MCLEAN, VA | “No other sector of business offers more easy and conspicuous targets than hospitality,” says Dr. Marvin Cetron, founder and president of Forecasting International of Falls Church, VA, as he urges the hospitality industry to take steps to secure their perimeters in the cover story of the upcoming issue of the HSMAI Marketing Review from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI).

“There are just so many points of access, and each one offers opportunities for attack,” he adds in his chilling account of the high-impact effect on travel and tourism from possible attacks by extremists. In “Hospitality in the Age of Terror,” Dr. Marvin Cetron, feature writer and one of the world’s foremost forecaster-futurists on trends impacting hospitality, presents an enlightening and informative look at how to use common sense and caution as effective tools of defense against terrorism’s threats.

Dr. Cetron says: “Terrorism is evolving in at least three ways: It is gaining a wider base of support. It is becoming decentralized. And it is aiming increasingly at civilian targets. In the years ahead, these trends will increase the terrorist threat to the hospitality industry throughout the world.”

It is a comprehensive look at the impact of terrorism on the hospitality industry now and in the future, reporting on its vulnerabilities, identity issues, site concerns, an analysis of the trends, and a look at evolving terrorism, as well as offering a practical “To-Do List for Hotel Security” in the form of a take action check list including:

  1. Know your employees
  2. Make sure your suppliers know their people
  3. Know your guests

A sobering account, it is critically important reading for everyone associated with possible terrorists’ targets: hotels, resorts, convention centers, restaurants, night clubs, bars, entertainment centers, and transportation. The risks for the hospitality industry are great, the stakes are high, and the trends indicate that extremists are growing in number and gaining in power.

While Dr. Cetron’s warnings are serious, he does not offer a doomsday scenario. Instead, he says, “Under the circumstances, it seems necessary to weigh the industry’s vulnerabilities and see what can be done about them.” He assures the reader that, “Hospitality security need not be taken to extremes to accomplish its purpose. It just has to be good enough to send would-be terrorists in search of softer targets.”

“Every one of Dr. Cetron’s articles adds to one’s understanding of the challenges and opportunities of life in today’s complex world, yet none is more important to hospitality industry professionals than the lead story in this issue of the magazine,” states Ilsa Whittemore, executive editor of the HSMAI Marketing Review.

HSMAI is privileged to count Dr. Marvin Cetron among the contributors to the HSMAI Marketing Review. He is both a columnist for the magazine and a feature writer on trends impacting hospitality. Dr. Cetron’s articles give readers insights into the future of the global community, our nation, and our profession and industry.

Each issue of the quarterly magazine features articles and columns written by industry experts and seasoned writers, as well as the HSMAI Business Directory – a resource for sales and marketing goods and services. The next issue’s line-up also includes:

Features:

  • Planning for the New Challenges of International Meetings
  • Taking Control: Now is the Time to Drive Traffic to Your Web Site
  • Branding the Customer Base
  • The Science and Art of ‘Go for the No’ Selling
  • Kid-Friendly or Kid-Free Properties: Weighing the Pros and Cons
  • The Franchisee’s Role in Customer Relationship Marketing
  • Hotels & Spas: A Profitable Combination

Columns:

  • Special Report: The Travel Industry Copes with Cutbacks in U.S. Funds for Inbound Marketing
  • The Online Marketer: Marketing Your Property to Meeting Planners Online
  • Success Stories that Inspire

HSMAI Marketing Review is the only magazine dedicated solely to the sales and marketing discipline in hospitality, travel and tourism. Its readers are decision-making marketers in hospitality and travel, who use the magazine as a resource for education and information, as well as identifying strategies for new and innovative ways of doing business.

HSMAI Marketing Review is distributed to members of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, as well as by subscriptions for $65 annually. Individual articles are also available for purchase via the online store at .

HSMAI is an international organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry. With a strong focus on education, HSMAI has become the industry champion in identifying and communicating trends in the hospitality industry, while operating as a leading voice for both hospitality and sales and marketing management disciplines. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is an individual membership organization comprising nearly 7,000 members worldwide, with 41 chapters in the Americas region.

For more information on HSMAI, contact the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, 8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300, McLean, VA 22102, phone (703) 610-9024; fax (703) 610-9005, or visit the web site at www.hsmai.org

Richard S. Kahn
(516) 594-4100
HSMAI

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