How did Accor, Cendant, Choice Hotels International, Marriott, and Hilton become the largest hotel chains in the worldand what strategies will they use to continue their growth? This first-of-its-kind textbook presents a balanced overview of the theory and practice of hotel chains’ growth strategies. It explains in-depth how

How did Accor, Cendant, Choice Hotels International, Marriott, and Hilton become the largest hotel chains in the worldand what strategies will they use to continue their growth? This first-of-its-kind textbook presents a balanced overview of the theory and practice of hotel chains' growth strategies. It explains in-depth how and why the largest worldwide hotel chains achieved dominant international status and shows how to forecast future developments. Authentic international examples in every chapter bring theoretical concepts into sharp focus. The Growth Strategies of Hotel Chains: Best Practices by Leading Companies is comprised of thirteen chapters, each divided into two parts. The first part sets forth the theory behind an important aspect of growth strategy. The second part of each chapter brings these theoretical arguments to life with specific case examples. For example, in the chapter on franchising, the ten largest hotel franchise businesses in the world are discussed in detailincluding their actual fees and how they function, with helpful commentary on each. This format, designed with educators' needs in mind, is consistent throughout the text. Charts, tables, and figures make complex information easy to access and understand. The Growth Strategies of Hotel Chains: Best Practices by Leading Companies examines: the question of diversification vs. specialization vertical, horizontal, and diagonal integration acquisitions, mergers, and strategic alliances franchise contracts, management contracts, leaseholds, and ownership branding and globalization why European chains usually expand via property acquisitions and rentals while most American chains prefer management contracts and franchising Packed with information yet written in language that students and hospitality executives can understand, this unique, comprehensive textbook deserves a place in every teaching/training/professional library.

Handbook of Hospitality Operations and IT provides an authoritative resource for critical reviews of research into both operations and IT management. Internationally renowned scholars provide in-depth essays and explanations of case studies, to illustrate how practices and concepts can be applied to the hospitality industry. The depth and coverage of each topic is unprecedented. A must-read for hospitality researchers and educators, students and industry practitioners.

Strategic Management for Travel and Tourism is the must-have text for students studying travel and tourism. It brings theory to life by using industry-based case studies, and in doing so, 'speaks the language' of the Travel and Tourism student. Among the new features and topics included in this edition are: * international case studies from large-scale businesses such as Airtours, MyTravel and South West Airlines * user-friendly applications of strategic management theory, such as objectives, products and markets and strategic implementation, together with illustrative case studies, and longer case studies for seminar work and summaries * contemporary strategic issues affecting travel and tourism organizations, such as vertical integration and strategic alliances Strategic Management for Travel and Tourism is a well-rounded book, ideal for all undergraduate and postgraduate students focusing on strategy in travel and tourism.