VISIT FLORIDA has launched an exciting new online feature, Florida Live, where users can see photos, webcams and tweets being shared in real time by people in the Sunshine State. The site features live webcam feeds from destinations around the state, Google map-based Twitter feeds that provide local updates on beach conditions, weather and activities from cities and towns across Florida, and an extensive collection of vacation deals for a variety of Florida destinations.
To view the new site, please go to www.VISITFLORIDAlive.com.
The images shown on the site are pulled as a live stream from photos posted by Share A Little Sunshine fans on Facebook. To contribute, simply become a Share a Little Sunshine fan at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSunshine and post a current photo of our beautiful Sunshine State.
Posted by: HSMAInsider, Julie Wernick
Friday, May 14, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
BITS AND PIECES: RATES, REV. MGT., MARKETING IDEAS,TRENDS
--Hotel.com’s 2009 Price Index showed that U.S. hotel prices fell 14% during the last half of 2009 (vs. the same period in 2008). Hotel rooms in some cases were cheaper in 2009 than in 2004.
--According to Marriott, luxury (lavish) hotels/high end resorts may face a tougher recovery than the rest of the industry.
--According to a survey by “Meeting News”, most planners expect meeting expenditures to increase or remain flat in the next six months.
--Traditional revenue management has focused purely on maximizing sleeping room revenue. What’s needed is a “holistic” approach. First: Trace all revenue associated with hotel guests. Second: Apply room principals to every revenue source. Then if you provide sales with the right target tools, you will help them steer customers into the right patterns, dates, space, etc.
--Independent hotels can more easily institute changes and react quickly to the market place. Small/independent hotels need to (also) focus on gaining a better understanding of all group activities and revenues. Certain market segments are price insensitive – you may be able to marginally increase rates once you know your sources. Encourage staff to focus on up selling to arriving guests on check in. During high demand periods, separate out your VIP’s so they don’t get bumped. The key: once you’ve done your homework, you can “play to your strengths”.
--TripAdvisor surveyed travelers with children. 92% plan to take at least one family vacation this year (up from 88% last year).
--New trend? “Pay Before You Stay and Save” – An increasing number of hotels are offering discounts if you prepay in full and forego a refund if you don’t show up. Hmmmm…
--Oyster Hotel Reviews group recommends 5 ways for hotels to attract new repeat guests: 1) Don’t try to attract everyone (Find best-fit clientele).2) Offer free stuff (simple freebies, upgrades). 3) Invest in a website that works (Is it up to date?). 4) Let photos make the sale (Are they colorful?) 5) Embrace independent reviews.
"Bits and Pieces" are extracts taken from various emails, websites, updates, etc.
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
--According to Marriott, luxury (lavish) hotels/high end resorts may face a tougher recovery than the rest of the industry.
--According to a survey by “Meeting News”, most planners expect meeting expenditures to increase or remain flat in the next six months.
--Traditional revenue management has focused purely on maximizing sleeping room revenue. What’s needed is a “holistic” approach. First: Trace all revenue associated with hotel guests. Second: Apply room principals to every revenue source. Then if you provide sales with the right target tools, you will help them steer customers into the right patterns, dates, space, etc.
--Independent hotels can more easily institute changes and react quickly to the market place. Small/independent hotels need to (also) focus on gaining a better understanding of all group activities and revenues. Certain market segments are price insensitive – you may be able to marginally increase rates once you know your sources. Encourage staff to focus on up selling to arriving guests on check in. During high demand periods, separate out your VIP’s so they don’t get bumped. The key: once you’ve done your homework, you can “play to your strengths”.
--TripAdvisor surveyed travelers with children. 92% plan to take at least one family vacation this year (up from 88% last year).
--New trend? “Pay Before You Stay and Save” – An increasing number of hotels are offering discounts if you prepay in full and forego a refund if you don’t show up. Hmmmm…
--Oyster Hotel Reviews group recommends 5 ways for hotels to attract new repeat guests: 1) Don’t try to attract everyone (Find best-fit clientele).2) Offer free stuff (simple freebies, upgrades). 3) Invest in a website that works (Is it up to date?). 4) Let photos make the sale (Are they colorful?) 5) Embrace independent reviews.
