Here’s a reprint of the Chair Column: “New Resources for Surviving the Recession” as posted by Heather Allison Smith, Advisory Board Chair of the special interest group for Hotel Directors of Sales and Marketing that appeared in their most recent newsletter. This informative newsletter is an exclusive benefit for members of this special interest group (SIG). Thought it had a good summary of some of our organization’s services and tools. Here's an excerpt:
“With all the news sources and information resources available to DOSMs, I want to help HDOSM Special Interest Group members cut through the clutter to identify some of the best information and tools available to you today.
If you missed the announcement of any of the following, check them out and use the ones that can best help you. Best yet, they are FREE because you are an HSMAI member:
HSMAI Marketing Review – The digital April Edition is online at http://www.hsmaimarketingreview.org/. One article in particular is “Finding Opportunity in Troubled Times: Maximizing the Nine Stages of Consumer Vacation Planning.”
Advice & Insight from Customers – The Resort Conference’s recent webinar series included a panel discussion, “The Voice of the Customers,” that included leading hospitality industry customers expressing optimism about growth in the business travel sector. They encouraged us to focus on the business value offered and gain a better understanding of the client’s business needs and strategies before creating a proposal. A recap and recording for this program (and the other three webinars in the series) are online. Recovery & Swine Flu Resources – The HSMAI Foundation's eConnect Research and Resource Web site has two special sections compiling the best "Recovery” and "Swine Flu" resources.
Assuming your marketing budget hasn’t been completely reduced to zero, there are some additional tools available to you through HSMAI and the Hotel Director of Sales & Marketing SIG. They do cost, but the ROI can be worth it:
HSMAI Affordable Meetings National – September 9-10, 2009 in Washington, DC (a booth is just $2675 for HSMAI members) – This is the place to see more than 1500 customers from the government, association, and corporate sectors.
Revenue Management & Internet Marketing Strategy Conference – June 25, 2009 in Anaheim, CA (registration is as low as $336 for HSMAI members) – You have to take a look at this conference’s agenda. It’s all about driving revenue and DOSMs need to be up to speed. Couldn’t you benefit from a workshop like “Maximizing Internet Marketing Return” or “Social Media Strategies: Boosting Your Bottom Line”
HSMAInsider Note: ANY member of HSMAI has the opportunity to sign up for this group (there are 5 SIGs; you can choose any or all of them). Just go to www.hsmai.org and add it to your profile. Need help? Let us know. Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
HSMAI Changes Mission Statement
At our May meeting, our speaker re-iterated the importance of having a mission statement that we could remember (even quote!) and that it had relevance to all our members.
HSMAI (headquarters) recently changed its mission statement. It was:
“The mission of HSMAI is to be the leading source for sales and marketing information, knowledge, business development, and networking for professionals in tourism, travel, and hospitality”.
It now has a “Statement of Purpose” which says:
“HSMAI is the hospitality industry’s source for knowledge, community, and recognition for leaders committed to professional development, sales growth, revenue optimization, marketing, and branding.”
I was curious about the new statement and asked Bob Gilbert, President of HSMAI to comment on the recent change. He told me that: “the primary reason was to expand the scope to include stakeholders of our growing special interest groups – specifically revenue managers. Plus, the board thought that revenue management or revenue generation belonged in our mission – ALL sales and marketing people – and (even) GM’s can relate to that.”
So, now that our organization has a more inclusive, more relevant message, all we have to do is to get busy memorizing! Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider.
HSMAI (headquarters) recently changed its mission statement. It was:
“The mission of HSMAI is to be the leading source for sales and marketing information, knowledge, business development, and networking for professionals in tourism, travel, and hospitality”.
It now has a “Statement of Purpose” which says:
“HSMAI is the hospitality industry’s source for knowledge, community, and recognition for leaders committed to professional development, sales growth, revenue optimization, marketing, and branding.”
