Atlantic City, in New Jersey, is currently undergoing a $100 million makeover in an effort to revitalize and spruce up the Boardwalk by focusing on entertainment attractions beyond gambling, according to The New York Times.

The Atlantic City Alliance and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority are partnering up on DO AC, touted as the biggest marketing campaign focused solely on tourism in the city's history. The main target of the collaboration is to publicize and promote all the various reasons to visit Atlantic City beyond going to a casino.

"Everybody recognizes that the real future of Atlantic City rests in making the pie bigger, not just in cutting up the pie," Kevin DeSanctis, the chairman and chief executive of the Revel Hotel and Casino Resort, told the news source. "The only way to do that is to figure out a way to add more amenities and more nongaming amenities so this really evolves into a much broader regional destination."

Some of the planned upgrades and diversification projects include revamping the Steel Pier amusement park, improving the Atlantic City Historical Museum and the Atlantic City Arts Center, public art installations and general cleanup of the beach and boardwalk.

Another possible reason for the decline in tourism to Atlantic City is safety issues related to the negative perception of casinos and gambling patrons. To combat this, hotel employees could increase their vigilance and help visitors feel safer by using Motorola two-way radios. Seeing hotel employees and security guards using Motorola CP185 radios will add a sense of security and reassurance to guests. Its compact design creates a professionalism that belies its powerful audio functions and range. An earpiece allows for convenient usage while further promoting a sense of authority.

The Sheraton Tampa East Hotel announced its opening, marking the brand's fourth hotel in the greater Tampa area, according to Businessweek.

The former Crowne Plaza hotel underwent a comprehensive $9 million renovation before being reopened and rebranded as a Sheraton hotel. It is owned by a joint venture between Interstate Hotels and Resorts, Waramaug Hospitality and a private investment group.

"We are thrilled to expand the Sheraton brand in Tampa, and we invite travelers to experience the new look and feel of Sheraton ideally suited to premier businesses and attractions," Hoyt Harper, the Global Brand Leader for Sheraton Hotels and Resorts. "Sheraton Tampa East Hotel will feature all the latest signature Sheraton brand offerings, designed to create community and help guests make connections.

While the hotel will welcome traditional travelers and vacationers to one of its 265 guest rooms, it is particularly ideal for business and social functions on a grander scale. With 30,000 square feet of fully renovated meeting and event space, a 5,000 square foot ballroom and a poolside pavillion that is ideal for cocktail receptions, the Sheraton Tampa East Hotel will look to draw larger groups. Additionally, the hotel is conveniently located within five miles from the Tampa Convention Center.

As part of their grand opening, the Sheraton will want to make sure that everything runs smoothly, especially through the first few days of operation. Outfitting employees with Motorola two-way radios is an effective way to put your staff in the best position to oversee operations. The Motorola CP200 is a terrific model for hotel employees, due to its compact design and professional look. A bevy of audio functions completes the package, while a belt clip allows for convenient and discreet carrying.

While many hotels are introducing programs marketed at teenagers and children, several luxury hotels are taking it a step further by providing even more luxurious hotel amenities for even younger children, according to The Wall Street Journal.

As more parents have children later in life, when couples have the disposable income to travel, they are bringing toddlers and younger kids to high-price hotels more than ever. This has prompted luxury hotels to design programs in order to entertain the kids.

The Rosewood Hotel and Resorts has spa services, such as the "Lily Complexion Perfection Facial" for kids aged 9 to 13 and mani-pedi packages for children as young as 5. Other hotels have introduced Montessori education programs, art appreciation groups, ice-cream buffets and video games.

"Getting to the hearts of kids is the most powerful way to get to the hearts of parents," Mark Novota, the managing partner of the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Chatham, Massachusetts, told the news source. That hotel opened a children's center in 2009.

According to a 2011 survey by research firms MMGY Global and Harrison Group, 57 percent of travelers cited having a kids' club or family activities provided by the hotel as being "extremely or very desirable."

Despite catering to children, these luxury hotels still have to be mindful of the fact that their primary audience are the adults, some of whom might not want to be bothered by hordes of kids. Outfitting employees with Motorola two-way radios is a good way of ensuring they all stay vigilant and maintain peace, even with children running around. The Motorola CP200 is an ideal model for hotel staff with its strong audio functions and its professional design. An earbud provides hands free communication.

