Staying Connected While on Vacation

I don't know about you, but when I go on vacation, I like to check my email occasionally. I'll spend a few minutes in the business center deleting spam and sending notes to family and friends. Lately, I've used email as my vacation postcards. No stamps to buy either! So, I'm a big fan of free and accessible computers at a hotel.

I recently read in USA Weekend an article that said I wasn't alone. Seems that "nearly a quarter of American Workers" check their email (or voice mail) while on vacation. Supposedly Expedia.com did a survey on vacation deprivation and also found that 31% of workers will not use all their vacation days because of job pressures.

I think there's an opportunity for tourism marketers somewhere in these facts. Yes, one needs to disconnect to relieve the stress of work. But for those who can't leave behind their work responsibilities entirely, checking email and staying involved, may be a middle of the road solution. As long as one can limit computer use and get back to the real enjoyment of vacation and leisure, then everything is in perspective.

So put your thinking caps on hoteliers -- we know vacation and leisure time is not a luxury -- it's a necessity to save people from the emotional and physical illnesses that chronic work stress can create. How do we balance this with the need to stay connected to one's office? Bet you'll see this soon in someone's advertising...

HSMAI-South Florida Hosts "Westcoast Networker"

On June 18th our Chapter held a networking and membership update event at the Crowne Plaza - Fort Myers. Organized by our Chapter Board member Beth Rice (Visit Florida) and President Fernando Harb (GFLCVB), we had almost 40 people who braved bad weather to join together to network, enjoy refreshments, and learn about the benefits of membership in HSMAI.

Fernando presented information regarding our HSMAI mission statement; Gave background on our Chapter's geographic coverage, 10-year growth chart in membership, and our Board of Directors. He went into detail regarding why someone should join HSMAI -- and addressed all the various "obstacles" people think they have to not joining. He discussed what HSMAI is all about, i.e., what our organization offers its members. He outlined the educational programs, the forums (webinars, too), the conferences, and the networking/learning opportunities including our Chapter events and programs. He explained the various HSMAI Recognition and Award Programs (including certification) as well as the Market Place Events (with customers) like Affordable Meetings and Meetings Quest. He further covered various Research and Scholarship programs as well as the great Publications and Targeted Communications HSMAI offers -- everything from the HSMAI Foundation, and the Marketing Review, to the Website and web newsletters. He showed samples of some of the publications. He also explained about the various Special Interest Groups (SIG's) and provided a handout with more descriptive detail on each of these tailored groups. Following Fernando’s power point presentation, attendees were able to ask questions regarding HSMAI and contribute their observations.

Please join me in a special thank you to Ellen Serra, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Comfort Suites-Ft. Lauderdale Airport and to Susan Dennen, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Hyatt Place/Ft. Lauderdale Airport-North. Ellen and Susan attended the event and got "drafted" into helping out with registration, etc. Your efforts were most appreciated.

Tourism is Big Business

At the Broward Tourism Day event last month, one of the handouts highlighted the economic impact of our industry. Tourism, more so than any other single private sector industry, benefits Greater Fort Lauderdale. Visitors generate sales tax revenues that pay for resident public services and help make a better quality of life here for everyone.

Some of the 2007 Greater FLL facts and figures included: The total number of visitors: 10.6 million; Visitor spending: $8.87 billion; and The number of people employed in the tourism industry in Broward County: 118,525. Keep in mind that these figures are "direct" spending numbers. They don't take into account what they call the multiplier effect -- the amount a dollar turns over within the community and is re-spent -- and the jobs generated to assist those of us working in the tourism industry.

So, how big an impact does tourism have in your area? What facilities wouldn't you have to enjoy -- schools, road improvements, arts and entertainment venues -- if tourists didn't come to visit?

"Around Town"

-- Belated congratulations to Larry Rodkin, Lawrence of Florida, for his award as the 2008 Small Business of the Year from the Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce. Way to go Larry!

-- Did you hear that Nicki Grossman, President/CEO of the Greater FLCVB was the Grand Marshall of the first ever night parade of the Stonewall Street Festival held recently in Wilton Manors? The CVB has been actively promoting Broward County as a destination to the gay and lesbian market. The promotions have successfully increased this segment in their overall visitor mix.

--Best wishes to Jungle Island who is now celebrating their 5th birthday through July 4th weekend. Their 'birthday bash" flyer is promotion a buy one regular admission get the second for free offer.

--Congratulations to Carolyn Michaels, Executive Vice President, Fort Lauderdale Chamber. She recently celebrated her 25th year working at the Chamber. This is a record among records to a sweetheart of a gal.

--Kudos to Susan Stern, Director of Sales, and the rest of the staff at the Hampton Inn Plantation. She proudly shared that the second quarter rankings for Hampton Inn came out this week. Her hotel is now rated the #1 Hampton Inn Hotel in the State of Florida for service and accommodations. Way to go guys! As Susan says, “they don’t call us the ‘Award Winning’ Hampton Inn for nothing.”

HSMAI –South Florida Honors Hal Herman at 25th Annual Gala and Charity Auction

Fort Lauderdale, FL, June 12, 2008 – In a 25-year summertime tradition, the South Florida Chapter of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) welcomed more than 175 tourism industry members for its annual gala and charity auction, this year benefiting Women in Distress of Broward County.

A highlight of the event, held at Tatiana’s in Hallandale Beach, was the presentation of the 2008 Hospitality Sales & Marketing Excellence (HSME) Award to Hal Herman, Chairman of Worth International Media Group.

The HSME Award is given for outstanding contributions to the local tourism/hospitality industry. Mr. Herman has been an active and enthusiastic hospitality supporter over the years, holding leadership roles and board positions with the Advertising Federation of Greater Miami, Greater Hollywood Chamber, Travel and Tourism Research Association, Florida Council on International Development, Greater Miami Hotel Association, Florida Derby Festival, SKAL Club, and the Florida Tourism Association. He also served as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors for VISIT FLORIDA for nine years, and was inducted in the Florida tourism “Hall of Fame” in 2003.