I was curious about the new statement and asked Bob Gilbert, President of HSMAI to comment on the recent change. He told me that: “the primary reason was to expand the scope to include stakeholders of our growing special interest groups – specifically revenue managers. Plus, the board thought that revenue management or revenue generation belonged in our mission – ALL sales and marketing people – and (even) GM’s can relate to that.”
So, now that our organization has a more inclusive, more relevant message, all we have to do is to get busy memorizing! Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
HSMAI-South Florida donates to Women In Distress – May 2009
As part of our on-going efforts for community service, the South Florida Chapter of HSMAI recently held an amenities/toiletries drive on behalf of “Women In Distress” (WID). This organization has approximately 30 women in their shelter setting at any given time. They also have about 150-200 participants that come to their Family Center on a weekly basis where they provide Advocacy and Group Counseling.
We contributed collected samples of shampoos, soaps, cosmetics, and the like to donate to the women and their families. Attendees at our May lunch meeting at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina brought bags, boxes, and baskets of items. A portion of our name badge desk was manned by Donna McCarthy (Jungle Queen) who is our chapter’s Director of Community Service this year along with Jennifer Stewart from Women In Distress.
In thanking our HSMAI members and attendees for their generosity, Jennifer Stewart, Director of Development with WID, stated: “Women In Distress values our relationship with HSMAI. Your support through the years, most recently through this drive, directly benefits the women and children living in our emergency shelter.”
Thanks to everyone who came and donated and hope you’ll participate in our community service efforts again in the future. Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider.
We contributed collected samples of shampoos, soaps, cosmetics, and the like to donate to the women and their families. Attendees at our May lunch meeting at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina brought bags, boxes, and baskets of items. A portion of our name badge desk was manned by Donna McCarthy (Jungle Queen) who is our chapter’s Director of Community Service this year along with Jennifer Stewart from Women In Distress.
In thanking our HSMAI members and attendees for their generosity, Jennifer Stewart, Director of Development with WID, stated: “Women In Distress values our relationship with HSMAI. Your support through the years, most recently through this drive, directly benefits the women and children living in our emergency shelter.”
Thanks to everyone who came and donated and hope you’ll participate in our community service efforts again in the future. Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Senior Citizen Market
We know that everyone is being affected by the tough economic times, but there are still people who travel -- who can take the discretionary time to travel and yes, who even have the money to travel.
We all know that "Boomers" (age 41-60) are the fastest growing market segment. In addition, the Boomers are now aging (eek!) and becoming part of the "Matures" (age 61 and older). So this is a huge pool of people from which to draw. Tapping into even a small percentage of these two groups can be rewarding. Like all marketing, to be successful you must target these segments in a relevant, meaningful manner. The usual: "identifying what these customers want and then giving it to them". Not to be simplistic, but all I'm saying is: don't overlook the "Senior Citizen" market -- just don't call them that!
AARP recently announced a new Travel Center powered by Expedia. It's a custom website including vacation packages, cruises, flights, hotels and rental cards. Members get discounts with most of the providers and extra onboard cruise credits, as well at not having to pay any airline or cruise booking fees.
(See www.expedia-aarp.com)
And here’s something else I found interesting: AARP THE MAGAZINE commissioned a survey of retired married (or living-as-married) couples ages 55 through 75. The survey was originally done to find out if American husbands and wives have the "retired-husband syndrome" which is affecting Japanese wives. This genuine disorder is one in which the retired Japanese husbands start hanging around the house and drive their spouses (literally) crazy. Turns out that the majority of Americans (77 percent) say they really don't mind having their spouses around more. In fact 47% of retired couples say they engage more in TRAVEL activities now than when they were working. Travel was the largest percentage listed. (Other "more time for fun” areas were: eating out 40%, hobbies 38%, Exercise 37% on down the line).
Have a great holiday weekend. Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
We all know that "Boomers" (age 41-60) are the fastest growing market segment. In addition, the Boomers are now aging (eek!) and becoming part of the "Matures" (age 61 and older). So this is a huge pool of people from which to draw. Tapping into even a small percentage of these two groups can be rewarding. Like all marketing, to be successful you must target these segments in a relevant, meaningful manner. The usual: "identifying what these customers want and then giving it to them". Not to be simplistic, but all I'm saying is: don't overlook the "Senior Citizen" market -- just don't call them that!
