From Expedia to F&B: What's trending now

'Tis the time of year for trends. Here are five of the most popular operations articles trending on HotelManagement.net, plus some recommendations for related reading.

1. One-on-one with Expedia Worldwide's Scott Durchslag
What to do about online travel agencies is always top of mind for the GM. This profile of Expedia Worldwide's president digs into how the OTA giant feels about the hotel industry--both good and bad.

If you like this, you'll also like:
Travelocity replaces CEO with former Hotels.com exec (Source: Tnooz)

2. Marketing a luxury property in times of stress
GM Zack Zahran of NYC's Helmsley Park Lane Hotel encourages hoteliers to figure out how to adapt to shifting travel priorities while retaining the important elements of your property's brand.

If you like this, you'll also like:
The perils of marketing on price (Source: Hospitality Marketing Blog)

3. Fake hotel reviews game TripAdvisor
Online reputation management comes to a head in this wrapup of articles about how crafty companies are creating false reviews on TripAdvisor in order to slant reviews in favor of one hotel over another.

If you like this, you'll also like:
TripAdvisor's fake battle (Source: The Economist)

4. Pros, cons of outsourcing housekeeping
This oldie but goodie (the article first appeared in 2010) looks at the advantages (money savings) and disadvantages (less control over the crew) of outsourcing housekeeping services.

If you like this, you'll also like:
Cambridge sweeps away outsourcing of hotel housekeepers (Source: The Boston Globe)

5. Andrew Freeman & Co. reveals 2011 hospitality trends
This annual list of hotel and restaurant trends from trendwatcher Andrew Freeman & Co. generates lots of attention throughout the year. The predictions for 2011 included more of a focus on casual, relaxed public spaces; more tech-friendly check-in options; and a return to locally sourced food and drink.

If you like this, you'll also like:
Andrew Freeman & Co.'s Passion Collection 2012: The hottest trends in hotels and spas (Andrew Freeman & Co.)