"Bits and Pieces" are extracts taken from various emails, websites, updates, etc.
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Greater Fort Lauderdale and Florida Tourism Fast Facts – 2009 Stats
Did you know?
Over 80 million people visited Florida.
10.57 million people visited Greater Fort Lauderdale.
968,400 people were directly employed in travel related jobs in Florida.
117,515 people were directly employed in travel related jobs in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Tourism spending (tourism/recreation taxable sales) was $60.9 billion in Florida.
Tourism spending was $8.47 billion in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
64.8 million total passengers boarded a plane in Florida.
21 million total passengers were welcomed at the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. And over 12 million passengers cruised from all Florida ports.
3.1 million passengers cruised from Port Everglades.
Over 80 million people visited Florida.
10.57 million people visited Greater Fort Lauderdale.
968,400 people were directly employed in travel related jobs in Florida.
117,515 people were directly employed in travel related jobs in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Tourism spending (tourism/recreation taxable sales) was $60.9 billion in Florida.
Tourism spending was $8.47 billion in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
64.8 million total passengers boarded a plane in Florida.
21 million total passengers were welcomed at the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. And over 12 million passengers cruised from all Florida ports.
3.1 million passengers cruised from Port Everglades.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
“Around Town” – News from our Hospitality Community
Southeast Florida:
This year, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB) is on a mission to help end vacation deprivation by urging Floridians to get away, hit the beach and take advantage of low-state-wide airfares and the destination's "Pack Your Bags, We're Staying Home" in-state program. "Pack Your Bags" includes discounts at popular hotels, 2-for-1 offers ranging from outdoor recreation to spa treatments to golf and an opportunity to enjoy SCUBA diving through a new "Learn to Dive" program that combines e-instruction, certification, free dives and free hotel stays. For a complete listing of all deals and offers this summer: www.sunny.org/Lauderdeals.
The Palm Beach International Film Festival kicks off the 15th Annual Festival on April 22ndl with a Hollywood-style red carpet film screening. Immediately following the premiere (at Cinemark Palace in Boca) will be an opening night party at the rooftop of Worthing Place Condo’s in Delray Beach on Atlantic Avenue and SE 2nd Avenue. Partygoers will enjoy food donated by The Office and Vic & Angelos and will feature complimentary Stella Artois, Silver Dagger Vodka and Icelandic Water. Admission is $40 for both the film and party and $30 for the party only. After April 16 the price increases to $50 and $40.
The 15th Annual Wine and Culinary Celebration will take place at the Museum of Discovery and Science on Friday, April 16, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by Bank of America.
The 15th Annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival presented by Premier Beverage Company will be held on May 14th & 15th 2010 benefiting the American Lung Association in Florida. On Saturday, May 15th the World Famous Street Festival will take place from 7:30 to10:00p.m. on Las Olas Boulevard.
The Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Thursday, April 22nd networking event from 5:30-7:00 pm in the patio cafe at Jimmie's Chocolate and Café. For more info call: 954-926-2323; Members $5; Future Members: $10.
According to Smith Travel Research: For the week ended March 27th, occupancy in Broward County was up 8.2 %, year-over-year. Occupancy in Palm Beach County was up 7.5 % while occupancy in Miami Dade was up 7.2 percent. Nationally occupancy rose 5.9% year-over-year. Average daily rates were mixed. Dade rose 5.15; Broward rose 2.5%; Palm Beach fell 4.8%.
Broward County Commissioners and Carnival Corporation agreed to a deal for a makeover of Port Everglades terminals. Carnival will commit to 25.5 million cruise guests to sail from the port during the next 15 years. Carnival's agreement will potentially produce $500 million in port revenue, the county said in a news release. It is expected to have an average annual economic impact on more than 6,000 local jobs with related personal income of $293.6 million over the 15-year period.
Southwest Florida:
Southwest Florida International Airport announced that Frontier Airlines' seasonal nonstop flights to Denver International Airport (DEN) have been extended to year-round service.
