(Editor’s Note: Here’s some selected information previously sent by our Association headquarters that you may have missed... HSMAInsider, Julie Wernick)
The Adrian Awards – Celebrating its 55th year!
This competition has evolved into the worlds most renowned and prestigious advertising, public relations, and digital marketing event specifically tailored for the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries. The Awards honor creative brilliance and best practices in hospitality, travel, and tourism-related marketing.
Just a reminder that the early entry deadline is September 2 and the final deadline is September 16th. For more information on the Adrian Awards Competition, contact Desiree LaFont at (703) 506-3297 or email AdrianAwards@hsmai.org
In addition, HSMAI is also accepting nominations for the 2011 HSMAI Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing.
Barry Brown Receives Award:
HSMAI named Barry Brown, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing, the Del Coronado and La Costa Resort & Spa, the 2011 Resort Marketer of the Year. The award, presented by HSMAI and LivingSocial, was awarded to Brown for exemplifying the highest degree of excellence and commitment to the hospitality industry.
Affordable Meetings becomes MEET National:
This “new” meetings event takes place September 7-8, 2011 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, in Washington, DC. Meeting and event planners get to take advantage of the latest educational updates, increase their professionalism and their contacts, attend planner-supplier scheduled meetings, etc., all in a new format. Will you be there?
HSMAI Insights Newsletters - An exclusive benefit of membership in HSMAI
Have you seen these weekly newsletters? Each issue is chock full of useful details and tidbits. These are divided into several sections including: “Fueling Sales”; “Inspiring Marketing”; “Optimizing Revenue”; “Update”; Pictures; and “On The Move”. It includes news briefs from around the media, with access to in-depth articles, columns, reports and multimedia on eConnect (which is a one-stop portal to global information and resources on hospitality sales and marketing topics provided by the HSMAI Foundation).
HSMAI and VIZERGY: Best Practices
HSMAI has partnered with VIZERGY to provide a white paper on best practices for integrated marketing. The paper provides an in-depth look at why travel marketers should move away from a singular focus on campaigns toward a more integrated marketing approach. In addition it addresses best practices for Establishing cross-functional teams; Defining appropriate goals; Matching consumer-preferred channels to defined goals; and Focusing on the right success measures. The white paper can be found online by visiting http://www.hsmaieconnect.org/index.html
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Around Town – August 2011
(Editor’s Note: Here’s another collection of newsworthy items from our industry members and the South Florida community. HSMAInsider, Julie Wernick)
Southeast Florida:
Congratulations to Alice Land who started her new position with Marriott on August 8th. Alice was previously the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Mayfair Resort and a past Board member of our South Florida HSMAI chapter.
Congratulations to Anna Russo, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort (Fort Lauderdale) on attaining her CHSE designation!
The Bahia Beach Hotel at 3030 Harbor Drive in Fort Lauderdale has new owners. It was sold in July to a Miami company.
Greater Fort Lauderdale will host the 2011 Superior Small Lodging Annual Conference, at the Broward County Convention Center, Sept 27-28. Superior Small Lodging members from the around the state will gather to share ideas and plan for the year ahead.
The fourth annual Lauderdale Spa Chic runs from September 1-30. Enjoy spa treatments for $99 (up to 50% savings) and Spa Chic Stays, including spa treatments and overnight accommodations, starting at $239 at one of 14 participating spas (many at top hotels in Broward). For details and info on the CVB’s Spa Chic contest visit www.sunny.org/spachic.
According to Smith Travel Research reports, South Florida hotel occupancies and room rates rose in June. The region’s hotel occupancy climbed to 65.7 percent from 61.7 percent in June 2010. The average daily room rate rose 5.1 percent, to $108.67 from $103.41.
The number of passengers at South Florida airports rose in June. Total passengers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport increased 8.6 percent, year-over-year. The number of domestic travelers rose to 1.6 million (vs. 1.47 million). International passengers also went up 8.6 percent (273,788 vs. 252,146).
In July, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport had its 23rd month of passenger growth in July 2011. Total passengers climbed 4.4 percent, year-over-year, to 2 million from July 2010’s 1.95 million. The number of international passengers rose to 339,332 from 335,031. And Domestic travelers increased 5.1 percent, to 1.7 million from 1.6 million.
Miami International Airport saw similar passenger increases, rising 7.7 percent, year-over-year (3.2 million vs. 2.98 million). Domestic travelers in June rose to 1.68 million (vs.1.57 million in June 2010). International passengers were up to 1.53 million (vs.1.4 million).
Miami Beach’s The Raleigh Hotel successfully hosted the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim event in July where more than 12,000 people attended the five-day 2012 swimwear preview. The event showcased 24 designers under tents around the hotel's pool. Speaking of The Raleigh, the 70 year old hotel will be renovated again (last time was in 2004). The hotel will remain open during its makeover/enhancement which should be completed by December.
The Fontainebleau Resort (Miami Beach) is offering a special Florida Resident promotion through September 30th, with rates from $249 including complimentary valet parking - Fourth night free - A Little Bleau Book at check-in - kids eat free for 3 meals a day. Some restrictions apply. Promotional rate is based on double occupancy in Standard room category for Sunday - Wednesday nights only. Blackout dates apply.