AARP recently announced a new Travel Center powered by Expedia. It's a custom website including vacation packages, cruises, flights, hotels and rental cards. Members get discounts with most of the providers and extra onboard cruise credits, as well at not having to pay any airline or cruise booking fees.
(See www.expedia-aarp.com)
And here’s something else I found interesting: AARP THE MAGAZINE commissioned a survey of retired married (or living-as-married) couples ages 55 through 75. The survey was originally done to find out if American husbands and wives have the "retired-husband syndrome" which is affecting Japanese wives. This genuine disorder is one in which the retired Japanese husbands start hanging around the house and drive their spouses (literally) crazy. Turns out that the majority of Americans (77 percent) say they really don't mind having their spouses around more. In fact 47% of retired couples say they engage more in TRAVEL activities now than when they were working. Travel was the largest percentage listed. (Other "more time for fun” areas were: eating out 40%, hobbies 38%, Exercise 37% on down the line).
Have a great holiday weekend. Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
Thursday, May 21, 2009
“Table of Eight” – May 2009 HSMAI-South Florida Lunch Meeting
It was wonderful to see a sell-our crowd at our luncheon meeting at the newly re-branded Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina yesterday. We were pleased to see a nice mix of our local hospitality industry as well as some of our General Managers in attendance.
Our speaker, Carlos Molinet, General Manager of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, was his usual brilliant self in his presentation on “World Class Customer Service”. Many of us in the audience were taking notes. And the great program was immediately twittered, commented on, and quoted in both Twitter and Linked-in. Kudos to Carlos for an enjoyable and educational experience. Who knew that our attendees could stand, clap, laugh, and even sing?! (The song was “Proud”. Lyrics included: “I step out of the ordinary…And you can do the same” “What have you done today to make you feel proud? It’s never too late to try…”)
Carlos reviewed the components of the three keys to World Class Customer Service: Communications, Teamwork, and Loyalty. (Stacie Faulds, our Chapter President, put it in an acronym: TLC – making it easy to remember.) As Carlos said, (great) customer service is recession proof – it’s what we have to deliver to make the difference -- and there’s no better time for (great) customer service than now in these tough economic times.
Coming Up: We’re over in Ft. Myers/Estero on June 5th for an evening networker. Details are posted on our website under chapter events. So register now for that one. Our July 22nd lunch meeting should also be a sell out so please, please register early for this one as soon as it’s posted. Bruce Turkel, CEO of Turkel Advertising-Miami, will be speaking on Branding. The venue is the new W Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. Also: Save the date for our August 19th meeting – it’s a panel of experts on Revenue Management to be held in Miami/Dade County. Our new-this-year Revenue Management Committee (under the direction of Chris Crenshaw, Director, Revenue Management) has put this event together and it looks to be an awesome, talented, informative program. Hope to see you soon, Julie Wernick, Managing Director.
Our speaker, Carlos Molinet, General Manager of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, was his usual brilliant self in his presentation on “World Class Customer Service”. Many of us in the audience were taking notes. And the great program was immediately twittered, commented on, and quoted in both Twitter and Linked-in. Kudos to Carlos for an enjoyable and educational experience. Who knew that our attendees could stand, clap, laugh, and even sing?! (The song was “Proud”. Lyrics included: “I step out of the ordinary…And you can do the same” “What have you done today to make you feel proud? It’s never too late to try…”)
Carlos reviewed the components of the three keys to World Class Customer Service: Communications, Teamwork, and Loyalty. (Stacie Faulds, our Chapter President, put it in an acronym: TLC – making it easy to remember.) As Carlos said, (great) customer service is recession proof – it’s what we have to deliver to make the difference -- and there’s no better time for (great) customer service than now in these tough economic times.
