Hospitality Industry: Hotels Business Current and Future Trends

Hospitality has long been synonymous with the hotel industry.Any changes in trends of hotel business have wide scale implications on an otherwise diverse industry.What might be an opportunity for a traveler can be a matter of survival for hotels?It will not be an oversimplification to suggest that the emerging concepts in hotel industry reveal an atmosphere of stiff competition.Here is a look at a few major issues:

Is Green better?

Amid growing concern over environment friendly services, a majority of travelers now prefer Green and Eco lodgings.Recent surveys by trade associations such as Partnership Travel Industry Association and online retailers like Yahoo revealed that nearly seventy percent of the tourists are willing to pay extra when it comes to environmental friendly lodgings.These surveys further revealed that these guests will pay anywhere from nine to ten percent premium on the already advertised prices.

What can be stated as a welcome relief for the educated traveler might pose real challenges for the hotel business.To better understand the scenario, it should be noted that hotels are presently facing severe shortages in occupancy rates which are at their lowest since 1971.Such a crisis and lack of funds can definitely hamper any efforts to install appliances that comply with the LEEDS standards (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design).Some experts agree that a trade off may lead hotels into removing free amenities that include little bottles of shampoos, jams and free basket of fruits; all of which are the hallmark of these eco lodgings.

Where are the Workers gone?

The hotel industry gives employment at a very large proportion of part time workers, who after gaining substantial experience, leave for other lucrative jobs at restaurants and outdoors.Low wages in the hotel industry is one of the primary reasons for low retention rates.

Hotel industry Gurus are already thinking of ways to attract and retain qualified workers by increasing the pay scales and by reducing the long working hours.The top management is now devising constructive methods that will retain the existing workers by sponsoring education and creating attractive career paths.

Mega Hotels

The rising cost of construction and a struggling real estate has prompted hoteliers to deploy the pre-fabricated and cost effective solution in the construction of new hotels.

In fact they are fighting back by producing highly efficient designs that utilize a greater proportion of space for revenue generating purpose.Future trends in the hotel construction will seek to maximize the use of building areas by constructing a multi purpose facility that will include Casinos, shopping outlets and Theatres.The stand alone hotel concept is likely to vanish as the new properties will be constructed as a mixed use development to provide guests with facilities such as Church, Hospitals and Theme Parks.Such a variety will ensure that guests remain at one spot which will help generate revenue for the entire hotel complex.

The evolution of savvy traveller

The evolution of internet has given rise to a phenomenon where travelers are becoming ever more demanding.

Industry professionals suggest that an increase in a trend, to review properties online, will make travelers less forgiving as they are able to post their travel experiences.Such an overemphasis on web may even lead to stiff competition and price reduction strategies where only large players may be able to survive.

To ward of such threats, the small business owner is now turning towards opening a boutique establishment as an alternate to 70,s style motels.Such niche properties are popping up everywhere by advertising a more personalized "home away from home" kind of experience.The introduction of such boutique properties has also given rise to the popular and widely accepted theme of modern hostels.These hostels are keen to provide a clean and safe environment for budget conscious travelers.Their goal is to wipe out the myths associated with cheap motels and dingy guesthouses.

Whatever may be the case, one thing is for sure that constant remodeling of the hotel industry has made it more functional and practical not only for the guests but also for the hotel owners.

About the Author

Nick Nikolis is writing about Hospitality Industry and destinations.

Check here Greece hotels and Cyprus hotels.

Relaited Links:

• Protect Your Business Against Resume Fraud
• 7 Secrets Credit Card Companies Don't Want You to Know
• What Does POS Stand For?

Protect Your Business Against Resume Fraud

Resume fraud is surprisingly common among job applicants, yet sometimes it is very hard to detect.This article will provide you ways to protect your business against resume fraud and make sure that your candidates have the experience they say they do.Whether you're an executive, a manager or a team leader, the following information will be beneficial to you.

The Internet is a wonderful tool for business as well as for individual use, but there are always a few people who will take something good and use it in a bad way.High school and college students who are inclined to cheat have found Internet sites where they can download someone else's work, an essay or thesis, and turn it in as a class assignment.Job seekers trying to beat the system have found Internet resources for committing fraud as well.