Sorry to hear that The Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau and the Beaches Turks & Caicos remain closed due to Hurricane Irene. The good news? The Sandals resort will reopen Sept. 28, and the Beaches property will reopen Oct. 6.
All three of the South Florida’s major airports made Cheapflights.com's list of 101 most affordable airports, which ranked airports by average airfare:
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport ranked fourth (the highest in Florida) with an average airfare of $328, followed by Palm Beach International Airport at No. 11 with an average airfare of $346. Miami International Airport ranked in the bottom tier, at No. 85 with an average airfare of $534. (No. 22 was Southwest Florida International Airport).
Southwest Florida:
Congrats to Jack Wert, Executive Director for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB, on his appointment to the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors as a representative of the Southwest Florida tourism industry. He was also reappointed to the International Committee.
Congrats to U, PR & Communications Manager, Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB, who has been reappointed to the VISIT FLORIDA Communications Committee.
The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club has received Meetings Focus South magazine's "Best of the South" award, which is given annually to the finest meeting properties in the South, as selected by the magazine's readers.
Marco Beach Ocean Resort has received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, which honors top-rated lodging businesses, restaurants and attractions, as reviewed by travelers on the world's largest travel site.
The Naples Park Central Hotel, formerly the Sea Court Hotel, reopened with a complete interior and exterior remodel. The Park Central was taken over by new owners and management to give Naples a new and contemporary lodging property.
Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort has launched a “Give & Get”, a volun-tourism program to reward travelers who give back to the community. Guests who spend part of their vacation helping others will receive a 15 percent savings on their stay through Sept. 30. Volunteer opportunities range from renovating a butterfly garden with Friends of Rookery Bay, building homes with Habitat for Humanity or helping out at Marco Island's first local high school. If resort visitors post photos or videos of their experience on the resort's Facebook page, they receive a $25 resort credit for a return trip.
The fourth annual Islands FallFest from September through November 2011 combines annual events and festivals with special hotel rates and value-added deals for visitors to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.
Research Data Services showed that visitor numbers for June 2011 increased nearly 10% over June 2010, according to the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB reports.
During June 2011, 473,332 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), a decrease of 0.7 percent compared to June 2010. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 5.4 percent from the same period last year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To submit items for future blog editions, please send to jwfranklin1@gmail.com
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
Southeast Florida:
Congratulations to Alice Land who started her new position with Marriott on August 8th. Alice was previously the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Mayfair Resort and a past Board member of our South Florida HSMAI chapter.
Congratulations to Anna Russo, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort (Fort Lauderdale) on attaining her CHSE designation!
The Bahia Beach Hotel at 3030 Harbor Drive in Fort Lauderdale has new owners. It was sold in July to a Miami company.
Greater Fort Lauderdale will host the 2011 Superior Small Lodging Annual Conference, at the Broward County Convention Center, Sept 27-28. Superior Small Lodging members from the around the state will gather to share ideas and plan for the year ahead.
The fourth annual Lauderdale Spa Chic runs from September 1-30. Enjoy spa treatments for $99 (up to 50% savings) and Spa Chic Stays, including spa treatments and overnight accommodations, starting at $239 at one of 14 participating spas (many at top hotels in Broward). For details and info on the CVB’s Spa Chic contest visit www.sunny.org/spachic.
According to Smith Travel Research reports, South Florida hotel occupancies and room rates rose in June. The region’s hotel occupancy climbed to 65.7 percent from 61.7 percent in June 2010. The average daily room rate rose 5.1 percent, to $108.67 from $103.41.
The number of passengers at South Florida airports rose in June. Total passengers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport increased 8.6 percent, year-over-year. The number of domestic travelers rose to 1.6 million (vs. 1.47 million). International passengers also went up 8.6 percent (273,788 vs. 252,146).
In July, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport had its 23rd month of passenger growth in July 2011. Total passengers climbed 4.4 percent, year-over-year, to 2 million from July 2010’s 1.95 million. The number of international passengers rose to 339,332 from 335,031. And Domestic travelers increased 5.1 percent, to 1.7 million from 1.6 million.
Miami International Airport saw similar passenger increases, rising 7.7 percent, year-over-year (3.2 million vs. 2.98 million). Domestic travelers in June rose to 1.68 million (vs.1.57 million in June 2010). International passengers were up to 1.53 million (vs.1.4 million).
Miami Beach’s The Raleigh Hotel successfully hosted the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim event in July where more than 12,000 people attended the five-day 2012 swimwear preview. The event showcased 24 designers under tents around the hotel's pool. Speaking of The Raleigh, the 70 year old hotel will be renovated again (last time was in 2004). The hotel will remain open during its makeover/enhancement which should be completed by December.
The Fontainebleau Resort (Miami Beach) is offering a special Florida Resident promotion through September 30th, with rates from $249 including complimentary valet parking - Fourth night free - A Little Bleau Book at check-in - kids eat free for 3 meals a day. Some restrictions apply. Promotional rate is based on double occupancy in Standard room category for Sunday - Wednesday nights only. Blackout dates apply.
Sorry to hear that The Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau and the Beaches Turks & Caicos remain closed due to Hurricane Irene. The good news? The Sandals resort will reopen Sept. 28, and the Beaches property will reopen Oct. 6.
