The Internet is turning shopping for hotels into a true consumer retail experience. In many respects, consumers use the Internet like a grocery store for hotels: going up and down the aisles looking at products, brands, packaging, prices, offers, etc., from which they make their selection.

A Travelhorizons study predicts where demand for business will come from in the first half of 2010.

According to a hotel internet marketing study by Cornell assistant professor Chris K. Anderson, the "billboard effect" of online marketing increases both reservation levels and average daily rate.

New study says rate, not segment, is best indicator of competitive set.

Forecasting is more challenging and also more important than ever before.

Create a Sales Action Plan as a way to focus your sales strategy for next year.

The bill was facing a final vote in June, but was pulled by Senate leadership when a number of unrelated amendments threatened to stop the bill's progress. The Senate looks to vote on the bill Tuesday.

Every year at this time, managers start drafting their marketing plans for next year. In robust economies of the past, the chore was exhilarating. But planning is more uncertain now. While we don’t propose a magic bullet, here are some areas that all properties should focus on now:

Build your biz: Get value out of your advertising agency; Loews Hotels' Jonathan Tisch on the power of sports travel; Promotion of the Week: Best Western

The luxury market is in a state of flux--and it may never be the same again. As travel and hospitality are two of the most discretionary items in anyone’s spending pattern, they are probably under more pressure than any other sector. Yet hotel brands seem to be making mistakes that could have long-term repercussions. How can hotel brands adjust to the new paradigm of luxury that's driven by value, rather than conspicuous consumption? BY CONTRIBUTING EDITOR SUZANNE HADER