Resorts Casino Hotel is adding a themed expansion project to its Atlantic City location, inspired by singer Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville franchise, according to The Press of Atlantic City.

The island-themed project will cost approximately $35.5 million and include two restaurants, a bar, retail outlets and additional gaming opportunities. A nearby beach bar with volleyball and bocce ball courts will also be part of the expansion, as well as a new facade on the Atlantic City Boardwalk that reflects the famous Margaritaville theme popularized by Buffett.

"Here's another bit of nontraditional-type entertainment coming to Atlantic City," said Governor Chris Christie at the formal announcement. "Having Margaritaville here, an entirely different brand than anything you have up and down the Boardwalk now, we're confident we'll attract more and different types of people to Atlantic City."

The company has applied for grant financing from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Construction is expected to require the hiring of 238 construction personnel, along with an additional 45 professional temporary jobs. Another 162 permanent jobs for the casino are expected to be created prior to its projected opening in May of 2013.

Streamlining communications among employees and between staff members and managers throughout the entire construction and operational processes is essential to a smoother running of the project. Using Motorola two-way radios is an efficient way of organizing communications. The Motorola Mag One BPR40 is an ideal model for both the grueling nature of a construction site and the professional atmosphere of a casino. It is lightweight, yet packs a powerful communications punch, and is cost-effective enough to outfit all personnel. A mag one spring belt clip provides reliable carrying capabilities in either site.

Pinnacle Entertainment revealed its plans to construct a hotel next to its Boomtown riverboat casino on Harvey Canal in Harvey, Louisiana, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Construction of the 150-room hotel is expected to take 13 months to complete and cost $20 million. The five-story building will feature a fitness center, meeting space and 250 parking spaces, along with its convenient location adjacent to the gaming riverboat.

"In a time when many communities are struggling, we are pleased to work closely with the Boomtown management team on this exciting hotel project bringing new jobs and continued economic development to the West Bank," said Ricky Templet, the Jefferson Parish Councilman.

In addition to creating approximately 50 permanent jobs and 150 temporary construction jobs for the region, the hotel is also intended to help halt the downward slide of the casino's financial performance of late. Providing a place near the casino for guests to stay might encourage more overnight bookings and increased opportunities to gamble at the casino. Revenues at the Boomtown Casino decreased by about 7.2 percent in the fiscal year 2012. The casino's adjusted gross revenue amounted to about $133.4 million this past year, compared to $144.8 million in 2011.

Pinnacle Entertainment faces considerable opportunities in the upcoming year, but also numerous challenges. Coordinating and organizing both construction crews and permanent hotel employees will require absolutely streamlined communications. Outfitting both sets of employees with Motorola two-way radios is an effective method. The Motorola CP200 is a highly professional model that will serve hotel employees, while its powerful audio quality that can penetrate noisy environments will be an asset on a construction site. A belt clip is a great carrying choice for both parties.

Westin Hotels & Resorts are expanding exercise options available to hotel guests by introducing the ElliptiGO, according to USA Today.

The part bike, park elliptical machine is available for rent at an average fee of $10. The program has been implemented at five properties around the country for the summer – The Westin Georgetown in Washington, D.C., as well as Westin Resorts and Spas at Head Island in South Carolina, Kierland in Arizona, Savannah Harbor in Georgia and Mission Hills in California.

"We are very excited to partner with Westin to offer the ElliptiGO to their guests," said Bryce Whiting, the Vice President of Sales for ElliptiGO. "We've had a great deal of positive feedback from the first properties that received ElliptiGOs and feel Westin Hotels is the perfect fit given their commitment to their guests well-being."

Hotels have been adapting their fitness offerings to appease guests who demand expanded options. One such demand has been for outdoor exercise, usually accomplished through bike rentals or segway tours organized by the hotel. Westin, which recently revamped its fitness centers in all 186 locations, is marketing the ElliptiGO as the best of both worlds, taking a beloved gym machine outdoors.

With an expected surge in guests spending time outdoors through the renting of the ElliptiGO, hotel officials will have to place an even higher emphasis on both safety and security. Having guests outdoors on the hotel grounds or beyond place them at higher risk, while the potential for stealing the exercise vehicles is a concern. Outfitting employees with Motorola two-way radios is an effective way to increase vigilance. The Motorola CP185  is an ideal model for hotel staff, with its compact size evoking a sense of professionalism. An accompanying earpiece allows for discreet handsfree communication.