All three of the South Florida’s major airports made Cheapflights.com's list of 101 most affordable airports, which ranked airports by average airfare:
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport ranked fourth (the highest in Florida) with an average airfare of $328, followed by Palm Beach International Airport at No. 11 with an average airfare of $346. Miami International Airport ranked in the bottom tier, at No. 85 with an average airfare of $534. (No. 22 was Southwest Florida International Airport).
Southwest Florida:
Congrats to Jack Wert, Executive Director for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB, on his appointment to the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors as a representative of the Southwest Florida tourism industry. He was also reappointed to the International Committee.
Congrats to U, PR & Communications Manager, Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB, who has been reappointed to the VISIT FLORIDA Communications Committee.
The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club has received Meetings Focus South magazine's "Best of the South" award, which is given annually to the finest meeting properties in the South, as selected by the magazine's readers.
Marco Beach Ocean Resort has received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, which honors top-rated lodging businesses, restaurants and attractions, as reviewed by travelers on the world's largest travel site.
The Naples Park Central Hotel, formerly the Sea Court Hotel, reopened with a complete interior and exterior remodel. The Park Central was taken over by new owners and management to give Naples a new and contemporary lodging property.
Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort has launched a “Give & Get”, a volun-tourism program to reward travelers who give back to the community. Guests who spend part of their vacation helping others will receive a 15 percent savings on their stay through Sept. 30. Volunteer opportunities range from renovating a butterfly garden with Friends of Rookery Bay, building homes with Habitat for Humanity or helping out at Marco Island's first local high school. If resort visitors post photos or videos of their experience on the resort's Facebook page, they receive a $25 resort credit for a return trip.
The fourth annual Islands FallFest from September through November 2011 combines annual events and festivals with special hotel rates and value-added deals for visitors to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.
Research Data Services showed that visitor numbers for June 2011 increased nearly 10% over June 2010, according to the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB reports.
During June 2011, 473,332 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), a decrease of 0.7 percent compared to June 2010. Year-to-date, passenger traffic is up 5.4 percent from the same period last year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To submit items for future blog editions, please send to jwfranklin1@gmail.com
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
Thursday, August 4, 2011
July 20th, 2011 HSMAI-South Florida Meeting Recap
“Table of Eight” – Our occasional column with comments about Chapter events.
(By HSMAInsider, Julie Wernick, jwfranklin1@gmail.com)
What a nice turn out for the Chapter’s dinner meeting at the Renaissance Boca Raton for a presentation on tourism trends and visitor data by Brittany Baldwin, Sales Executive, Caribbean & Southern US, STR (Smith Travel Research).
Don’t you love meeting new people and learning about them and their companies? I was especially pleased to join Dr. Peter Ricci, Director, Hospitality Management Program, Florida Atlantic University, and some of his friends at their table. Peter, by the way, has CHA, CHSE, and CRME certifications, is a very prolific writer of scholarly articles on lodging management topics and a member of “too many to name” groups and associations (including serving on the board of our Chapter). Mark Klayman, Director of Business Development, Vizergy provides internet marketing and e-commerce solutions with reservation systems, services, and special software to help clients drive more revenue. John Bailey, the General Manager of the Hilton Boca Raton (near 441) keeps busy with duties on property and serves on the Board of the Palm Beach County Hotel & Lodging Association. Compared notes with Josh Morrone, Member Care Manager, South Central Region for America’s Best Value Inn by Vantage, and Sanja Vukik, CHA, National Travel Sales Manager, Vantage Hospitality Group. Sanja, by the way, is a 2010 FAU graduate.
As always, there will be different things that people will remember from a presentation that may apply to their specific hotel/company. But here are a few key points from my notes.
Ms. Baldwin spoke about her company, STR, presented an overview of US travel data and then focused in on trends for Florida and for our southeast portion of Florida (from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade).
On a national basis, 2011 showed a total US occupancy of approximately 59.2%. These are year-to-date (YTD) figures through June, 2011. In general, their survey results are showing that there is the strongest hotel demand rebound ever. The supply side is slowing down and demand is up. The ADR (average daily rate) has been very erratic during each downturn period (since 1989) and currently the industry is struggling to get hotel rates back up to where they should be. STR is not sure how long this will take, however. Ms. Baldwin noted that it took six years to get rates back up just to equal rates of inflation after 911 (Nine eleven).
Florida currently has approximate 3600 hotel properties with some 411,537 rooms. June 2011 YTD showed an overall state occupancy rate of 67.5%. Last year was a pretty bad year for the industry, but so far one can see that travelers are returning to Florida and numbers are up.
Southeast Florida is showing a better than average demand than most other destinations in the US and demand is coming back strong. Occupancy is rebounding, but the room rate is lagging behind quite a bit. Hoteliers need to realize that they have “pricing power” and can start now to get better rates for their rooms. Interestingly, the weekday occupancy rates have outperformed the rates of the last 3 years. Although, in all time periods, the ADR is showing less dollars received, it’s still better compared to what it was in 2009 and 2010.
