Mobile not a trend, but a reality
from HotelNewsNow (February 11, 2015)
Having an understanding and a strategy for digital technology and mobile sites are key to reaching the “new” traveler.
The rise of digital technology has molded a new kind of traveler, one who embraces available tools and uses them to jump across industry-defined silos.
These new travelers do not need handholding; they need the resources and technology to be able to be self-sufficient.
hey want to be able to make reservations, check-in and plan their trip via a virtual concierge, all while sharing their experience on their social media outlets.
San Diego had Priciest Hotel Sale in State
from San Diego Union Tribune (2/09/2015):
San Diego had Priciest Hotel Sale in State
San Diego’s flattening dollar volume of sales last year isn’t surprising, says local hotelier Robert Rauch, considering the rising value of hotels, fueled by a much improved tourism economy.
“Today’s owners don’t want to give up their properties because times are so good right now,” said Rauch, who owns and operates a number of San Diego County hotels. “Nobody wants to sell, unless at ridiculous prices, because the financial performance is at record highs, as are occupancy levels. I wouldn’t sell because the values are continuing to rise.”
Sales, especially of higher-end marquee properties, were especially robust in 2011 because savvy investors could foresee values were likely to soar, believes Rauch.
Do you agree with President Obama’s proposal to end budget sequestration?
from San Diego Union Tribune (2/08/2015):
Bob Rauch on the EconoMeter panel as they discuss if President Obama’s proposal:
Do you agree with President Obama’s proposal to end budget sequestration?
Bob Rauch: NO
“Although the economy is coming back, sequestration forces the president to keep spending in check. Raising taxes as a tradeoff to allowing more defense spending by lifting sequestration paves the way for more spending on programs we cannot afford. Limited government spending gave way to broad expansion in the private sector that is sustaining the recovery. Let us spend within our means like all of us do with our family budget. Further, until a president gets serious about reform of our entitlement programs, we will continue to head toward economic dysfunction.”
Read More from the panel
Should paid sick time be required
from San Diego Union Tribune (2/01/2015):
Bob Rauch on the EconoMeter panel as they discuss if paid sick time:
Should paid sick time be required?
Bob Rauch: NO
“We already have three days mandatory paid sick leave in California and employers should have the option to determine how much paid sick leave and how many vacation days to offer. The real question is where do government health care mandates end and company benefits begin? I’d rather do the right thing with our team members and have us go up against competitors in the open markets, appealing to potential team members with the same freedom as we go after customers. If our team members and customers are not taken care of they will go elsewhere and we lose.”
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Competitive Strategy for the Hospitality Industry
Developing a business strategy is admirable but executing the strategy is the key. Based on this, I thought I would try to simplify the essence of strategy for today’s hospitality leaders. One simple strategy is to differentiate our operations via intangible assets. As an example, customer relationship management or new and innovative products and services can provide differentiation from our competitors.
One strategy that has been employed frequently is the “balanced scorecard.” Simply put, this system allows a company to measure budgets and financial measurement devices as well as non-tangible assets such as customer relationships and brand awareness. According to the book The Strategy Focused Organization by Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton, “an exclusive reliance on financial measures in a management system causes businesses to do the wrong things.”
Chargers Stadium Task Force Unveiled
from San Diego Union Tribune (1/30/2015):
Chargers Stadium Task Force Unveiled
Bob Rauch provides insight on the selected committee:
San Diego hotelier Bob Rauch called the group solid, but said he would have preferred to see an attorney and an economic analyst included.
“I don’t see that we have a sharp attorney to refute (lawyer) Cory Briggs’ likely lawsuits or any concerns that an obstructionist might have,” Rauch said.
Are higher capital gains taxes a good thing?
from San Diego Union Tribune (1/25/2015):
Bob Rauch on the EconoMeter panel as they react to President Obama’s proposal:
Are higher capital gains taxes a good thing?
Bob Rauch: NO
“The president should work with Congress to tackle comprehensive tax and entitlement reform that reviews the entire structure of how and why we fund government services. We need to boost economic growth, not increase what is already the highest top corporate tax rate in the world. Many small businesses have an even higher tax rate as well as higher costs of health care. Capital gains should be taxed at a lower rate than regular income tax as that is where we get to capital to build businesses to employ everyone! The bottom line is, income redistribution efforts will always fail.”
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Can the U.S. help Europe’s stagnating economy?
from San Diego Union Tribune (1/16/2015):
Bob Rauch on the EconoMeter panel as they address ways for the U.S. to help Europe jump start it’s economy.
Can the U.S. do anything to rev up Europe’s stagnating economy?
Bob Rauch: NO
“Europe needs to deal with its structural issues on its own, particularly in the Eurozone area, but the dollar’s surge certainly makes it easier to purchase European goods and travel to the continent. If Europe continues to stagnate and Asia has a soft landing, investors in those markets will use our markets as a flight to a safe haven, further contributing to Europe’s economic troubles. While our economy continues to strengthen, it is not currently robust enough to revive Europe as our payroll reports show wage declines. The best way to rev up Europe’s economy is to strengthen our own.”
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InnDependent Lodging Summit & Trade Show
Bob Rauch will be discussing “How to differentiate your Hotel, create a localized message and drive revenue” at the InnDependent Lodging Summit & Trade Show, March 15-17, 2015.
This is an event unlike any other and one that independently owned lodging and activity providers can’t afford to miss. (more…)
Area’s Tourism Success Creates Room for More Luxury Hotels
From San Diego Business Journal (01/05/2015)
Hotel Trends 2015
Consultant Robert Rauch predicts that these will be among the top trends in local and national hotel operations in the coming year. (more…)