A number of high-level casino developers have submitted plans to city officials to build a gambling resort in Springfield, Massachusetts, according to The Boston Globe.

Bringing a casino resort to the state has been an arduous journey, especially regarding the countless battles between developers and opposing state officials. The various aspiring casino operators have cited the struggling economy of Springfield and the fact that a new resort would create hundreds of jobs as a substantial new revenue source for the city. The prime location of the city on the Connecticut River and just off the Massachusetts Turnpike has created a fierce competition to acquire the sole gambling resort license. A 2011 state casino law allows for the issuance of up to three resort casino licences, but no more than one in each of the three regions in the state.

"We're ground zero, baby," Mayor Domenic J. Sarno told the news source. "We will scrutinize, looking for the most viable economic development at the most viable location, and that's the horse that we will ride to the voters and to the Gaming Commission."

Among the developers interested in the Springfield location are heavy-hitters such as MGM Resorts and Hard Rock Internationals. Officials expect the winning bidder to spend at least $500 million on a casino project, pumping a significant amount into the local economy.

A casino resort in Springfield would result in an intensive hiring drive for local residents. Managing the various employees of a large casino would require streamlined communications as provided by Motorola two-way radios. The Motorola CP200 is an ideal model for casino employees to maintain a sense of professionalism while taking advantage of its strong audio quality. An accompanying belt clip completes the professional image of casino staff members.

As part of its "I Care Clean" program, Best Western in North America has begun rolling out advanced technologies for cleaning hotel rooms, according to ETurboNews.com.

Cleaning staffs at the hotel's locations across the continent have introduced UV wands and black lights into their arsenal of cleaning products. Employees have been trained and instructed on how to properly use these tools and where to implement them. They have been primarily earmarked for what the hotel considers high touch and high risk areas, including telephones, door handles and light fixtures.

Staffers have been using the UV wands to help sterilize certain higher risk areas in the room. The black lights are intended to help spot items that the human eye can't naturally pick up, including soap residue, food particles and other potentially unsavory and unwanted items in a hotel room.

"This is a way for us to show the guests," Jack Robertson, the owner of the Best Western Plus Grand Strand Inn and Suites in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, told WBMF News. "It has had a very good response. People want a clean room."

While high-tech cleaning gadgets can help housekeeping crews prepare rooms more thoroughly and efficiently, traditional tools remain handy. Motorola two-way radios are a cost-effective and readily available gadget that can be extremely helpful to hotel staff. The Motorola CP110 is a great model to help them stay in constant contact with each other. Its impressive audio quality, quick response time and far-reaching range allows housekeepers to quickly alert each other if any emergency or scenario were to arise, while its compact size adds a professional aura. A spring belt clip allows users to carry the radios without hindering other cleaning tools.

The owners of the Nevele Hotel in Wawarsing, New York, recently revealed plans for an elaborate expansion project, according to The Daily Freeman. This includes the construction of three new hotel buildings, a 150,000-square-foot casino, 40,000-square-foot grand ballroom and convention area, a seven-level parking structure and several other building for various hotel amenities.

The operation of the casino depends on a state constitutional amendment that would approve legalized gaming in New York. The selected site would also have to be approved for gambling purposes.

"It's really essential that we get approved to operate gaming at the property," Michael Treanor, the chief executive officer of Nevele Investors, told the news outlet. "[We believe] that our proposed plan for the site retains the historic elements of the Nevele that can be renovated and improved while adding new features that will transform it into a world-class gaming destination."

The once-acclaimed golf course will also be revived as part of the expansion. Other activities that the hotel is gearing up for guests include skiing facilities at the nearby Catskill Mountains, bowling alleys, a lazy river and a historic rail trail.

The construction and operation of a hotel of this magnitude will require the hiring of a significant number of construction personnel. Using Motorola two-way radios is an efficient method of streamlining communications and ensuring that both construction and operation of the hotel stays on track. The Motorola CP185 works for both uses. Its durability is ideal for a construction site while its compact design provides professionalism for hotel employees to communicate issues regarding guests. A belt clip provides a handy carrying accessory and convenient stowing within reach for the radio.