It’s no secret—the hotel industry is slow to adopt new technology. Guestrooms are just beginning to include things we’ve had in our own homes for years. That’s probably more an issue with purchasing and brand standards than any curmudgeon in the industry, by my estimation.
But when you look at some of the things happening on the Web—Bill Marriott’s blog, Starwood’s SecondLife, the overwhelming number of hotel people found on LinkedIn, and our own project at Smith Travel Research, this industry is not exactly stuck in the Stone Age.
The Hotel News Now site is scheduled to launch in just about a month. And technical aspects aside, this project has been a breeze simply because the industry recognizes there is a need for it. Hotel executives, consultants and columnists are taking a leap of faith with us as we develop content. Hoteliers are savvy people. They want their comprehensive trade news just like they get their local news—in real time and online. We are very excited to deliver just that.
Another example of how the hotel community is living online is a networking and educational resource at www.YoungHotelier.com. As one might expect, the site’s founder Jitendra Jain (JJ), was more than willing to talk about how this unique site came about. The site was launched in late 2007 and has received positive feedback worldwide, according to JJ.
“YoungHotelier.com was created to shine the light on these talented hospitality professionals as well as to guide those looking to make or enhance a career in the industry. I’ve always cherished the power of people and ideas.”
JJ handles e-marketing in Dubai for a global hotel company, so he was able to put this together with just the help of friends—no sponsors. Even so, it’s an impressive offering with forums, blog, articles and video. And it oozes the good-natured heart of hospitality by focusing on the people and how they create personal success rather than the business transactions.
“What heartens us most though is the valuable support from industry leaders and when hoteliers tell us that they appreciate someone finally taking the time to create a platform dedicated to highlighting their industry contributions,” JJ says of the feedback the site has received.
It also has produced spin-offs such as HotHoteliers.com and HotelIdol.com.
JJ says a long-term goal for YoungHotelier.com is to be a home for hoteliers everywhere.
“We want those looking to join the industry and those already in the industry to look to YoungHotelier.com for their learning, development and support needs.”
I couldn’t help but notice that these goals are strikingly similar to what we see for HotelNewsNow.com, and I have told JJ as such. The next step is to figure out how we can work together. It’s going to be an exciting couple of months around here!