What about the rest of 2011? Nationally, STR is forecasting increases of 3.8% for occupancy and 4% for ADR. For 2012, occupancy should be up another 2% and ADR should be up 6%. In Southeast Florida, they’re projecting an increase of 5.8% for the balance of 2011; and an increase in 2012 of another percentage point (up 1%).
Ms. Baldwin suggested that hotels familiarize themselves with the “Bandwidth” Report. This report tells you how your property is doing in comparison to your competitors/other hotels. Another useful tool is a “Revenue Positioning Matrix” (RPM). Does your hotel price positioning strategy make sense? Can you provide more value and clearly make customers understand why you charge more? Studying these various matrices, can lead to a higher ADR index and a higher occupancy index. If you have meetings/conference space, another suggested report to check out is the Meeting Planner Survey which tells you what planners think about your destination.
I’m sure everyone brought at least one really good statistic or useful piece of information back with them to their companies after the program. Thank you, again, Brittany.
(Note: Ms. Baldwin also spoke at our HSMAI Chapter’s luncheon the next day at the Holiday Inn–Fort Myers Airport for our west coast members with targeted data relating to Lee and Collier counties.)
Mark your calendars:
On Wednesday, August 17th, the Chapter’s speed networking meeting will be held
at the Clevelander Hotel, Miami Beach. 6 pm including wine and hors d’oeuvres.
PS Just a reminder to send in your industry news/updates for the “Around Town” column for the HSMAI-South Florida chapter’s blog, “Scoop”, to jwfranklin1@gmail.co
(By HSMAInsider, Julie Wernick, jwfranklin1@gmail.com)
What a nice turn out for the Chapter’s dinner meeting at the Renaissance Boca Raton for a presentation on tourism trends and visitor data by Brittany Baldwin, Sales Executive, Caribbean & Southern US, STR (Smith Travel Research).
Don’t you love meeting new people and learning about them and their companies? I was especially pleased to join Dr. Peter Ricci, Director, Hospitality Management Program, Florida Atlantic University, and some of his friends at their table. Peter, by the way, has CHA, CHSE, and CRME certifications, is a very prolific writer of scholarly articles on lodging management topics and a member of “too many to name” groups and associations (including serving on the board of our Chapter). Mark Klayman, Director of Business Development, Vizergy provides internet marketing and e-commerce solutions with reservation systems, services, and special software to help clients drive more revenue. John Bailey, the General Manager of the Hilton Boca Raton (near 441) keeps busy with duties on property and serves on the Board of the Palm Beach County Hotel & Lodging Association. Compared notes with Josh Morrone, Member Care Manager, South Central Region for America’s Best Value Inn by Vantage, and Sanja Vukik, CHA, National Travel Sales Manager, Vantage Hospitality Group. Sanja, by the way, is a 2010 FAU graduate.
As always, there will be different things that people will remember from a presentation that may apply to their specific hotel/company. But here are a few key points from my notes.
Ms. Baldwin spoke about her company, STR, presented an overview of US travel data and then focused in on trends for Florida and for our southeast portion of Florida (from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade).
On a national basis, 2011 showed a total US occupancy of approximately 59.2%. These are year-to-date (YTD) figures through June, 2011. In general, their survey results are showing that there is the strongest hotel demand rebound ever. The supply side is slowing down and demand is up. The ADR (average daily rate) has been very erratic during each downturn period (since 1989) and currently the industry is struggling to get hotel rates back up to where they should be. STR is not sure how long this will take, however. Ms. Baldwin noted that it took six years to get rates back up just to equal rates of inflation after 911 (Nine eleven).
Florida currently has approximate 3600 hotel properties with some 411,537 rooms. June 2011 YTD showed an overall state occupancy rate of 67.5%. Last year was a pretty bad year for the industry, but so far one can see that travelers are returning to Florida and numbers are up.
Southeast Florida is showing a better than average demand than most other destinations in the US and demand is coming back strong. Occupancy is rebounding, but the room rate is lagging behind quite a bit. Hoteliers need to realize that they have “pricing power” and can start now to get better rates for their rooms. Interestingly, the weekday occupancy rates have outperformed the rates of the last 3 years. Although, in all time periods, the ADR is showing less dollars received, it’s still better compared to what it was in 2009 and 2010.
What about the rest of 2011? Nationally, STR is forecasting increases of 3.8% for occupancy and 4% for ADR. For 2012, occupancy should be up another 2% and ADR should be up 6%. In Southeast Florida, they’re projecting an increase of 5.8% for the balance of 2011; and an increase in 2012 of another percentage point (up 1%).
Ms. Baldwin suggested that hotels familiarize themselves with the “Bandwidth” Report. This report tells you how your property is doing in comparison to your competitors/other hotels. Another useful tool is a “Revenue Positioning Matrix” (RPM). Does your hotel price positioning strategy make sense? Can you provide more value and clearly make customers understand why you charge more? Studying these various matrices, can lead to a higher ADR index and a higher occupancy index. If you have meetings/conference space, another suggested report to check out is the Meeting Planner Survey which tells you what planners think about your destination.
I’m sure everyone brought at least one really good statistic or useful piece of information back with them to their companies after the program. Thank you, again, Brittany.
(Note: Ms. Baldwin also spoke at our HSMAI Chapter’s luncheon the next day at the Holiday Inn–Fort Myers Airport for our west coast members with targeted data relating to Lee and Collier counties.)
