Hospitality Management
Article | July 4, 2023
Just over a month ago, many of us sat in our offices, surrounded by colleagues, engaged in deep discussions about how best to leverage the increasing demand in travel this year. As per the World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) forecasts from earlier this year, international tourist arrivals were expected to grow by 4% in 2020, which is not as great as the growth seen in 2017 (7%) and 2018 (6%), but it was still enough to continue fueling the tourism industry, which contributes to about 10.4% of the global GDP and approximately 319 million jobs. We were blissfully unaware of the looming threat of the COVID-19 global pandemic. In fact, several parts of the world failed to take notice of this crown-shaped virus that was about to bring everything to a grinding halt, until March 11, when the World Health Organization officially announced it as a pandemic.
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Hospitality Management
Article | June 29, 2023
With the travel and tourism sector having taken a gut punch this year amid coronavirus concerns, many business groups and professionals are seeking new and innovative ways to enjoy memorable team events, proffer inspiring staff incentives and have some impactful one-on-one with customers and clients particularly those activities that inherently facilitate large crowd avoidance. With that, I’ve found a fabulous option in the BMW Performance Center West. This permanent performance driver training facility, located in Thermal, California near Palm Springs, offers one-of-a-kind experiences for both business groups and individuals that are taught by BMW professional driving instructors on a private course.
With up to 5.1 miles of expansive track layouts, the facility offers various driving programs and schools allowing participants to get behind the wheel of “the Ultimate Driving Machine” and learn key skills. Things like proper vision, basic car control, panic braking, handling, last-minute emergency lane changing, distracted driving, high-speed control and precision driving are all taught. Plus, it’s just plain old adrenaline-inducing fun.
The facility, which opened in 2015, offers various driving solutions for people of all ages and capabilities, and they also have special programs and meeting space for private and corporate groups. So, your entire department or company at large can get in on the action! There are multiple one- and two-day driving schools and experiences, private instruction, customizable events and the opportunity to experience the expansive, luxurious facility in either BMW or MINI vehicles.
Here are my top five reasons why this facility is a must-visit vacation destination, with the finer details courtesy of the BMW Performance Center West:
1. Private Instruction in the latest and greatest models
Instruction at the facility encompasses the full line of the newest BMW and MINI vehicles. In fact, there are reportedly over 100 new models available for activities at the BMW Performance Center West.
Also notable is the fact that all BMW driving experiences and schools are taught by professional BMW Driving Instructors, many of whom are professional race car drivers with dozens of wins. They even hold two world records: Longest Drift in eight hours (232.5 miles) and Longest Tandem Drift (39.25 miles).
These BMW Professional Driving instructors teach you how to handle your vehicle in challenging situations and conditions including accident avoidance, cornering, drifting, car control, braking and more. A skidpad allows drivers to feel oversteer and understeer, simulating hydroplaning or driving on black ice and providing the opportunity to learn how to handle those situations. The skidpad also provides advanced drivers with the thrilling experience of drifting. The tight performance track offers plenty of opportunity to learn how to control a vehicle at various speeds and cornering situations. Drivers can definitely satisfy their need for speed and excitement on one of the four tracks and experience driving scenarios they’ve only ever seen in the movies.
2. A variety of track experiences are available
In addition to BMW-dedicated tracks and a polished wet skidpad, some classes take advantage of the FIA certified race tracks of The Thermal Club. There are three tracks there with a combined length of 5.1 miles. The North Palm track is 1.2 miles long, the Desert Palm track is 1.8 miles long, and the South Palm track is also 1.8 miles long. Their newly-opened Off-Road Track allows drivers to experience extreme angles in the BMW X-series vehicles, splashing through water obstacles, driving over bumpy off-road trails and more. The vertical angles are literally steeper than any street in San Francisco and the visual sensation is amazing. Drivers often say, “I didn’t know a car could do that!”