Everglades Area Tours has added motorboat eco and birding tours departing from Calusa Island Marina in the village of Goodland on Marco Island at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and sunset daily.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort recently refreshed the luxurious guest rooms with new bed linens, decor and fresh paint, including the addition of an accent wall. The poolside cabana furnishings have been completely updated, and upgraded package options are available for your comfort and relaxation. The resort's signature fine-dining restaurant Baleen boasts new furnishings including new chandeliers, chairs and a big group dining table. Baleen was recently awarded the prestigious "Award of Excellence 2009" by Wine Spectator magazine.
The Hilton Naples joined Hilton Worldwide in observing Earth Hour 2010 on March 27 by turning off lights for one hour and engaging in other energy-saving activities. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has a special Earth Day celebration planned for April 17 and Naples Zoo will have Party For the Planet on April 24. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort has a new voluntourism package themed around Southwest Florida's sea turtles. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples offers a trip to the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge as part of its Giveback Getaway program.
The Lemon Tree Inn in Naples installed a butterfly garden on March 23 in honor of its new Pollination Package, inspired by the recent expansion of Naples Botanical Garden. The Pollination Package includes three nights at the hotel including taxes, two tickets to Naples Botanical Garden, and a guide on how to build your own garden and a packet of flower seeds to help get the garden started.
The North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) awarded the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB a First Place award for its social media marketing campaign and the annual visitors guide.
Send your news for next month to: jwfranklin1@gmail.com
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
This year, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB) is on a mission to help end vacation deprivation by urging Floridians to get away, hit the beach and take advantage of low-state-wide airfares and the destination's "Pack Your Bags, We're Staying Home" in-state program. "Pack Your Bags" includes discounts at popular hotels, 2-for-1 offers ranging from outdoor recreation to spa treatments to golf and an opportunity to enjoy SCUBA diving through a new "Learn to Dive" program that combines e-instruction, certification, free dives and free hotel stays. For a complete listing of all deals and offers this summer: www.sunny.org/Lauderdeals.
The Palm Beach International Film Festival kicks off the 15th Annual Festival on April 22ndl with a Hollywood-style red carpet film screening. Immediately following the premiere (at Cinemark Palace in Boca) will be an opening night party at the rooftop of Worthing Place Condo’s in Delray Beach on Atlantic Avenue and SE 2nd Avenue. Partygoers will enjoy food donated by The Office and Vic & Angelos and will feature complimentary Stella Artois, Silver Dagger Vodka and Icelandic Water. Admission is $40 for both the film and party and $30 for the party only. After April 16 the price increases to $50 and $40.
The 15th Annual Wine and Culinary Celebration will take place at the Museum of Discovery and Science on Friday, April 16, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by Bank of America.
The 15th Annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival presented by Premier Beverage Company will be held on May 14th & 15th 2010 benefiting the American Lung Association in Florida. On Saturday, May 15th the World Famous Street Festival will take place from 7:30 to10:00p.m. on Las Olas Boulevard.
The Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Thursday, April 22nd networking event from 5:30-7:00 pm in the patio cafe at Jimmie's Chocolate and Café. For more info call: 954-926-2323; Members $5; Future Members: $10.
According to Smith Travel Research: For the week ended March 27th, occupancy in Broward County was up 8.2 %, year-over-year. Occupancy in Palm Beach County was up 7.5 % while occupancy in Miami Dade was up 7.2 percent. Nationally occupancy rose 5.9% year-over-year. Average daily rates were mixed. Dade rose 5.15; Broward rose 2.5%; Palm Beach fell 4.8%.
Broward County Commissioners and Carnival Corporation agreed to a deal for a makeover of Port Everglades terminals. Carnival will commit to 25.5 million cruise guests to sail from the port during the next 15 years. Carnival's agreement will potentially produce $500 million in port revenue, the county said in a news release. It is expected to have an average annual economic impact on more than 6,000 local jobs with related personal income of $293.6 million over the 15-year period.
Southwest Florida:
Southwest Florida International Airport announced that Frontier Airlines' seasonal nonstop flights to Denver International Airport (DEN) have been extended to year-round service.