Mark your calendars:
On Wednesday, August 17th, the Chapter’s speed networking meeting will be held
at the Clevelander Hotel, Miami Beach. 6 pm including wine and hors d’oeuvres.
PS Just a reminder to send in your industry news/updates for the “Around Town” column for the HSMAI-South Florida chapter’s blog, “Scoop”, to jwfranklin1@gmail.co
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Palm Beach County's 2011 Providencia Award
The Providencia Award is Palm Beach County’s most important symbol of recognition for the local tourism industry that employs more than 50,000 people, and adds $2.8 billion annually to the local economy. The Public Relations Committee of the Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau bestows the Providencia Award annually to a local individual or an organization that has made an extraordinary and positive impact on local tourism.
Key Dates:
July 29, 2011 – Deadline for Providencia Award Nominations
August 10, 2011 – PR Committee Selects Three Final Candidates
September 2011 – Public Invited to Vote on Top Three Finalists
October 20, 2011 – Presentation of Providencia Awards and CVB Scholarship
Helpful Links:Providencia Award Application and Guidelines-->Providencia Award Application and GuidelinesProvidencia Award Press Release
Previous Providencia Award winners have included:
The Delray Beach International Tennis Championships, The Colony Palm Beach, The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens of Delray Beach, The Breakers Palm Beach, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Boca Raton Resort & Club, Norton Museum of Art, Burt Reynolds, Ritz-Carlton, Moroso Motor Sports, SunFest, Jack Nicklaus, Marathon of the Palm Beaches, Delta Airlines, Alex W. Dreyfoos, Jr., and the Palm Beach Kennel Club.
Key Dates:
July 29, 2011 – Deadline for Providencia Award Nominations
August 10, 2011 – PR Committee Selects Three Final Candidates
September 2011 – Public Invited to Vote on Top Three Finalists
October 20, 2011 – Presentation of Providencia Awards and CVB Scholarship
Helpful Links:Providencia Award Application and Guidelines-->Providencia Award Application and GuidelinesProvidencia Award Press Release
Previous Providencia Award winners have included:
The Delray Beach International Tennis Championships, The Colony Palm Beach, The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens of Delray Beach, The Breakers Palm Beach, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Boca Raton Resort & Club, Norton Museum of Art, Burt Reynolds, Ritz-Carlton, Moroso Motor Sports, SunFest, Jack Nicklaus, Marathon of the Palm Beaches, Delta Airlines, Alex W. Dreyfoos, Jr., and the Palm Beach Kennel Club.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Around Town – July 2011- PART 2
(Editor’s Note: Here’s another collection of newsworthy items from our industry members and the South Florida community. HSMAInsider, Julie Wernick)
Southeast Florida:
Fort Lauderdale was the lowest tax burdened city in a recent study by the Global Business Travel Association. The study looked at 50 U.S. cities with the lowest and highest tourism taxes. Fort Myers was second and West Palm Beach was third. All are in both general sales tax and travel-related services such as car rental, hotel and meals. (Detroit #4; Portland, OR #4).The 5 highest-tax imposing cities on travelers were, in order, #1 Chicago, #2 New York City, #3 Seattle, Boston #4 and Kansas City, MO #5. This information is of extra special interest to all travel managers planning meetings and conferences.
Greater Fort Lauderdale has been marketing to the GLBT visitor for the last 15 years. Now that New York is allowing gay marriages, the GFLCVB is launching a new webpage featuring the area as a GLBT honeymoon destination. In addition, they are sponsoring a contest to win a gay honeymoon on Fort Lauderdale beach called the “Honeymoon with Pride”. Prizes include a five-night stay at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa, couples massage, candy, roses, and dinner for 2 or the “Preferred Pride” package at the Atlantic Resort & Spa with a couples massages, welcome cocktails. For more information and/or to enter to win, visit www.sunny.org/honemoonwithpride.
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Kolter Group LLC have broken ground on a new 134-room Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Delray Beach.
Florida Atlantic University will be offering a Hospitality Management Certificate Program. Dates are Saturdays April 14 thru May 12th, 2012 from 10 am to 4 pm, on their Boca Raton Campus, College of Business. The program will benefit participants from all segments of the industry who desire to move into a supervisory role, wish to move up within their organization, seeking formal training, are new to the industry, or have a formal education in another discipline. The 5-module program covers core components required for success as a hospitality professional. For more information, contact Sarah Gaffney at sgaffne3@fau.edu
Southwest Florida:
The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples announced the appointment of George Fistrovich to the position of executive chef. Chef Fistrovich will lead more than 100 culinary professionals in overseeing all food and beverage operations and culinary services for the 10 dining venues and group banquets at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples beach resort and The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples.
Several members of the Collier County hospitality community have been accepted into the Leadership Collier Class of 2012. Congratulations to Jenny Foegen from the Naples Princess, Clark Hill from Hilton Naples, and Tom White from Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Naples.
The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB’s ad agency, Paradise Advertising & Marketing, announces the hiring of Scott Johnson as their new Creative Director.
