| November 1, 2012 | News for hotel and lodging professionals |
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 | This white paper focuses on how hospitality and gaming organizations can take better advantage of the blending of social media, location-specific searches and mobile device usage. Eleven tips for using analytics to enhance customer-focused marketing are discussed, with a focus on delivering offers that are relevant, personal and immediate. |
| Business Update |  |  |
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- Caesars Entertainment loss widens to $505.5M in Q3
Caesars Entertainment says higher expenses, including one-time charges amounting to $419 million, led to a net loss of $505.5 million during the third quarter, compared with a loss of $164 million in the same quarter the previous year. Growth in net revenue was nearly flat at 0.4%, the company says. Caesars reported a 29.3% decrease in income from Las Vegas operations compared with the same period last year. TravelPulse
(11/1), VegasInc.com (Las Vegas)
(10/31)      
| Market Trends | | |
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- Signature scents are designed to add depth to hotel experience
Many luxury hotels are increasingly using fragrance to enhance guest experience. To evoke relaxation, your hotel may pump the scent of lavender into the air. Ambient scent also serves as a branding tool for a hotel that helps guests to associate it with positive memories and emotions. Some hotels even sell their signature fragrances in candles or room sprays. FemaleFirst.co.uk (U.K.)
(10/31)
- MGM, Royal Caribbean team up to offer customer rewards
MGM Resorts International has entered into a deal with Royal Caribbean that would allow customers to use reward points for amenities provided by the two companies starting in January. Under the agreement, members of MGM's M life programs will be allowed to earn points for free cruises with Royal Caribbean, while Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society members can use their rewards at MGM properties in Detroit, Las Vegas and Mississippi. VegasInc.com (Las Vegas)
(10/30)
| Spotlight on Technology | | |
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- RFID locks compatible with NFC-enabled phones gain popularity
Many hotels upgrading their lock systems are considering radio-frequency identification systems that are compatible with near-field-communication-enabled mobile phones, says Kaba Lodging's marketing director, Alastair Cush. "[B]ecause an RFID card can't be demagnetized by holding it against a badge or cellphone, it's a huge advantage to a hotel for enhancing the guest experience. Right now we're seeing that hotel chains that are interested in that are buying RFID locks that are compatible to see how widely used NFC cellphones become," Cush said. Hotel Management online
(10/30)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Hotel owner advises reputation management through superior service
 A hotel's reputation is linked to the quality of the service provided by its staff, says Steve Busch, owner of the Jefferson Clinton Hotel in Syracuse, N.Y. "When staff is doing their job, and is helpful and smiling along, it makes for a strong 'vibe' that the guest can feel. At that point a good reputation will follow and managing it for the hotel becomes easy," Busch said. 4Hoteliers
(10/31)
| Development | | |
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- Gambling firm looks to build $150 million casino in Ankeny, Iowa
 Casino company Wild Rose Entertainment, the same group that considered a casino project in Urbandale, Iowa, last month, is looking to build a $150 million casino complex in Ankeny, Iowa. Plans for the facility include a 50,000-square-foot casino, a 200-room hotel and an event center. "It's no secret we've been looking to do a casino in central Iowa for a long time," said Tom Timmons, vice president of Wild Rose. KCCI-TV (Des Moines, Iowa)
(10/30)
- South Korean city plans a $290 billion gaming destination
Incheon, South Korea, plans to partner with investors to build a $290 billion leisure and gaming destination in the city, which would be triple the size of Macau. According to developer Eightcity Co., the 8-City in the Incheon's Yongyu-Muui island district, which will include casinos, hotels, a marina resort, malls and Formula 1 race course, will be built over 18 years. "Eightcity is aiming to become a city that has the advantages of gaming and entertainment offered by Las Vegas, the shopping and financial hubs of Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as Macau," said Eightcity Chairman Shawn Park. Bloomberg
(10/31)
| AH&LA News | | |
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Don't fall for it
If one hotel is the target of a scam, chances are the incident will repeat itself. Visit the industry scam update page in AH&LA's members-only section to learn about scams across the country. By being aware of the fraudulent behavior, you can ensure it doesn't happen to your property. To report a scam, contact Kathryn Potter at kpotter@ahla.com.
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Free webinar archive
From ADA regulations to bed bugs to healthcare, AH&LA has a library of webinars that AH&LA members can watch and listen to for free. Each session features an expert panel and concludes with Q&A from attendees. Visit here to access these resources now.
| SmartQuote | | |
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