Everglades Area Tours has added motorboat eco and birding tours departing from Calusa Island Marina in the village of Goodland on Marco Island at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and sunset daily.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort recently refreshed the luxurious guest rooms with new bed linens, decor and fresh paint, including the addition of an accent wall. The poolside cabana furnishings have been completely updated, and upgraded package options are available for your comfort and relaxation. The resort's signature fine-dining restaurant Baleen boasts new furnishings including new chandeliers, chairs and a big group dining table. Baleen was recently awarded the prestigious "Award of Excellence 2009" by Wine Spectator magazine.
The Hilton Naples joined Hilton Worldwide in observing Earth Hour 2010 on March 27 by turning off lights for one hour and engaging in other energy-saving activities. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has a special Earth Day celebration planned for April 17 and Naples Zoo will have Party For the Planet on April 24. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort has a new voluntourism package themed around Southwest Florida's sea turtles. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples offers a trip to the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge as part of its Giveback Getaway program.
The Lemon Tree Inn in Naples installed a butterfly garden on March 23 in honor of its new Pollination Package, inspired by the recent expansion of Naples Botanical Garden. The Pollination Package includes three nights at the hotel including taxes, two tickets to Naples Botanical Garden, and a guide on how to build your own garden and a packet of flower seeds to help get the garden started.
The North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) awarded the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB a First Place award for its social media marketing campaign and the annual visitors guide.
Send your news for next month to: jwfranklin1@gmail.com
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
Friday, April 9, 2010
Around The (Travel) Websites:What Consumers Are Reading This Month…
In Trip Advisor:
“Astonishing Amenities” – Perks you thought you’d never find list included the
W-South Beach -- The “whatever whenever wish” service, you dialed "0" to make special requests or ask for things, was wonderful. Each time we called for things such as cleaning our room by a certain time or requesting more coffee, occurred in a timely friendly "you are special" fashion...
And from Trip Advisor’s various lists here are some of our local mentions:
“Top 10 Family Hotels in the U.S.” included Sanibel’s Seaside Inn at number 10.
Their “Sexiest Hotels in the U.S.” list included Miami’s Setai Hotel at number 6.
Top Ten “New Destinations For Spring” included Bradenton Beach (at number 6) and Marco Island (at number 9).
Still waiting to get some more southeast property/company news for our “Around Town Column”. Last call! Email: jwfranklin1@gmail.com
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
“Astonishing Amenities” – Perks you thought you’d never find list included the
W-South Beach -- The “whatever whenever wish” service, you dialed "0" to make special requests or ask for things, was wonderful. Each time we called for things such as cleaning our room by a certain time or requesting more coffee, occurred in a timely friendly "you are special" fashion...
And from Trip Advisor’s various lists here are some of our local mentions:
“Top 10 Family Hotels in the U.S.” included Sanibel’s Seaside Inn at number 10.
Their “Sexiest Hotels in the U.S.” list included Miami’s Setai Hotel at number 6.
Top Ten “New Destinations For Spring” included Bradenton Beach (at number 6) and Marco Island (at number 9).
Still waiting to get some more southeast property/company news for our “Around Town Column”. Last call! Email: jwfranklin1@gmail.com
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
"Ask Dr. Resort"
The following is a reprint from the monthly newsletter of HSMAI’s Resort Marketing Special Interest Group. As you know, every member of HSMAI can join any of the SIG’s at no additional cost. One of the features of the Resort Marketing SIG is: Ask Dr. Resort -- an “Ask the Expert Service” available to members for advice and counsel from the Resort Marketing Advisory Board.
THE DOCTOR IS IN - drresort@gmail.com
As we move through the difficulties of the great recession, everyone has thoughts and ideas on what is happening. But what does it all mean and what should you be considering in your business plan. Below is a sample of what the Dr. is talking about and helping professionals like you get a fresh perspective on current events.
Inconspicuous Consumption…or is it stealth indulgence On one hand you have those who believe that people are readily willing to return to their old spending habits. On the other is the belief that we have become, once again, a nation of savers. While this is a valid conversation on the future of our guests, it doesn't help resorts that need to fill the occupancy void. However there is a group out there, and they are bigger than what you think, that still have money to spend on vacations but are hesitant….