3. A range of performance driving experiences are offered
Each BMW Performance Center West’s fun and action-packed driving programs delivers a robust experience that you’re sure not to forget. These include:
-- BMW Performance Center Drive: This option packs a real punch with two intense and exhilarating driving sessions capped off with a Hot Lap by a Certified BMW instructor.
-- M Track Drive: This is the perfect combination of machine and track with six hard-charging laps on one of the tracks of The Thermal Club pushing a BMW M3 or M4 to its limits. Featuring the facility’s most powerful and responsive vehicles, the M Track Drive will put you behind the wheel of an M car for six exhilarating laps on an FIA Certified racetrack. You’ll follow an instructor’s car for a warm-up lap and also learn the proper line for achieving the best time. Then, try to keep their car in your sights as speeds and g-forces increase, pushing your M car to its considerable limits.
-- The Ultimate BMW Mixer / The Track Meet: This is a unique driving and dining experience that elevates gift-giving, business networking and client entertaining to a whole new level. It’s a great way to get a taste of what the group events can offer. The mixer is a half-day experience that includes a delicious chef-prepared lunch, three exhilarating driving sessions in a fleet of brand-new BMWs and a Hot Lap around the track with a BMW pro at the wheel. The afternoon is capped off at a private reception with hors d’oeuvres and beverages at the BMW Performance Center. If you do have business needs, the facility has meeting spaces with multimedia capabilities, site-wide Wi-Fi and both indoor and outdoor dining with a delicious catering menu.
4. Both one- and two-day car control schools are available
Engage your senses and push through your comfort zone by learning vehicle handling, quick judgment and accident avoidance skills—all developed in a controlled environment with a BMW-certified instructor observing and coaching via radio. These include real-world driving conditions and scenarios—wet pavement, emergency braking and lane changes, distracted driving and more.
For the two-day options, participants will build on and reinforce the skills and techniques learned on day one. More seat time and real-time feedback takes driving abilities to the next level. Day two is when things really “click” and safe driving instincts kick in. This is also the day participants will experience an Instructor Hot Lap.
There are a wide range of driving school options at the BMW Performance Driving Center that are available to individuals and groups, alike. Below is a brief synopsis of each:
-- Car Control School: Take the wheel of a BMW and head out to the track, where professional instructors will hone your driving skills. Understanding stability control, knowing what to do when a vehicle starts to slide on the wet skid-pad and practicing proper vision through the lane-change course will allow you to anticipate situations on a real road. Available as a one-day, or for even more in-depth instruction, two-day course.
-- M School: Take the wheel of a high-performance BMW M vehicle and experience the power of M firsthand. Accelerate, corner and brake faster than you ever have before, then learn to maintain control in low traction conditions on the facility’s wet skidpad and keep 400 horsepower under control. End the day with a hot lap in an instructor-driven M vehicle. Available as a one-day, or for even more pulse-pounding excitement, a full two-day course.
-- One-Day M School: Learn the theory, physics and mechanics of performance driving. M School builds confidence and consistency while perfecting control, handling, acceleration and braking techniques.
-- Two-Day M School: Take everything you learned on day one and push “GO.” Slaloms, drifting, braking, cornering at optimum slip, full- and modified-time laps at speeds you’ve only dreamed of.
-- Advanced M School: Game on. M School graduates are an elite class of driver. They’ve proven that they’ve got what it takes to handle the ultimate challenge: BMW’s Advanced M School, held for two full days at road course tracks with pro Instructors, is the closest you can get to a racing experience.
-- MINI Motoring School: Take a John Cooper Works MINI Cooper and run it through an autocross course, lead/follow session and some stunt driving techniques, all under the watchful eye of a professional instructor. The mighty MINI will have you grinning from ear to ear all day long.
-- MINI Tricks and Stunts School - The first half of the day gets you intimately familiar with the MINI’s handling and capabilities, but the fun meter gets cranked to 11 in the afternoon. They’ll cover silky smooth reverse donuts on the skidpad, J-turns and reverse turns.