Coming Up: We’re over in Ft. Myers/Estero on June 5th for an evening networker. Details are posted on our website under chapter events. So register now for that one. Our July 22nd lunch meeting should also be a sell out so please, please register early for this one as soon as it’s posted. Bruce Turkel, CEO of Turkel Advertising-Miami, will be speaking on Branding. The venue is the new W Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. Also: Save the date for our August 19th meeting – it’s a panel of experts on Revenue Management to be held in Miami/Dade County. Our new-this-year Revenue Management Committee (under the direction of Chris Crenshaw, Director, Revenue Management) has put this event together and it looks to be an awesome, talented, informative program. Hope to see you soon, Julie Wernick, Managing Director.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Celebrating Tourism Appreciation Week – May 2009
This past week we celebrated National Tourism Appreciation week – events were held all over – including the one on May 19th at the Broward Convention Center.
Belated congratulations to Nicki Grossman, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, who was named to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's Travel and Tourism Advisory Council. The Travel and Tourism Advisory Council was developed last year (2008) to provide real-time, grassroots economic information to its Research Department. The council consists of approximately 12 members who are senior executives of tourism and tourism-related businesses and organizations in the Southeast, such as cruise lines, convention and visitor bureaus, entertainment companies, airports, hotels, and restaurants.
In recognition of Florida’s most important industry, tourism facts and figures were provided to the attendees to emphasize the economic impact to our State.
It’s not JUST those of us employed by the tourism industry that benefit. Visitors generate sales tax revenues that help pay for our schools, law enforcement, road improvements and many other public needs making the quality of life better for all our residents. It’s amazing how many people still don’t know this information.
Here are some of the stats for 2008 (Note: some state numbers are estimates):
Total visitors to Broward: 10.8 Million; to the State of Florida: 82.5 million;
People in Broward directly employed: 114,386; number in Florida: 1,007,000;
Visitor spending in Broward: $8.69 billion; State spending related to tourism: $65.2 billion
Total State Sales Tax Revenue from Tourism: $3.9 billion – that’s 21 percent of our total sales tax revenue in 2008 provided by Tourism!
For every $1 in tourism marketing, VISIT FLORIDA generated $58 in tourism spending and $3 in new sales tax collections. As they say, “Tourists, you gotta’ love em.”
The HSMAInsider (Julie Wernick
Belated congratulations to Nicki Grossman, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, who was named to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's Travel and Tourism Advisory Council. The Travel and Tourism Advisory Council was developed last year (2008) to provide real-time, grassroots economic information to its Research Department. The council consists of approximately 12 members who are senior executives of tourism and tourism-related businesses and organizations in the Southeast, such as cruise lines, convention and visitor bureaus, entertainment companies, airports, hotels, and restaurants.
In recognition of Florida’s most important industry, tourism facts and figures were provided to the attendees to emphasize the economic impact to our State.
It’s not JUST those of us employed by the tourism industry that benefit. Visitors generate sales tax revenues that help pay for our schools, law enforcement, road improvements and many other public needs making the quality of life better for all our residents. It’s amazing how many people still don’t know this information.
Here are some of the stats for 2008 (Note: some state numbers are estimates):
Total visitors to Broward: 10.8 Million; to the State of Florida: 82.5 million;
People in Broward directly employed: 114,386; number in Florida: 1,007,000;
Visitor spending in Broward: $8.69 billion; State spending related to tourism: $65.2 billion
Total State Sales Tax Revenue from Tourism: $3.9 billion – that’s 21 percent of our total sales tax revenue in 2008 provided by Tourism!
For every $1 in tourism marketing, VISIT FLORIDA generated $58 in tourism spending and $3 in new sales tax collections. As they say, “Tourists, you gotta’ love em.”