Starwood Hotels has presented Four Points by Sheraton in Punta Gorda Harborside with its most prestigious award, the “Starwood North America 2010 Four Points Hotel of the Year Award”. Stephen Svecak, GM, and John Zaccari, CEO of A2Z Hospitality Management, accept the award on behalf of their hotel. In addition, the property had earlier in the year won awards for the “Highest Ranking Guest Service Score” and “2010 Overall TripAdvisor Ranking” for the four Points by Sheraton Brand. Congratulations!!
Charlotte County area residents are participating in a series of discussions about the future of tourism in their County. Teams have been formed on various tourism-related topics. Recommendations will be presented to the Charlotte VCB in late August/early September.
Renovations to the Holiday Inn Downtown Historic District in Fort Myers will start soon as part of a plan to focus on business travelers and corporate conferences. The project will renovate guest rooms, expand the business center, add retail lobby space, and reinvent the onsite restaurant.
Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in south Fort Myers is offering an Island Drive special savings package that comes with $25 in free fuel, a free rental car, and a free bike rental on Sanibel Island or kayak rental at the hotel. Available through Oct. 31, 2011, the package features a 15 percent savings, with rates from $126 per night.
Several Lee County Hotels are currently offering girlfriend vacation packages. These include the Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island; Gulf Breeze Cottages on Sanibel Island; the Hyatt Place Coconut Point in Bonita Springs; the Outrigger Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach; and the Sanibel Arms West on Sanibel Island
In its June 2011 issue, the Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s 2011 Spa Poll named the Gasparilla Inn Spa in Boca Grande as one of the Top 25 U.S. Hotel Spas. The spa operates now on its special summer schedule: Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during July and August.
TripAdvisor has presented the Tarpon Tale Inn on Sanibel Island and the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers each with a 2011 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, an honor given to properties that consistently receive excellent ratings from the travel website’s members.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To submit items for future blog editions, please send to jwfranklin1@gmail.com
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
Southeast Florida:
Fort Lauderdale was the lowest tax burdened city in a recent study by the Global Business Travel Association. The study looked at 50 U.S. cities with the lowest and highest tourism taxes. Fort Myers was second and West Palm Beach was third. All are in both general sales tax and travel-related services such as car rental, hotel and meals. (Detroit #4; Portland, OR #4).The 5 highest-tax imposing cities on travelers were, in order, #1 Chicago, #2 New York City, #3 Seattle, Boston #4 and Kansas City, MO #5. This information is of extra special interest to all travel managers planning meetings and conferences.
Greater Fort Lauderdale has been marketing to the GLBT visitor for the last 15 years. Now that New York is allowing gay marriages, the GFLCVB is launching a new webpage featuring the area as a GLBT honeymoon destination. In addition, they are sponsoring a contest to win a gay honeymoon on Fort Lauderdale beach called the “Honeymoon with Pride”. Prizes include a five-night stay at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa, couples massage, candy, roses, and dinner for 2 or the “Preferred Pride” package at the Atlantic Resort & Spa with a couples massages, welcome cocktails. For more information and/or to enter to win, visit www.sunny.org/honemoonwithpride.
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Kolter Group LLC have broken ground on a new 134-room Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Delray Beach.
Florida Atlantic University will be offering a Hospitality Management Certificate Program. Dates are Saturdays April 14 thru May 12th, 2012 from 10 am to 4 pm, on their Boca Raton Campus, College of Business. The program will benefit participants from all segments of the industry who desire to move into a supervisory role, wish to move up within their organization, seeking formal training, are new to the industry, or have a formal education in another discipline. The 5-module program covers core components required for success as a hospitality professional. For more information, contact Sarah Gaffney at sgaffne3@fau.edu
Southwest Florida:
The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples announced the appointment of George Fistrovich to the position of executive chef. Chef Fistrovich will lead more than 100 culinary professionals in overseeing all food and beverage operations and culinary services for the 10 dining venues and group banquets at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples beach resort and The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples.
Several members of the Collier County hospitality community have been accepted into the Leadership Collier Class of 2012. Congratulations to Jenny Foegen from the Naples Princess, Clark Hill from Hilton Naples, and Tom White from Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Naples.
The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB’s ad agency, Paradise Advertising & Marketing, announces the hiring of Scott Johnson as their new Creative Director.
Starwood Hotels has presented Four Points by Sheraton in Punta Gorda Harborside with its most prestigious award, the “Starwood North America 2010 Four Points Hotel of the Year Award”. Stephen Svecak, GM, and John Zaccari, CEO of A2Z Hospitality Management, accept the award on behalf of their hotel. In addition, the property had earlier in the year won awards for the “Highest Ranking Guest Service Score” and “2010 Overall TripAdvisor Ranking” for the four Points by Sheraton Brand. Congratulations!!
Charlotte County area residents are participating in a series of discussions about the future of tourism in their County. Teams have been formed on various tourism-related topics. Recommendations will be presented to the Charlotte VCB in late August/early September.
Renovations to the Holiday Inn Downtown Historic District in Fort Myers will start soon as part of a plan to focus on business travelers and corporate conferences. The project will renovate guest rooms, expand the business center, add retail lobby space, and reinvent the onsite restaurant.
Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in south Fort Myers is offering an Island Drive special savings package that comes with $25 in free fuel, a free rental car, and a free bike rental on Sanibel Island or kayak rental at the hotel. Available through Oct. 31, 2011, the package features a 15 percent savings, with rates from $126 per night.
