Faculty In The Press
[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
[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
[WalletHub] Best Car Insurance in Massachusetts for 2024
In discussion with WalletHub, Apostolos Ampountolas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Hospitality Finance and Revenue Management at BU’s School of Hospitality Administration, offers expert insights into the complexities of car insurance pricing and how consumers can navigate these challenges. Professor Ampountolas provides a detailed analysis of the factors influencing car insurance... More
[The Boston Globe] As the summer tourism season wears on, hotel workers say they’re feeling the effects of understaffing
In a comprehensive look at the current challenges facing the hospitality industry, BU School of Hospitality Administration Dean Arun Upneja interviewed with The Globe and provided expert insights into the impacts of understaffing on hotel workers and operations. Dean Upneja's analysis sheds light on the broader trends affecting workforce dynamics... More