Deadline for Employee/College Scholarships One Week Away
from NYSH&TA
NYSH&TA's 2009 College Scholarship Program is underway to assist college students in furthering their hospitality education. Student Scholarship Applications are due no later than Friday, April 17, 2009. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Sykes, Executive Assistant, at nancy@nyshta.org or call (800) 642-5313 ext. 106.

For an online application, click here.

With Tiny Rooms and Reasonable Rates, Microhotels are Big Trend
from The Associated Press via The Columbus Dispatch
A New York hotel with luxury sheets and state-of-the-art audio for less than $100 a night? All you have to sacrifice is a bit of privacy and a little -- well, a lot -- of space. Moving beyond budget accommodations to an idea that borrows from a ship's berth or a train's sleeper car, developers are gambling that, in tough times, travelers looking for a little pampering at lower prices will embrace microhotels. The concept of an entire hotel room the size of a modern bathroom has spread across Europe in recent years. And as the U.S. economy deteriorates, interest in the idea has grown, providing more options for budget travelers. More

NEW - Second Email Address for Members
from NYSH&TA
Sign up (by clicking the link above) to add one additional email address for a second key person at your property to receive a complimentary subscription to email alerts, advisories and newsletters. Use our convenient online form to add this additional business email address. Alternately, information may also be filled out on your 2009 Invoice, and a copy of the invoice returned with your dues payment. More.

The 2009 Conference & Expo will give lodging owners and operators the tools to stay competitive during these tough economic times. WHEN: April 26-28, 2009 WHERE: Saratoga Hilton & Saratoga City Center, Saratoga Springs, NY WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND: The Conference & Expo will provide attendees with a perfect atmosphere to absorb new ideas and network with industry leaders. For more information on registration, contact Trish Bergan, NYSH&TA Meeting Planner at (800) 642-5313 ext. 107, or e-mail her at trish@nyshta.org. Register Online Download the full Conference & Expo Brochure

Terminating Hotel Management Agreements Without Liability
from Hospitality Net
It's no secret. The right management agreement can add a lot of value to a property. But in times like these, a long-term, no cut, hotel management agreement can be a big "encumbrance" on value. In fact, we have seen a number of real-life situations where hotel is worth up to TWICE as much without the branded hotel management agreement. More

Economy Drives the Resurgence of the 'Commission Only' Sales Person
from Hotel News Resource
Gone are the jobs that pay high salaries and strong bonus plans in today's travel and hospitality industry. Everyone needs a reality check once in a while and the economy has made providers of technology and services to the travel and hospitality industry re-evaluate how they compensate their front line sales people. More

Business Travel to Recover More Slowly than Leisure
from Hotel Marketing
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, overall domestic air passenger traffic will fall nearly 9 percent this year, while international bookings are expected to decline by 2.4 percent. The FAA expects to see travel growth return in 2010. But business travel may take longer to recover. More