-- Teen School: There’s a lot for brand-new drivers to keep in mind and the BMW Teen School will allow them to experience how a vehicle feels at the limit in the safety of a closed environment. From wet skidpad exercises and panic braking to performing a double lane change, teens will leave with a solid foundation of vehicle control and a big smile. This option is available as either a one or two-day curriculum.
5. Amenities abound
Set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain views, the BMW Performance Center not only boasts a private course where only you can experience the Ultimate Driving Machine, but also a luxurious modern building, gourmet café, coffee bar and gift shop with exclusive merchandise that you cannot buy anywhere else.
Customized corporate retreats and group events held at the BMW Performance Center are a refreshing change from the cliché team-building sessions. All programs are designed to improve dynamics, build trust and facilitate group communication. They have meeting spaces with Multimedia capabilities, site-wide Wi-Fi and indoor and outdoor dining space.
In all, this is an unforgettable experience that also makes a great gift idea. With stay at home orders having been lifted, getting behind the wheel of a new BMW at the BMW Performance Center West is a “bucket list” excursion sure to leave you longing for more.
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Hospitality Management
Article | July 24, 2023
Embark on transformative journey through top hospitality management certification in the tourism and hospitality industry. Elevate career prospects with industry-recognized hospitality certification.
The hospitality industry is a dynamic and fast-growing sector that requires skilled professionals to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive business success. Whether you are an aspiring hospitality professional or a seasoned industry expert looking to expand your knowledge and enhance your career prospects, pursuing a hospitality management certification or course can be a valuable investment. Hospitality management courses are short-term, specialized training programs designed to offer learner with a comprehensive understanding of hotel management and the hospitality industry.
1. Management Foundations in the Hospitality Industry
Experience a transformative journey in hospitality management with the hospitality management certification, Management Foundations in the Hospitality Industry. This advanced course caters to industry experts, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of motivation, leadership, communication, decision-making, and effective human resources management. Delve into service-driven excellence, ethics, social responsibility, and enhancing consumer experiences. This course consists of four modules covering resource allocation, talent recruitment, interviewing, employee training, performance appraisals, and liability avoidance. To solidify your knowledge, the course features curated readings, interactive discussions, and practice quizzes. Elevate your professional prowess and unlock new horizons in the dynamic hospitality industry.
2. Guest Service in Hospitality and Tourism
Enhance your hospitality and tourism industry expertise with the exclusive certification in hospitality management, Guest Service in Hospitality and Tourism. This advanced course caters to industry experts, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to excel in customer service. Dive into the intricacies of greeting guests with finesse, responding adeptly to complaints, and creating unforgettable experiences. From maintaining composure in challenging situations to demonstrating empathy, you'll master the art of exceptional service. With this course, you can learn and leverage practical strategies to handle common grievances, ensuring guest satisfaction at every turn. This certification program will unlock a world of opportunities in the dynamic field of hospitality management.
3. Introduction to Hospitality Management
Embark on a transformative journey with a certificate in hospitality titled, Introduction to Hospitality Management. As you transition into a managerial role, renowned restaurant consultant Mike Ganino shares expert insights in this comprehensive online course. Acquire essential skills, from preparing for your first day as a manager to effective task prioritization, delegation, and confident leadership. This 30m 35s online course will help you to optimize staff rostering, master multitasking, and ensure exceptional service standards. Gain expertise in handling challenging situations with demanding customers and effectively respond to customer feedback. With this course you can unlock new possibilities and elevate hospitality management career.
4. Hospitality Management Cornell Certificate Program
Uplift in the hospitality industry with Hospitality Management Cornell Certificate Program. As one of the premier hospitality courses developed by the renowned School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, this advanced certification equips industry experts with the essential skills and best practices to excel in management roles. From finance and marketing to team building and guest loyalty, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of every facet of hospitality management. The course allows one to learn from renowned experts and participate in virtual Zoom sessions, exploring the industry's trending topics. This certificate program is for a duration of three months, divided into weekly modules of three to five hours per week.
