This Second Edition has been updated to include a brand new chapter on yield management, plus a human resources chapter refocused to cover current trends in training, employee empowerment, and reducing turnover. In addition, you'll discover how to increase efficiency with today's hospitality technology--from electronic lock to front office equipment.

This student-centred guide to front office operations in the hotel industry employs a user-friendly approach to encourage self-access and enable students to progress at their own pace independently of the lecturer. Activities are provided throughout to help students move from an understanding of the basic principleds to thinking like a front office person. The chapters follow a typical guest from check-in to check-out, with small detours to other areas and departments. Each chapter includes an end-of-chapter summary, review and discussion questions. there is a detailed glossary of useful terms. The book is suitable for those taking Hotel, Catering and Institutional Operations/Management examinations and undergraduates on hotel and catering management courses. This student-centred guide to front office operations in the hotel industry employs a user-friendly approach to encourage self-access and enable students to progress at their own pace independently of the lecturer. Activities are provided throughout to help students move from an understanding of the basic principleds to thinking like a front office person. The chapters follow a typical guest from check-in to check-out, with small detours to other areas and departments. Each chapter includes an end-of-chapter summary, review and discussion questions. there is a detailed glossary of useful terms. The book is suitable for those taking Hotel, Catering and Institutional Operations/Management examinations and undergraduates on hotel and catering management courses.

Designed for all students of hospitality and tourism management, the second edition of this best selling text gives a modern approach to front office operations and management using realistic scenarios set in the hotel environment Key features of this essential text: · user-friendly style of writing and accessible page layout enables students to use it as a reference book as well as a textbook · updated in the light of recent developments such as global distribution systems and the internet · greater focus on increasing yield and expansion of vital management aspects such as staffing and equipment · additional extended, practical exercise material. Front Office reflects the importance of different features of the receptionist's work and is divided into four main sections: · Procedural aspects · Dealing with people · Increasing yield · Management aspects Front Office is ideal for GNVQ/ BTEC students, those taking the professional exams of the HCIMA, and for undergraduates and postgraduates studying hospitality and tourism management and all relevant executive courses.

Managing Front Office Operations provides an in-depth look at management of the front office and how this department interacts with other hotel departments to create a memorable guest experience. This 14-chapter book presents a systematic approach to front office procedures by detailing the flow of business through a hotel, from the reservations process to check-out and account settlement. It also examines the various elements of effective front office management, paying particular attention to the planning and evaluation of front office operations and to human resources management. Hospitality management students and new front office employees who aspire to a management position will benefit from this practical textbook that explores every facet of hotel front office operations.

The Front Office or the Reception is the show window of the hotel and is the department responsible for the sale of hotel rooms through systematic reservations of hotel rooms, followed by registration and assigning the rooms to the guest. The front office could be called the control centre of the rooms division, providing 24-hour attention towards the handling and service of all guest requirements and needs.The Front Office employees play a vital role in the creation of a positive first and final impression, and the establishment of an on-going rapport with guests. In addition, the front office employees are influential in shaping the city's perception and judgement of the hotel through contact with restaurant patrons and visitors to the hotel. As the front office is the front of the organization, its personnel and staff is under constant observation by guests and visitors. It ensures that the guest arriving at the hotel are received, luggage handled and the formalities of check-in completed.A warm welcome, a smile, courtesy and genuine politeness contributes to a guest's satisfaction. As the front office is the first department that meets the guest, the first impression it creates is a lasting one and is the most crucial.All services and facilities available in the rooms as well as in the hotel are explained to the guests by the front office. The front office is also responsible for communication and for maintaining records of the guests who have stayed in the hotel and also develop a strong and positive working relationship with all other departments to develop an empathy with the problems that they may be encountering. The department is headed by a Front Office Manager/Room Division Manager.