Several Lee County Hotels are currently offering girlfriend vacation packages. These include the Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island; Gulf Breeze Cottages on Sanibel Island; the Hyatt Place Coconut Point in Bonita Springs; the Outrigger Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach; and the Sanibel Arms West on Sanibel Island
In its June 2011 issue, the Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s 2011 Spa Poll named the Gasparilla Inn Spa in Boca Grande as one of the Top 25 U.S. Hotel Spas. The spa operates now on its special summer schedule: Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during July and August.
TripAdvisor has presented the Tarpon Tale Inn on Sanibel Island and the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers each with a 2011 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, an honor given to properties that consistently receive excellent ratings from the travel website’s members.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To submit items for future blog editions, please send to jwfranklin1@gmail.com
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
Monday, July 18, 2011
Around Town – July 2011
(Editor’s Note: Here’s a collection of newsworthy items from our industry members and the South Florida community. HSMAInsider, Julie Wernick)
Southeast Florida:
Congrats to Gail Spier who was recently appointed Ad Director at THINK Magazine and Lucky Fan. THINK Magazine is a regional lifestyle magazine direct mailed to 42,000 high end homes and found at local area businesses. Lucky Fan is a groupon like company featuring luxury amenities and services at value rates starting in August. Gail was formerly Account Manager at City & Shore. She currently serves as Advisor to the Board of HSMAI-South Florida and was also a past Chapter President.
Congrats to Tony LeFebvre recently appointed/promoted to Sr. VP and COO of Spirit Airlines. Best wishes on your new job!
Congrats to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Bureau won five 2010 National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) Awards, including: Best of Class for Mild to Wild GLBT mobile site, Superior for Vacation Playbook, Excellent for Super Bowl, Meritorious for Sunny in the City campaign in NYC and Learn to Dive Month.
The Village at Gulfstream Park is continuing to offer its Wine Walk Wednesdays during the month of July. They take place the first Wednesday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., rain or shine. For $10, you receive a commemorative wine glass and the chance to sample 5 wines and hors d’oeuvres at various shops throughout The Village. The participation fee benefits a different charity each month. More info: www.thevillageatgulfstreampark.com
Greater Fort Lauderdale’s new “Super Summer Savings” package promotion is in effect through September 30, 2011. Visitors can receive more than 30 options. When combined with summer hotel value rates and low-fare air service from over 50 U.S. destinations, summer in Greater Fort Lauderdale is “super” easy and “super” affordable. More info is available at the GFLCVB’s website: sunny.org
The Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport reports that: Air Canada has begun using an Airbus330 plane for flights between Fort Lauderdale and Toronto. This is the largest aircraft (265 seats) of any scheduled airline operating from FLL on a daily basis.
The average hotel occupancy in the Fort Lauderdale market rose to 68.4 percent from 63.8 percent in May 2010. The average daily rate climbed 3.7 percent, to $105.68 from $101.92 per Smith Travel Research reports.
The number of passengers at Fort Lauderdale International Airport rose in May. Total passengers climbed 4.6 percent, year-over-year, to 1.91 million. The number of domestic travelers rose to 1.65 million from 1.58 million. International passengers increased 8.2 percent, to 266,745 from 246,616.
Urgo Hotels, an operator, developer/owner of upscale hotels, has acquired two landmark Miami Beach properties in a joint venture with The Carlyle Group. The hotels are the 75-room Blue Moon Hotel and the 71-room Winterhaven Hotel. Both properties are scheduled to undergo significant renovations over the next 6 months including upgrades to public spaces and guest rooms.
Miami’s only marina-front hotel has just reopened after a two-year, $31 million renovation. The Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay has 20,000 square feet of event space.
Welcome to the recently opened Dream South Beach (a sister to outposts in New York, Bangkok and Cochin, India). Two low-rise Art Deco buildings along Collins Avenue have been “fused” into one 108-room boutique hotel.
The Related Group sold the Viceroy Miami Hotel. The 148 unit hotel was located in the Icon Brickell project and was known for its water lounge and 2-acre outdoor park on the 15th floor.
In May, compared to Broward and Palm Beach, Miami-Dade County had the largest year-over-year hotel occupancy gain: to 73.4 percent from 67.3 percent. Average daily rate climbed 8.4 percent, year-over-year, to $144.52 from $133.35 (according to Smith Travel Research).
Miami International Airport ranked first in the nation for international passengers boarded on U.S. airline carriers per March 2011 data. Enplaned international passengers at MIA rose 5 percent, year-over-year, in March, to 446,100 from 424,700, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics at the US Department of Transportation.
Ground was broken on the new Hyatt Place in downtown Delray Beach last week. This is the first new hotel project in Palm Beach County in 2 years.
For a limited time, stay 3 consecutive nights and get a fourth night free at Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort. Offers end September 29, 2011.
Air Canada will add a seasonal daily flight from Toronto direct to Palm Beach International. These added 17,000 airline seats between December and April could bring up to $8 million in new spending to the Palm Beaches.
Good news! Hotel occupancy rates in Palm Beach County have been climbing for 17 consecutive months according the PBCVB.