The Resort Fee Outcry Resort fees have become common throughout our industry. From offsetting the costs of providing pool towels to maintain the beach, these have become part of the industry's landscape. Unfortunately, other lodging types have followed suite in adding their own version of fees (whether appropriate or not) and consumers now perceive these as part of a larger problem where companies are 'extracting every last cent from them'. So what happens when competitors lower their fees to attract guests…
If you would like to take full advantage of your HSMAI and Resort Marketing Special Interest Group membership, learn more about these topics or get your question answered by a panel of industry executives that know exactly what you are going through, please email the Dr. at drresort@gmail.com.
Note: You can explore this SIG, and several others at the main hsmai.org website.
You can join them all or select just the groups that apply to you and your company.
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider.
THE DOCTOR IS IN - drresort@gmail.com
As we move through the difficulties of the great recession, everyone has thoughts and ideas on what is happening. But what does it all mean and what should you be considering in your business plan. Below is a sample of what the Dr. is talking about and helping professionals like you get a fresh perspective on current events.
Inconspicuous Consumption…or is it stealth indulgence On one hand you have those who believe that people are readily willing to return to their old spending habits. On the other is the belief that we have become, once again, a nation of savers. While this is a valid conversation on the future of our guests, it doesn't help resorts that need to fill the occupancy void. However there is a group out there, and they are bigger than what you think, that still have money to spend on vacations but are hesitant….
The Resort Fee Outcry Resort fees have become common throughout our industry. From offsetting the costs of providing pool towels to maintain the beach, these have become part of the industry's landscape. Unfortunately, other lodging types have followed suite in adding their own version of fees (whether appropriate or not) and consumers now perceive these as part of a larger problem where companies are 'extracting every last cent from them'. So what happens when competitors lower their fees to attract guests…
If you would like to take full advantage of your HSMAI and Resort Marketing Special Interest Group membership, learn more about these topics or get your question answered by a panel of industry executives that know exactly what you are going through, please email the Dr. at drresort@gmail.com.
Note: You can explore this SIG, and several others at the main hsmai.org website.
You can join them all or select just the groups that apply to you and your company.
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
“Around Town” Column – February-March 2010
Here’s a collection of newsworthy items happening recently “Around Town” from our industry members and South Florida community.
Southeast Florida:
REVPAR Guru CEO Jean Francois Mourier was recently interviewed on NPR radio: http://204.13.1.19:81/ Just scroll to January 2010, then select Tuesday January 26th, South Florida hotel industry and economic impacts, to hear his interview.
The "Award Winning" Hampton Inn Plantation, for the second year in a row has won the prestigious Lighthouse Award for service and accommodations. This was awarded in 2008 and now for 2009. They are ranked #20 out of over 1700 Hampton Inns Worldwide.
Pri-Med, a brand owned and operated by M/C Communications LLC, the leading provider of professional education solutions to a community of over 220,000 physicians held it’s 12th consecutive meeting, their 2010 Conference & Exhibition at the Broward County Convention Center on February 11 - 14, 2010.
Pri-Med South had contracted room blocks with Bahia Mar Beach Resort, Embassy Suites 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale Hilton Marina, Hyatt Regency Pier 66, and Renaissance Fort Lauderdale. Greater Fort Lauderdale expected an estimated economic impact of $5.4 million from hosting this meeting.
Southwest Florida:
“The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel” report that 36 area accommodations have been named to the Florida Green Lodging Program. These “green” accommodations are –
Fort Myers Beach: DiamondHead Beach Resort, Hampton Inn & Suites, Mango Street Inn, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa, and The Riviera Villas.
Sanibel Island: Blue Dolphin Cottages, Blue Dolphin Cottages, Castaways Beach & Bay Cottages, Ocean’s Reach Condominium Resort, Sanibel Inn, Seaside Inn, Song of the Sea, Sundial Beach & Golf Resort, and, The Sunset Beach Resort.
Fort Myers: Best Western Fort Myers Inn & Suites, The Crown Plaza, Comfort Inn & Suites Airport , Country Inn & Suites Sanibel Gateway, Courtyard by Marriott Fort Myers at I-75/Gulf Coast Town Center, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Downtown Historic District, Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Myers, Hotel Indigo, La Quinta Inn & Suites Airport Residence Inn by Marriott, Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, Shell Point Guest House, Spring Hill Suites by Marriott, the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel.