Those who fear failing a drug test can find hundreds of Internet "services" that promise foolproof methods for beating the system.Likewise, there are numerous "services" that will bestow the Ph.D.of your choice and provide a bogus work history that makes an unqualified candidate look like an employer's dream come true.When you hire, be aware of the fraud some job candidates are willing to commit to gain employment.

The firms that perform verification services for employers have discovered inaccuracies, misrepresentations, and out-and-out fraud in about half the resumes they check.Resumes often claim college degrees that have not been earned, job responsibilities the candidate never had, and even dates of employment designed to mask years of incarceration in a state or federal prison.

A disturbing study of resume fraud indicates an increase in the number of people willing to use unethical, even criminal, means to secure a job or a promotion.The methods they employ are getting more sophisticated too, making it more and more difficult for employers to separate honest job applicants from those who are not.As an example, an applicant can list fictitious past employer on a resume, complete with a supervisor's name and phone number.The phone number is actually to a so-called verification service that will confirm anything their client, your job candidate, has paid for.There have also been reported cases of hackers who break into a college's computer system to change grades or add names to class lists.

To protect your firm against resume fraud, subscribe to an employee background check service.For nominal fees, they will verify the credentials of job candidates.These professional services try to keep a step ahead of the scammers, so it is usually easier for them to spot a fake college degree or false claim of employment experience because they do their homework and are aware of the latest methods used by fraudulent job seekers.

Another way to protect your business from hiring dishonest people is to use a pre-employment assessment.They can help you identify people with integrity and work ethic who are reliable and drug free.

People who will use fraudulent means to gain employment can cause costly problems for employers.They can increase a company's liability risk in legal actions and are more likely to steal money, property, proprietary information, and trade secrets.Employers must be ever vigilant and protect themselves against people who, in the long run, can do far more harm than good.

About the Author

Jim Sirbasku is co-founder and CEO of Profiles International, a leading provider of human resource management solutions and employment assessments for businesses worldwide.

Learn more about how assessments can help your organization motivate different people in your workforce - visit our website.

Relaited Links:

• Don't Take Wordtracker At Face Value, But Use It Anyway
• There Are Many Options When It Comes To Protective Clothes Like A Disposable Lab Coat
• How Do You Remove Scratches from Designer Glasses?

Mortgage Protection Is Becoming Essential For Homeowners

The risk of debts, unemployment, repossession and sickness is compelling many homebuyers to seek private insurance which will increase monthly repayments by 10-12 pounds per month per 100,000 pounds of mortgage.This would cover the homebuyer for the monthly interest payment on the mortgage if they were ill or lost their job and were unable to work with no income.

Personal debt has now topped a trillion pounds and the Government is pushing these new initiatives.Homeowners are under pressure and bankruptcy is on the increase as are missed repayments and, in turn, repossessions are rising.It is no sweetener to hear that the taxpayer has paid out 8 billion pounds in benefits in the last 10 years in mortgage interest payments for the unemployed, a cost which the Treasury wish to off-load, back to the public and mortgage lenders.

Enforcing compulsory Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance (MPPI) would be unpopular as it increases costs when buying a house, but the experts say that the Government should impose that cost onto the lenders to come out of profits.It is well-known that building societies and banks make huge profits on selling MPPI and premiums are currently around 800 million to 1 billion yearly with only just under a quarter of buyers having it.The profit on this is 250 to 500 million pounds so you can understand the Government thinking.

The Government is very aware that this leaves three quarters of homeowners without any protection if they have a downturn in fortune.The benefits system offers support through Income Support for Mortgage Interest (ISMI) but this has its' limitations on claimants.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), the voice for banks and building societies, advised first-time buyers this week, to take out insurance to protect their homes.But, they are strongly against making MPPI becoming compulsory especially if they are told to pay for it.

Their reaction is one of astonishment and they believe that if the industry has to absorb this cost mortgages will go up as the cost of the insurance will have to come from somewhere.Even if it is not seen as a separate premium, it will be built in.They say they have seen margins being squeezed for some time now making it impossible for firms to absorb this cost too.