The HSMAInsider (Julie Wernick
Monday, May 18, 2009
South Florida Hotel Occupancy Rates Down
For the first three months of the year, Smith Travel reported occupancy was down 12.1 percent in Miami, to 71.9 percent. Fort Lauderdale reported a 5.6 percent decline, to 72.9 percent. West Palm Beach occupancy fell 11.9 percent ,to 67.1 percent. This is according to a recent report released by Smith Travel Research. See related stories in the South Florida Business Journal: http://southflorida.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2009/05/11/daily74.html
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Changes at VISIT FLORIDA – Announced May 8th 2009
Didn’t know if you’d heard the news…so passing along the following press release re: Chris Thompson’s appointment as new head of VISIT FLORIDA:
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (May 8, 2009) – “On behalf of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, we have promoted Chris Thompson to President and CEO of the organization as part of a staff realignment to ensure an effective implementation of our strategic plan. Thompson, who has served VISIT FLORIDA for 12 years, most recently as Chief Operating Officer, will assume the position previously held by Bud Nocera."
“The realignment also includes the elimination of 17 positions within the organization, five of which have been vacant. This realignment optimizes resources and will have a cost savings of more than $1.2 million annually.“The VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors has complete confidence and trust in Chris’ ability to effectively lead the organization. Chris has been an integral part of the VISIT FLORIDA team and his appointment will ensure continuity and consistency.”
We wish the best of luck to Bud Nocera. He will be missed. Bud is busy building his own company offering high adventure tours for international travelers to the U.S.
Our best wishes and congratulations to Chris in his new position with VISIT FLORIDA.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (May 8, 2009) – “On behalf of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, we have promoted Chris Thompson to President and CEO of the organization as part of a staff realignment to ensure an effective implementation of our strategic plan. Thompson, who has served VISIT FLORIDA for 12 years, most recently as Chief Operating Officer, will assume the position previously held by Bud Nocera."
“The realignment also includes the elimination of 17 positions within the organization, five of which have been vacant. This realignment optimizes resources and will have a cost savings of more than $1.2 million annually.“The VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors has complete confidence and trust in Chris’ ability to effectively lead the organization. Chris has been an integral part of the VISIT FLORIDA team and his appointment will ensure continuity and consistency.”
We wish the best of luck to Bud Nocera. He will be missed. Bud is busy building his own company offering high adventure tours for international travelers to the U.S.
Our best wishes and congratulations to Chris in his new position with VISIT FLORIDA.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monthly Member Benefit
Each month HSMAI offers a featured benefit. It’s a series of monthly messages highlighting exclusive HSMAI member benefits to help you get the most out of your membership.
April’s is: inDepth eConnect Information Sections from the HSMAI Foundation.
As an HSMAI member, you can stay up to the minute on the news and trends that impact you and your business most through special information areas on the HSMAI Foundation's eConnect Research and Resource Web site, including new "Swine Flu" and "Recovery Resources" sections, for example:
“The latest news, information, videos and views on the impact of the swine flu on the hospitality industry.”
“Articles, opinions, news releases, trends, and more with the latest economic and industry forecasts and features on how take advantage of opportunitties and emerge from the recession.”
Here's all you need to do:
1) Click Here to go to the HSMAI Foundation's eConnect Research and Resources site
2) Log in with the following information: Username: (This is your Last Name)Password: (This is your membership number)
3) Click on the Recovery Resources and Swine Flu links (just for example…)
HSMAI is dedicated to your success. These are just two examples of tools available through your membership that help save time by centralizing information and resources.
If you have any questions or comments, send them to national at info@hsmai.org or you can call (703) 506-3280. It’s a way to say thank you for being a member of HSMAI.
April’s is: inDepth eConnect Information Sections from the HSMAI Foundation.
As an HSMAI member, you can stay up to the minute on the news and trends that impact you and your business most through special information areas on the HSMAI Foundation's eConnect Research and Resource Web site, including new "Swine Flu" and "Recovery Resources" sections, for example:
“The latest news, information, videos and views on the impact of the swine flu on the hospitality industry.”
“Articles, opinions, news releases, trends, and more with the latest economic and industry forecasts and features on how take advantage of opportunitties and emerge from the recession.”
Here's all you need to do:
1) Click Here to go to the HSMAI Foundation's eConnect Research and Resources site
2) Log in with the following information: Username: (This is your Last Name)Password: (This is your membership number)
3) Click on the Recovery Resources and Swine Flu links (just for example…)
HSMAI is dedicated to your success. These are just two examples of tools available through your membership that help save time by centralizing information and resources.
