News & Press

Vertical Booking USA - HITEC PR Announcement

Today, Vertical Booking USA - the leading reservation technology provider to hotels around the globe - is launching a new, mobile, app-based version of their Central Reservation System (CRS) and an updated version of their Central Reservation Office (CRO) solution. With the two new releases, Vertical Booking USA is providing hoteliers with all of the reservation tools that they need to minimize reservation headaches and increase direct bookings and revenues.. . .

Vertical Booking USA - Hotel Expiration Dates

Expiration dates: they’re super common in some industries – they are regularly seen on consumer-packaged goods, food and drinks, medicine, etc. – but the idea of an expiration date isn’t often applied to the hotel industry. But, in my opinion, it should be. Here’s a little known/rarely considered fact: an empty room is an expired one.. . .

Vertical Booking USA - Round of Applause

It’s an exciting time for you, as a hotelier. Why, you ask? Because hotels are making huge leaps in taking back bookings from the OTAs. According to PhocusWright, “direct bookings accounted for around 49% of U.S. hotel and lodging online gross bookings, versus OTAs at 51%” last year.. . .

Vertical Booking USA - Article - Metasearch Management

Travelers love the metasearch channels; they pull all of the available prices from the different online sites into a single list of search results, easily sorted and easily booked. They spend less time searching and are more likely to find the best possible rate for their stay. What’s not to love?! While I know hotels appreciate the bookings that they can get through the metasearch sites, the channel can create lots of headaches for a hotel’s staff, especially those on the reservations team.. . .

When Does the Guest Experience Start?

Think back to your last trip and the happiness, excitement and anticipation that you felt about it… Now think about when those happy feelings started. For most, the thrill of. . .

The GDS=Good, Darn Sense

Today, hoteliers spend most of their time trying to ‘beat the OTAs’ by focusing primarily on increasing their direct bookings; that’s a fantastic tactic BUT it’s not the only one that you. . .

Are Loyalty Programs the Most Effective Way to Drive Bookings in 2018?

Do you remember, back in the day, when customers booked with certain hotels because they were loyal to the brand or because they just wanted to earn points? (I’m showing my. . .

Hospitality Industry Amateur Hour: Hotel & Resort Fees

After you’ve been in the hospitality industry for as many years as I have (more than 30 years… how time flies when you’re having fun!), you get used to seeing. . .

Discounting is for Dummies – Part Three

One of the best – and worst – things about the hospitality industry is how much most hotels have in common: they’re offering relatively similar products and have a great deal of competition within their immediate marketplace - other hotels, alternative accommodations and the OTAs - which, in most cases, leaves hoteliers waging an uphill battle to profitability.. . .

Discounting is for Dummies – Part Two

Close your eyes and think back to the last time that you were more than satisfied with a hospitality experience – be it at a restaurant or a hotel. What made it such a positive experience for you? If you’re like most people, it’s because the establishment made you feel special, not like just another customer or a number in a long line of bookings. They cared about you, personally, and wanted to show their appreciation for your business and, because of their attention to personal service, it stood out to you as a very positive, noteworthy experience.. . .