The CML are of the opinion that people should make their own choices and arrangements regarding this insurance and it may not be appropriate for everyone.Some people may have more than adequate protection from other insurance, through their employers or substantial savings and it is unreasonable to enforce someone to over-cover themselves.

Iain MacQueen-Sims, credit and debt expert of Omnichek, dismissed the CML's remonstrations.He believes making MPPI compulsory would create a safety net and it should not cost the home-buyers a penny more.The lenders can easily fund it without putting up prices and show some loyalty to a market that they do very well out of and try to help prevent the loss of peoples' homes.A draft of the European Directive on the mortgage market is in favour of compulsory MPPI in all member states as standard.And a spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said that anyone taking out a mortgage should think hard about protecting their income.

About the Author

Explore Mortgages offers great deals on Mortgage Insurance, Life Cover and other financial products.

Visit our site for more info.Our sister site Brokers Online offers cutting edge articles and information about Mortgage Insurance and other great financial products.

Relaited Links:

• More Worries For Buy-To-Let Tenants As Landlords Default On Mortgage Repayments
• If someone has all the talent the same as selective as the goal-00-125
• Reduce Your Insurance Bill

The Hidden Costs of Buying Properties Abroad

You can fund the purchase of a property abroad by arranging a mortgage through a UK lender, such as the Halifax, Abbey or Barclays.You can also release equity from your home in the UK or by arranging a mortgage in the country you are moving to.

Your main home will be at additional risk if you use it as security to raise finance.On the other hand borrowing money overseas also carrys a risk, especially if currency exchanges rates move against your own interests.Normally there will be no problem in finding a favourable mortgage for popular holiday destinations like Spain, but the choice of mortgages for farther flung locations may be more limited.We recommend that you consult a mortgage adviser, who
specialises in overseas locations.

A Note on Legal Fees
The fees payable over and above the purchase price varies dramatically between different countries, so it is extremely important to take account of these costs when considering your budget.

What to pay and when to pay it
Having found a property and had your offer accepted, you will have to lodge a non-refundable deposit, which is generally 10% of the agreed price.
Check this out, as some countries like Portugal and Italy, require a third of the asking price in advance.

Never part with money until an initial contract has been agreed and even then make sure that the cash is lodged with a bonded estate agent or lawyer.
Italy is probably the most expensive country to purchase a property in, where the costs add up to a startling 16,500 pounds when purchasing a 100,000 pound property.This is made up of Estate Agent 3000 pounds.Legal Fees 1000 pounds.

Survey and other adminisration costs 1000 pounds and miscellaneous fees are an amazing 11,500 pounds.The latter includes land registry taxes, other notary fees and transfer taxes.Turkey was the cheapest country we found.Here the total cost over and above the purchase price was 7000 pounds, which breaks down as follows Estate Agent 3000 pounds.Legal fees 1000 pounds.Other fees amount to 3000 pounds.

Get the experts in
Different countries have different property laws and regulations, so it's important that you find a good, fluent English-speaking solicitor who is not connected to your seller, estate agent or property developer.
They should be used to dealing with overseas purchasers and go through all the possible fees, taxes, insurance issues, local authority rules and any possible pitfalls.The laws and procedures involved with every aspect of the house buying process are often different to British laws, so make sure the local knowledge of your solicitor is excellent.

If you have bought a plot of land and are having a property built make sure all planning permissions are covered and find a good architect.Again, the tourist office can help.If you think the service you are receiving is unsatisfactory, say so and explain if things do not improve you will go elsewhere.
Make an offer

Once you have found your ideal home, set a maximum price you will pay and don not go over it.

After your offer is accepted and you have instructed solicitors make sure you keep tabs on them and the estate agents.Ask for regular updates and make sure you fulfil all the requests made of you promptly.

About the Author

Interested In getting a quote on a Mortgage?

Please Visit the mortgages-makesense.co.uk for more information and other resources.Our sister site Brokers Online offers cutting edge articles and information about mortgages and other financial products.

Relaited Links:

• It Has To Be Mortgage Payment Protection Insurance
• Coupons Are Back In Business
• What Are The Things To Consider To Become A Successful Self Storage Owner