Doug Kennedy Journalist Profile

Articles

Generational bias of marketing leaders is restricting voice channel success in hotels

Jan 15, 2025 | costar.com | Doug Kennedy

“The only people who still call to book a reservation are older folks who are not good with technology.” “Millennials and Gen-Zers prefer self-service booking options because they grew up with tech and hate making phone calls.”How many times have you heard or read comments such as these from conference speakers or in lodging industry articles?
Capture more catering and event sales revenue with a personalized approach

Dec 11, 2024 | costar.com | Doug Kennedy

Although the jobs of catering & event (wedding) sales manager and hotel group sales manager are often thought of as similar, the real-world skills needed are quite different. Why? Increasingly hotel sales jobs are being automated, centralized and outsourced. Online booking platforms have made it easy for planners to source proposals from a large pool of properties with a few clicks.
Doug Kennedy’s Next Training Webcast: Reservations Sales QUEST - 2025 Edition! Complimentary Registration Now Open

Dec 4, 2024 | hotelnewsresource.com | Doug Kennedy

Doug Kennedy’s Next Training Webcast: Reservations Sales QUEST – 2025 Edition! Complimentary Registration Now Open - Image Credit Kennedy Training Network Sponsored By Travel Outlook and Track Hospitality Software Register your team and participate live, or view the recording, of Doug Kennedy’s next 40-minute training webcast scheduled for Friday, December 20, from Noon – 12:45pm EST.
Premier Inn Celebrates 'Gavin and Stacey' Finale with Themed Hotel Name

Nov 28, 2024 | hotelnewsresource.com | Doug Kennedy

Premier Inn Celebrates 'Gavin and Stacey' Finale with Themed Hotel Name The Premier Inn located on Barry Island, where the popular TV show 'Gavin and Stacey' was filmed, has temporarily changed its name to 'What’s Occur-Inn'. This is a nod to a catchphrase from the series as fans eagerly await the show’s final episode scheduled for Christmas Day. Since the series finale was announced, fans have been visiting Barry to experience the setting of the much-loved show.
4 Tips on How to Choose the Right Wine for Any Occasion

Nov 28, 2024 | hotelnewsresource.com | Doug Kennedy

4 Tips on How to Choose the Right Wine for Any Occasion - Image Credit Unsplash Finding the perfect wine for any occasion may feel like a skill only sommeliers possess. However, modern technology has enabled anyone to select the ideal bottle without leaving home. Choosing wine has never been more convenient.
Meliá Hotels International Mourns Loss of Founder Gabriel Escarrer Juliá

Nov 27, 2024 | hotelnewsresource.com | Doug Kennedy

Gabriel Escarrer Juliá - Image Credit Meliá Hotels Meliá Hotels International has announced the passing of its founder and honorary chairman, Gabriel Escarrer Juliá. He was 90 years old. The company has expressed deep sorrow over his loss, highlighting his immense contribution to the group's development and success. Born in 1930 in Felanitx (Mallorca), Escarrer Juliá began his journey in the hospitality industry at an early age.
Hotel Spa Reservations Sales and Hospitality Training Tips : 4Hoteliers

Nov 21, 2024 | 4hoteliers.com | Doug Kennedy

Considering the huge growth in demand for “wellness” vacations and resort experiences, ensuring excellent inquiry experiences should be a top priority since many guests select their resort based on the spa and wellness offerings more so than the rooms or other amenities.
Hotel Spa Reservations Sales and Hospitality Training Tips

Nov 21, 2024 | hospitalitynet.org | Doug Kennedy

It has been interesting these last few years to see an increasing number of upscale hotel and resort spa managers reaching out for the same types of sales and hospitality excellence training that my company and others have offered for years for hotel room reservations, group/event sales, and front office/concierge.
Hotel Spa Reservations Sales and Hospitality Training Tips - by Doug Kennedy

Nov 20, 2024 | hotelnewsresource.com | Doug Kennedy

Hotel Spa Reservations Sales and Hospitality Training Tips - Image Credit Shutterstock/Doug Kennedy It has been interesting these last few years to see an increasing number of upscale hotel and resort spa managers reaching out for the same types of sales and hospitality excellence training that my company and others have offered for years for hotel room reservations, group/event sales, and front office/concierge.
Hotel reservations reconfirmation calls present opportunities to build the brand, upsell and cross-sell

Nov 20, 2024 | costar.com | Doug Kennedy

As online bookings increase, the number of reservations inquiry calls decreases over time. Yet when you spend time at a busy front desk or in the reservations office, the phones continue to ring. Why? Many of those who book online still call the hotel directly to reconfirm their booking, especially if they originally booked at a third-party OTA website.