5. Teamwork in the Hospitality Industry
Embrace the power of effective teamwork in the dynamic hospitality industry with the comprehensive Teamwork in the Hospitality Industry course to improve your work experience. As a hospitality industry expert, one must understand teamwork's crucial role in enhancing work experiences and driving success. In this microlearning program, organized with four lessons to fit seamlessly into a busy schedule, you'll develop the essential teamwork skills required to thrive in the fast-paced hospitality environment. From understanding the significance of effective communication within teams to practical applications and navigating noisy environments, this course empowers you to elevate collaboration and deliver exceptional results.
6. Understanding Travel and Tourism
One of the best hospitality and tourism management certifications, The Understanding Travel and Tourism, a course published by NuYew, is one of the best hospitality management programs to enhance expertise in the thriving world of travel and tourism. This course provides a platform for learners and industry experts to gain valuable insights into the travel industry's fundamentals, benefits, and terminology. Acquire the essential skills necessary for success in this dynamic field and discover renowned global tourist destinations and attractions. In addition, the course also includes the intricacies of business travel, hygiene standards, food safety, and event planning within the hospitality and catering industry.
7. Accounting and Financial Management for Travel Agencies
Overcome the difficulties of managing the travel and hospitality businesses' accounting transactions or financial statements with Accounting and Financial Management for Travel Agencies. Designed to help industry experts boost their financial management skills, this course will equip you with the knowledge to navigate accounting transactions effectively, interpret financial statements, and make strategic decisions that drive profitability. With the combination of practical case studies and interactive simulations, the course has been created to develop a deep understanding of accounting principles and learn proven strategies for financial success. Whether aiming to meet investment requirements or comply with industry regulators like IATA, this course ensures you have the skills to manage the agency's financial health.
Summing Up
Learning has become more accessible and convenient than ever before thanks to the advancements in technology. By embracing the listed hospitality management courses, individuals can equip themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry. As we move forward, it is evident that continuous learning and upskilling will be crucial in staying relevant and competitive. The online hotel management certification allows professionals to adapt to the changing demands of the industry and stay ahead of the curve. By harnessing the power of digital platforms and innovative learning methods, individuals can unlock new opportunities and pave the way for a successful career in hospitality management.
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Travel Technology
Article | May 27, 2022
Travel technology professionals view tech as the way to help travel come back stronger, according to research.
The TravelTech Show (formerly TTE Europe) polled buyers and suppliers who listed artificial intelligence, customer relationship management and online booking tools as the top three technologies to help boost recovery.
Rounding out the top five were self-service portals and innovative payment options.
The findings will be unsurprising to many in the industry already looking to AI, the cloud and other technologies to boost efficiency and improve the customer experience.
Brian Sheerin, managing director of SABS Travel Technologies, says: Allowing travelers to self-book through an OBT [online booking tool] while still providing simple methods to communicate, such as online chat, are key to reducing customer frustration and allowing travel businesses the space to restructure, to resource and to meet customer expectations. OBTs were already playing a massive part in booking travel pre-pandemic and now it is even more important in the role of rebuilding the sector and customer confidence in it.”In recent weeks, American Airlines announced a far-reaching partnership with Microsoft, Expedia Group unveiled its new tech platform Open World and Miami Airport announced its rollout of biometric boarding technology.
Payment developments and other advances in travel fintech also have been highlighted recently as an increasing priority to the industry as it looks to find new revenue streams.
The TravelTech Show research also quizzed participants on the top challenges facing the travel technology industry currently, with economic uncertainty taking the top slot (52%), followed by COVID-19 restrictions (46%) and climate change (36%).
Cyber security took fourth place compared to two years ago when it was in seventh place.
Meanwhile, sustainable travel moved to seventh place compared to the second-place spot it held in 2020.
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