[Long Live Lodging] Professor Makarand Mody Finds Post-pandemic Travel Results in Alternative Lodging
In a recent Long Live Lodging article, Professor Makarand Mody, and his fellow researchers learned that people planning a trip this year are less likely to stay in hotels and more likely to book alternative lodging such as private homes listed on Airbnb. Read More
A Segmented Machine Learning Modeling Approach of Social Media for Predicting Occupancy Demand. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management
By: APOSTOLOS AMPOUNTOLAS, Ph.D. Abstract Purpose This study aims to predict hotel demand through text analysis by investigating keyword series to increase demand predictions’ precision. To do so, this paper presents a framework for modeling hotel demand that incorporates machine learning techniques. Design/methodology/approach The empirical forecasting is conducted by introducing a segmented machine learning approach […]
Conveying Hotel Cleanliness During COVID-19 Crisis
By Suzanne Bagnera Abstract For hotel housekeeping, COVID-19 has become a showstopper, and not the good kind! Traditional guestroom cleaning programs fall shy of the hygiene standards required amidst COVID-19. The inflow of guests from around the world elevates the risk of contamination in hotels. Exacerbating that risk is that fact that guestrooms contain extensive […]
Postcrisis REIT performance using financial ratios: A Data Envelopment Analysis Approach Tourism Economics
By: APOSTOLOS AMPOUNTOLAS, Ph.D. Abstract This study examines the performance of public lodging real estate investment trusts (REITs) following the financial crisis period from 2013 to 2017. We employed data envelopment analysis, a nonparametric technique based on linear programming, to measure performance. Determinants of efficiency were assessed by a set of financial ratios predicting each […]
Active Learning to Improve Self-Confidence and Decision-Making Skills Through the Use of Hotel Simulation
By: APOSTOLOS AMPOUNTOLAS, Ph.D. ABSTRACT This study evaluated the use of hotel simulation learning and how it promotes users’ confidence as a decision-making tool. Given the challenges of preparing students for the service industry, it enables them to make hypothetical decisions based on real-life scenarios. The perceived learning experience can enhance students’ critical thinking ability […]
[Daily Free Press] Professor Suzanne Bagnera Explains Why Hotels May Decide to House Students During COVID-19
Professor Suzanne Bagnera explained to the Daily Free Press that housing university students during COVID-19 could be a step towards bringing back employees to the hotel. She also spoke to the limitations of housing students in the local hotel, such as only upperclassman and the inability to use public spaces to uphold social distancing. […]
Examining the relationships between market indicators and hotel pricing approaches
By: APOSTOLOS AMPOUNTOLAS, Ph.D. Abstract Hotels are employing revenue management (RM) to improve profitability by efficiently managing the effects of capacity, as well as the effects of performance factors to model consumer behavior. This empirical paper discusses the extent and use of different pricing approaches and their success in this multichannel environment. Do hotels consider […]
Update: View the New England Lodging Conference
Update: View the recording of the conference May 13, 2020 On Monday, May 11, 2020, Boston University School of Hospitality Administration (BU SHA) in conjunction with Pinnacle Advisory Group presented a (virtual) 2 1/2 hour New England Lodging Conference (NELC). The event connected leaders in the lodging sector to share insights and a take on occupancies, […]
Does Airbnb have a homogenous impact?
Examining Airbnb’s effect on hotels with different organizational structures By: APOSTOLOS AMPOUNTOLAS, Ph.D. Abstract Although a number of studies have examined Airbnb’s impact on hotels, previous studies have yielded mixed results and are limited in their geographical scope. Additionally, the impact of Airbnb on hotels with different organizational structures has not been previously analyzed. Accordingly, […]
The Airbnb paradox: Positive employment effects in the hospitality industry
By Makarand Mody Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which Airbnb supply affects employment in the hospitality, tourism, and leisure industries. Accordingly, we analyzed the effects of Airbnb supply on various sectors in the hospitality, tourism, and leisure industries in 12 major metropolitan statistical areas in the United States […]