moreover, the group also has a trustworthy reservation system and does many marketing activities

Meeting revenue management challenges: Knowledge, skills and abilities

Hospitality industry increasingly recognizes importance of integrating revenue management into their operations and significance of their staff to do so. Yet revenue managers face major challenges from both internal and external sources. Hence revenue staff dealing with several sophisticated problems should possess various knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) to enable them effectively overcome these obstacles. However which specific capabilities are required to what extent are not clear. Therefore this study aims to match the challenges that are faced by hotel revenue managers with KSAs required in managing inventory and prices. A two step qualitative method is adopted; first 14 revenue managers were interviewed and secondly a focus group with eight participants was conducted in order to identify challenges and competencies required in improving revenue management effectiveness. Thus this study offers a typology of challenges faced by revenue managers and it also identifies KSAs that are required by revenue management staff.Istanbul University Research Counci

Coping with RM challenges in hospitality education

The success of the hospitality industry and development of RM as a profession depends on the quality of new candidates. However, formal hospitality and business education and training programs concerning pricing and RM are far from providing the maximum level of competency for an extensive RM career development. Therefore, the goal of this study is to determine the challenges of RM and to address the gaps in hospitality and tourism education. Further aims of the current research include suggesting some enhancements to RM curriculum. To answer research questions, an online survey was sent to 423 HSMAI members that are listed as revenue staff. A total of 34 RM challenges were identified. The most important RM challenges were (1) finding qualified revenue staff, (2) economic instability, (3) owner pressure on budget and prices, (4) unstable demand, and (5) competition. Formal RM education in tourism and hospitality might be improved under the light of the findings suggested in this study.Istanbul University Research Counci

Room rate parity analysis across different hotel distribution channels in the U.S.

Due to copyright restrictions, the access to the full text of this article is only available via subscription.In order to further enhance a relationship of trust between the hotel company and the guest, the guest must not feel that they are being cheated by paying more because they did not know where to get the best rates. At the same time that consumer savvy is growing, the complexity of purchasing choices is growing at an even faster rate. The purpose of this study was to examine actual rate parity of hotels across direct and indirect channels of distribution. The authors hope to help provide insight into the actual rate parity and to ultimately influence hotel guest perception of fairness in hotel room rate value and equity for what they are paying. Findings showed that there were no significant differences between rates from direct or indirect channels. However, significant differences were found in rates within both direct and indirect channels. Notable improvements in hotel rate parity from past studies were identified in this study. However, this study negates the claim of “lowest rates guaranteed” as propagated by several hotel chains, which they have stated in order to increase direct distribution through their own websites