If you have any questions or comments, send them to national at info@hsmai.org or you can call (703) 506-3280. It’s a way to say thank you for being a member of HSMAI.
A Message from Visit Florida: "Share A Little Sunshine"
Will Seccombe, Chief Marketing Officer with VF, is asking that we send an email to our employees, partners, vendors and customers and encourage them to visit www.ShareaLittleSunshine.org as well as sending out some personal invitations. They’re hoping to add to the industry and media partner commitments to send e-mails to more than 5 million Floridians.
In addition to the viral efforts, VISIT FLORIDA is supporting the “Share a Little Sunshine" campaign with an integrated mix of statewide radio promotions, television public service announcements, and a comprehensive PR initiative.
The goals of the campaign are to: Increase awareness about the impact of tourism on the Florida economy. And to give potential visitors a reason to travel to Florida now – a personal invitation, an emotional video and an economic incentive.
As an added benefit, everybody who sends a personal invitation is registered for a chance to win one of 12 great Florida vacation packages. You can customize the sample invitation (see below) as you wish…. and Thank you!
The Sample Invitation:
Reconnect with family & friends, improve the state economy and enter to win a great Florida vacation package. It is a win-win proposition. If you live and work in Florida, all you have to do is invite someone to visit. More visitors mean more jobs and a brighter economic future for our state.
Please click (www.ShareaLittleSunshine.org), choose one of the invitations, and add a personal message and press send. Your family and friends will receive a cool video message and great Florida travel deals. As an added benefit, every invitation you send registers you for a chance to win one of 12 great Florida vacation packages. The Sunshine State is a great place to live – and a great place to visit.
In addition to the viral efforts, VISIT FLORIDA is supporting the “Share a Little Sunshine" campaign with an integrated mix of statewide radio promotions, television public service announcements, and a comprehensive PR initiative.
The goals of the campaign are to: Increase awareness about the impact of tourism on the Florida economy. And to give potential visitors a reason to travel to Florida now – a personal invitation, an emotional video and an economic incentive.
As an added benefit, everybody who sends a personal invitation is registered for a chance to win one of 12 great Florida vacation packages. You can customize the sample invitation (see below) as you wish…. and Thank you!
The Sample Invitation:
Reconnect with family & friends, improve the state economy and enter to win a great Florida vacation package. It is a win-win proposition. If you live and work in Florida, all you have to do is invite someone to visit. More visitors mean more jobs and a brighter economic future for our state.
Please click (www.ShareaLittleSunshine.org), choose one of the invitations, and add a personal message and press send. Your family and friends will receive a cool video message and great Florida travel deals. As an added benefit, every invitation you send registers you for a chance to win one of 12 great Florida vacation packages. The Sunshine State is a great place to live – and a great place to visit.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Meetings Mean Business Video Campaign
The "Meetings Mean Business" campaign is looking to find the individual who best embodies the character and hardworking spirit of the travel industry. The winner will become the newest spokesperson for the industry. The U.S. Travel Association will also provide $5,000 to the winner.
To take part, industry employees submited a 45- to 60-second video telling why they are the “face of travel” and how business travel, meetings and events are important to them, their company and their community. Our very own HSMAI Board Member, Joseph McKinney submitted this video for the face of travel to the US Travel Association channel on YouTube
Please make sure to visit the official ballot site when voting begins to vote for your favorite finalist. Good luck to Joseph, if he wins I'm sure he will share the wealth with the local chapter members :-)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Coming Up…
USA TODAY is holding a “Picture America” contest to promote Discover America. Your “iconic images” of America could appear in USA TODAY and on their website as well as on Discoveramerica.com which promotes our country internationally. As a winner you can earn a four-night getaway and $500. Wouldn’t it be great if one of the winners was a photo featuring South Florida? For more details and to enter go to pictureamerica.usatoday.com but HURRY…contest ends May 8th!
The Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism is going to be held at the Fontainebleau Resort on August 23 – 25th. Visit Florida has just sent out its “save the date” notices with special hotel room rates. More information to come soon.
And of course, don’t forget to register for the HSMAI-South Florida Chapter’s May 20th lunch meeting at the newly reflagged Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina featuring Carlos Molinet speaking about “World Class Customer Service”. The deadline to register is May 15th. Register on our website: www.hsmaisouthflorida.org
The Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism is going to be held at the Fontainebleau Resort on August 23 – 25th. Visit Florida has just sent out its “save the date” notices with special hotel room rates. More information to come soon.
And of course, don’t forget to register for the HSMAI-South Florida Chapter’s May 20th lunch meeting at the newly reflagged Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina featuring Carlos Molinet speaking about “World Class Customer Service”. The deadline to register is May 15th. Register on our website: www.hsmaisouthflorida.org
Around Town – April/May 2009
Belated congratulations to: The Mondrian Hotel for making the cover of Conde Nast Traveler magazine; to The Regent Bal Harbor and The Ritz Carlton Palm Beach for being listed in the “15 to Watch” column of Travel + Leisure’s new hotels and companies predicted to make their World’s Best lists in the near future;
Welcome to: The new W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Elves have been scurrying around for some time in preparation for their “official” opening. Our VP of Programming visited for a site inspection and reports we’ll have a treat for our July luncheon meeting there. Can’t wait!
Isn’t it great that Regis and Kelly are filming their TV show (seen here on WSVN, Channel 7) and featuring Miami Beach while at the Fontainebleau Resort the week of May 4th? I still love that bow-tie lobby tile in the hotel. Hate to admit I’m old enough that those glamorous years of the “rat pack” and classy entertainment still brings back nostalgic memories even if I was just a young child then…
From Pia Dahlquist comes the news that the Mai Kai has just completed extensive renovations and upgrades, recently introduced a brand new wine list, unveiled their new website (www.maikai.com) and started a new Happy Hour from 5 to 7 pm with 50% off drinks and appetizers. While over at Jungle Island in Miami-Dade, they’ve just announced their new program called “Summer Adventures”. And just in time for Mother’s Day, the Neiman Marcus Last Call Store (Sawgrass) has come out with a special sale…
Sorry to see the sad statistics on room occupancy of our local hotels over the past few months as recently reported in the news. Most sources quoted are looking for a turn around in the future – but times vary widely as to when – anywhere from six to ten months. Yet, based on what other chapters of HSMAI report, it seems that South Florida is still doing better than most other places around the nation.
Have information to share? Send your “news” to hsmaisouthflorida@gmail.com
Welcome to: The new W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Elves have been scurrying around for some time in preparation for their “official” opening. Our VP of Programming visited for a site inspection and reports we’ll have a treat for our July luncheon meeting there. Can’t wait!
Isn’t it great that Regis and Kelly are filming their TV show (seen here on WSVN, Channel 7) and featuring Miami Beach while at the Fontainebleau Resort the week of May 4th? I still love that bow-tie lobby tile in the hotel. Hate to admit I’m old enough that those glamorous years of the “rat pack” and classy entertainment still brings back nostalgic memories even if I was just a young child then…
From Pia Dahlquist comes the news that the Mai Kai has just completed extensive renovations and upgrades, recently introduced a brand new wine list, unveiled their new website (www.maikai.com) and started a new Happy Hour from 5 to 7 pm with 50% off drinks and appetizers. While over at Jungle Island in Miami-Dade, they’ve just announced their new program called “Summer Adventures”. And just in time for Mother’s Day, the Neiman Marcus Last Call Store (Sawgrass) has come out with a special sale…
Sorry to see the sad statistics on room occupancy of our local hotels over the past few months as recently reported in the news. Most sources quoted are looking for a turn around in the future – but times vary widely as to when – anywhere from six to ten months. Yet, based on what other chapters of HSMAI report, it seems that South Florida is still doing better than most other places around the nation.
Have information to share? Send your “news” to hsmaisouthflorida@gmail.com
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