News
[CBC] Why some travelers are falling out of love with Airbnb
By Jonathan Ore As the price difference between hotels and short-term rentals shrinks, people are rethinking their options Makarand Mody, Associate Professor, Director of Research, and Chair of Undergraduate Programs at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, was featured on a CBC podcast episode, talking about the evolving dynamics of short-term rentals... More
[BU Today] The Motivations of Boston University Professors: Why They Love to Teach
By Hermela Haile (Questrom’25) Eleni Granas, Clinical Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Events Management and Director of Event Curriculum & Planning at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, shares her deep passion for teaching through her desire to inspire others. “What inspires me to teach is the opportunity to be in a... More
[WalletHub] Best Foodie Cities in America (2024)
By Adam McCann, WalletHub Financial Writer Source: WalletHub Leora Lanz, Associate Professor of the Practice and Executive Director of Online Programs at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, provides valuable insights into the evolving world of "foodie" culture and its accessibility in cities across America. She talked about how food enthusiasts—whether fine-dining connoisseurs... More
[CoStar] Shift focus on your hotel’s digital spend and marketing mindset
By Leora Halpern Lanz HNN columnist Published version in CoStar- Full article below: As hoteliers enter the critical phase of budget planning, it's imperative to scrutinize where digital marketing dollars are allocated and what outcomes they drive. With a myriad of platforms and strategies available, it's easy to spread the budget thin without reaping... More
[MarketPlace] How do small, independent motels stay in business?
By Janet Nguyen Makarand Mody, associate professor of hospitality marketing at Boston University, sheds light on how small, independent motels manage to stay afloat in an industry dominated by national chains. According to Mody, location is a key factor in their success, particularly for motels near highways or in areas with... More
[Bostonia] This SHA Alum Handles Fenway Park’s Celebrity Artists
By Sujena Soumyanath (COM '25) Harrison Sears (SHA’24) has helped the teams of Paul McCartney, Bad Bunny, and Noah Kahan get ready to perform at the iconic ballpark Harrison Sears (SHA’24), a recent graduate from BU’s School of Hospitality Administration, shares insights on his unique role at Fenway Park, where he helps... More
Boston University School of Hospitality Administration Proudly Presents Dean’s Distinguished Speakers Series & Alumni of the Year Award Ceremony
Featuring Anthony Valletta, President of bartaco, 2024 Alumni of the Year (September 11, 2024) Boston, MA - Boston University School of Hospitality Administration (BU SHA) announces the fall edition of the Dean’s Distinguished Speakers Series, featuring Anthony Valletta, President of bartaco, (BU SHA ’05). The event takes place on Thursday, October... More
[BU Today] Introducing BU’s Newest Terriers: Camille Cattauichat
By Amy Laskowski and Jackie Ricciardi Camille Cattaui (CAS ’28) brings her passion for sustainability and food innovation to Boston University, drawing on a rich culinary background that began at a young age. A finalist on MasterChef Junior 2016, Cattaui's love for food has expanded into a deep interest in eco-friendly... More
[The Boston Globe] Hotel strikes a headache for guests, hotels, and workers alike
By Katie Johnston and Stella Tannenbaum Arun Upneja, Dean of Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, provided expert insight into the ongoing hotel worker strikes in Boston, emphasizing the financial pressures hotels face amid rising costs and labor shortages. Dean Upneja noted that while strikes can strain relationships between owners and... More
[BNN Bloomberg] The Summer’s Most Stylish Status Symbols Come from Luxury Hotels
By Sarah Rappaport Leora Lanz, Associate Professor and Executive Director of Online Programs at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, offers her expert perspective on the growing trend of luxury hotel merchandise as a status symbol. Lanz said that branded items from upscale hotels are becoming increasingly popular among millennial and... More
[The New York Times] Practice Flights and Calm Spaces: Making Room for Neurodivergent Travelers
By Derek M. Norman, Christine Chung, and Christopher Kuo Kaushik Vardharajan, BU School of Hospitality Administration's associate professor, discussed with The New York Times Travel about the growing inclusivity of the travel industry for neurodivergent travelers. He highlighted the increasing efforts of airlines, hotels, and other travel sectors to create environments that... More
[Boston Business Journal] This restaurant group is putting Greek culture at the center of the menu
Demetri Tsolakis, adjunct professor at Boston University's School of Hospitality Administration and CEO of Xenia Greek Hospitality, offers deep insights into the art of creating authentic Greek dining experiences. Together with Stefanos Ougrinis, Tsolakis emphasizes the importance of preserving Greek food and culture at the core of their restaurant ventures, More
[The Boston Globe] For Greco founder, hospitality is a family tradition | Sponsored by Santander Bank
Demetri Tsolakis, adjunct professor at Boston University's School of Hospitality Administration and CEO of Xenia Greek Hospitality, shares his journey from working in his family's restaurant at a young age to leading a thriving restaurant group in Boston. Drawing on his Greek heritage and a passion for authentic hospitality, Tsolakis... More
[Plate] Should You Work with Influencers? Advice from Three Restaurant Marketing Pros
By Stacey Lastoe Lisa Flores, an adjunct professor at BU’s School of Hospitality Administration and director of sales and marketing at Boston’s Columbus Hospitality Group, offers a candid look at the strategic use of social media influencers in the hospitality industry. Flores views influencers as an essential marketing tool, akin to... More
[CommonWealth Beacon] Boston Common restaurant closing, city seeks new tenant
Leora Lanz, SHA associate professor, provides valuable insight into the challenges of operating a restaurant in a unique location like Boston Common. She emphasizes the importance of marketing strategies, such as placing signs on surrounding streets and creating a strong sense of place, to establish the restaurant as a destination... More