Bonita Springs: Holiday Inn Express, Hyatt Coconut Plantation, The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, The Inn at the Springs. Estero: Hampton Inn & Suites; Pine Island: Bokeelia Tarpon Inn, Bridgewater Inn, Matlacha.
The Crowne Plaza Fort Myers has received the "Meeting Excellence" Award for the 3rd quarter. It is also the 3rd quarter in a row that they have received this award. The award is based on responses to the meeting survey sent to all meeting planners that have held meetings at the hotel asking for them to rank their service, and food quality. The hotel is also offering a "10% discount off the Master" promotion for any meetings booked and held before June 30, 2010. Meeting Planners will receive a 10% discount off their total master bill, PC rewards points for all attendees and Bonus PCMR points for the meeting planner.
The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs, has been honored as one of “2009’s Top 50 Resorts in the U.S. and Canada” in Travel + Leisure magazine’s 14th annual readers’ survey. The resort was one of only two Hyatt’s selected in the prestigious listing.
The Resort at MarinaVillage at the Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral is scheduled to open Nov. 1. A SunStream Hotels & Resort property, the resort is the first luxury resort in Cape Coral and offers guests 19 stories of views of the Caloosahatchee River, San Carlos Bay and the Gulf of Mexico
Residence Inn Fort Myers-Sanibel in Fort Myers has opened its all-suite, extended-stay property. Breakfast is included daily and pets are welcome.
Hotel Indigo, the Fort Myers River District’s first boutique hotel opened with 60 oversized guest rooms and seven condo-style suites, as well as a rooftop pool, lounge, spa and fitness center, valet parking, cocktail lounge and two restaurants. It is located at 2115 Main Street, Fort Myers.
Hyatt Place Fort Myers at the Forum plans a mid-October opening. The full service property includes flexible meeting space and will offer guests complimentary breakfast each day.
Gasparilla Inn & Cottages in Boca Grande has hired Chef Peter Timmons, former executive chef of the award-winning restaurant at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV.
The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB Annual Tourism Workshop with the Collier County Board of Commissioners and the Tourist Development Council takes place Monday, March 15 from 1 to 3 pm in County Commission Chambers at the Collier County government administration complex. The main topic for discussion will be how to allocate funding for year-round destination marketing campaigns in the future. For more information on the workshop, please e-mail Jack Wert.
Frontier Airlines Extends Service -- The Lee County Port Authority is pleased to announce that Frontier Airlines' seasonal nonstop flights to Denver International Airport (DEN) have been extended to year-round service.
Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club has received the prestigious "2009 Planners' Choice Award" from MeetingNews magazine. The award will be presented to Jim Gunderson, general manager of the newly renovated 319-room resort.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples promoted Darryl Adams to the position of Hotel Manager. Adams was previously the Executive Assistant Manager, Rooms Division for The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples, overseeing operations for both the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples and The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.
Visitors TV Network welcomes new, local representation in the Naples/Marco Island area. Larry and Cecily Lancit are the official representatives for this service, free to area hotels.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To submit items for future editions, send to jwfranklin1@gmail.com
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
Southeast Florida:
REVPAR Guru CEO Jean Francois Mourier was recently interviewed on NPR radio: http://204.13.1.19:81/ Just scroll to January 2010, then select Tuesday January 26th, South Florida hotel industry and economic impacts, to hear his interview.
The "Award Winning" Hampton Inn Plantation, for the second year in a row has won the prestigious Lighthouse Award for service and accommodations. This was awarded in 2008 and now for 2009. They are ranked #20 out of over 1700 Hampton Inns Worldwide.
Pri-Med, a brand owned and operated by M/C Communications LLC, the leading provider of professional education solutions to a community of over 220,000 physicians held it’s 12th consecutive meeting, their 2010 Conference & Exhibition at the Broward County Convention Center on February 11 - 14, 2010.
Pri-Med South had contracted room blocks with Bahia Mar Beach Resort, Embassy Suites 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale Hilton Marina, Hyatt Regency Pier 66, and Renaissance Fort Lauderdale. Greater Fort Lauderdale expected an estimated economic impact of $5.4 million from hosting this meeting.
Southwest Florida:
“The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel” report that 36 area accommodations have been named to the Florida Green Lodging Program. These “green” accommodations are –
Fort Myers Beach: DiamondHead Beach Resort, Hampton Inn & Suites, Mango Street Inn, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa, and The Riviera Villas.
Sanibel Island: Blue Dolphin Cottages, Blue Dolphin Cottages, Castaways Beach & Bay Cottages, Ocean’s Reach Condominium Resort, Sanibel Inn, Seaside Inn, Song of the Sea, Sundial Beach & Golf Resort, and, The Sunset Beach Resort.
Fort Myers: Best Western Fort Myers Inn & Suites, The Crown Plaza, Comfort Inn & Suites Airport , Country Inn & Suites Sanibel Gateway, Courtyard by Marriott Fort Myers at I-75/Gulf Coast Town Center, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Downtown Historic District, Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Myers, Hotel Indigo, La Quinta Inn & Suites Airport Residence Inn by Marriott, Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, Shell Point Guest House, Spring Hill Suites by Marriott, the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel.
Bonita Springs: Holiday Inn Express, Hyatt Coconut Plantation, The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, The Inn at the Springs. Estero: Hampton Inn & Suites; Pine Island: Bokeelia Tarpon Inn, Bridgewater Inn, Matlacha.
The Crowne Plaza Fort Myers has received the "Meeting Excellence" Award for the 3rd quarter. It is also the 3rd quarter in a row that they have received this award. The award is based on responses to the meeting survey sent to all meeting planners that have held meetings at the hotel asking for them to rank their service, and food quality. The hotel is also offering a "10% discount off the Master" promotion for any meetings booked and held before June 30, 2010. Meeting Planners will receive a 10% discount off their total master bill, PC rewards points for all attendees and Bonus PCMR points for the meeting planner.
The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs, has been honored as one of “2009’s Top 50 Resorts in the U.S. and Canada” in Travel + Leisure magazine’s 14th annual readers’ survey. The resort was one of only two Hyatt’s selected in the prestigious listing.
The Resort at MarinaVillage at the Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral is scheduled to open Nov. 1. A SunStream Hotels & Resort property, the resort is the first luxury resort in Cape Coral and offers guests 19 stories of views of the Caloosahatchee River, San Carlos Bay and the Gulf of Mexico
Residence Inn Fort Myers-Sanibel in Fort Myers has opened its all-suite, extended-stay property. Breakfast is included daily and pets are welcome.
Hotel Indigo, the Fort Myers River District’s first boutique hotel opened with 60 oversized guest rooms and seven condo-style suites, as well as a rooftop pool, lounge, spa and fitness center, valet parking, cocktail lounge and two restaurants. It is located at 2115 Main Street, Fort Myers.
Hyatt Place Fort Myers at the Forum plans a mid-October opening. The full service property includes flexible meeting space and will offer guests complimentary breakfast each day.
Gasparilla Inn & Cottages in Boca Grande has hired Chef Peter Timmons, former executive chef of the award-winning restaurant at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV.
The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB Annual Tourism Workshop with the Collier County Board of Commissioners and the Tourist Development Council takes place Monday, March 15 from 1 to 3 pm in County Commission Chambers at the Collier County government administration complex. The main topic for discussion will be how to allocate funding for year-round destination marketing campaigns in the future. For more information on the workshop, please e-mail Jack Wert.
Frontier Airlines Extends Service -- The Lee County Port Authority is pleased to announce that Frontier Airlines' seasonal nonstop flights to Denver International Airport (DEN) have been extended to year-round service.
Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club has received the prestigious "2009 Planners' Choice Award" from MeetingNews magazine. The award will be presented to Jim Gunderson, general manager of the newly renovated 319-room resort.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples promoted Darryl Adams to the position of Hotel Manager. Adams was previously the Executive Assistant Manager, Rooms Division for The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples, overseeing operations for both the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples and The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.
Visitors TV Network welcomes new, local representation in the Naples/Marco Island area. Larry and Cecily Lancit are the official representatives for this service, free to area hotels.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To submit items for future editions, send to jwfranklin1@gmail.com
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
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