Southwest Florida:
This summer, Florida Residents can stay at any of Sun Stream’s Hotels in Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Naples and receive 15% off the best available rate with no minimum night stay.
Residence Inn Fort Myers Sanibel Beach Hotel is offering a new promotion called “Shop Until You Drop”.
----------------------------------------
To submit items for future blog editions, please send to jwfranklin1@gmail.com
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
Southeast Florida:
Congrats to Gail Spier who was recently appointed Ad Director at THINK Magazine and Lucky Fan. THINK Magazine is a regional lifestyle magazine direct mailed to 42,000 high end homes and found at local area businesses. Lucky Fan is a groupon like company featuring luxury amenities and services at value rates starting in August. Gail was formerly Account Manager at City & Shore. She currently serves as Advisor to the Board of HSMAI-South Florida and was also a past Chapter President.
Congrats to Tony LeFebvre recently appointed/promoted to Sr. VP and COO of Spirit Airlines. Best wishes on your new job!
Congrats to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Bureau won five 2010 National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) Awards, including: Best of Class for Mild to Wild GLBT mobile site, Superior for Vacation Playbook, Excellent for Super Bowl, Meritorious for Sunny in the City campaign in NYC and Learn to Dive Month.
The Village at Gulfstream Park is continuing to offer its Wine Walk Wednesdays during the month of July. They take place the first Wednesday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., rain or shine. For $10, you receive a commemorative wine glass and the chance to sample 5 wines and hors d’oeuvres at various shops throughout The Village. The participation fee benefits a different charity each month. More info: www.thevillageatgulfstreampark.com
Greater Fort Lauderdale’s new “Super Summer Savings” package promotion is in effect through September 30, 2011. Visitors can receive more than 30 options. When combined with summer hotel value rates and low-fare air service from over 50 U.S. destinations, summer in Greater Fort Lauderdale is “super” easy and “super” affordable. More info is available at the GFLCVB’s website: sunny.org
The Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport reports that: Air Canada has begun using an Airbus330 plane for flights between Fort Lauderdale and Toronto. This is the largest aircraft (265 seats) of any scheduled airline operating from FLL on a daily basis.
The average hotel occupancy in the Fort Lauderdale market rose to 68.4 percent from 63.8 percent in May 2010. The average daily rate climbed 3.7 percent, to $105.68 from $101.92 per Smith Travel Research reports.
The number of passengers at Fort Lauderdale International Airport rose in May. Total passengers climbed 4.6 percent, year-over-year, to 1.91 million. The number of domestic travelers rose to 1.65 million from 1.58 million. International passengers increased 8.2 percent, to 266,745 from 246,616.
Urgo Hotels, an operator, developer/owner of upscale hotels, has acquired two landmark Miami Beach properties in a joint venture with The Carlyle Group. The hotels are the 75-room Blue Moon Hotel and the 71-room Winterhaven Hotel. Both properties are scheduled to undergo significant renovations over the next 6 months including upgrades to public spaces and guest rooms.
Miami’s only marina-front hotel has just reopened after a two-year, $31 million renovation. The Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay has 20,000 square feet of event space.
Welcome to the recently opened Dream South Beach (a sister to outposts in New York, Bangkok and Cochin, India). Two low-rise Art Deco buildings along Collins Avenue have been “fused” into one 108-room boutique hotel.
The Related Group sold the Viceroy Miami Hotel. The 148 unit hotel was located in the Icon Brickell project and was known for its water lounge and 2-acre outdoor park on the 15th floor.
In May, compared to Broward and Palm Beach, Miami-Dade County had the largest year-over-year hotel occupancy gain: to 73.4 percent from 67.3 percent. Average daily rate climbed 8.4 percent, year-over-year, to $144.52 from $133.35 (according to Smith Travel Research).
Miami International Airport ranked first in the nation for international passengers boarded on U.S. airline carriers per March 2011 data. Enplaned international passengers at MIA rose 5 percent, year-over-year, in March, to 446,100 from 424,700, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics at the US Department of Transportation.
Ground was broken on the new Hyatt Place in downtown Delray Beach last week. This is the first new hotel project in Palm Beach County in 2 years.
For a limited time, stay 3 consecutive nights and get a fourth night free at Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort. Offers end September 29, 2011.
Air Canada will add a seasonal daily flight from Toronto direct to Palm Beach International. These added 17,000 airline seats between December and April could bring up to $8 million in new spending to the Palm Beaches.
Good news! Hotel occupancy rates in Palm Beach County have been climbing for 17 consecutive months according the PBCVB.
Southwest Florida:
This summer, Florida Residents can stay at any of Sun Stream’s Hotels in Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Naples and receive 15% off the best available rate with no minimum night stay.
Residence Inn Fort Myers Sanibel Beach Hotel is offering a new promotion called “Shop Until You Drop”.
----------------------------------------
To submit items for future blog editions, please send to jwfranklin1@gmail.com
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider
Monday, June 20, 2011
“Hospitality Marketing Medley” – June 2011
(Editor’s Note: Here are several recent trends and hospitality marketing hints collected from various websites, releases, etc. Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider.)
Luxury hotels in major markets are copying tour operator methods to focus on travel not just as a destination, but as an entire experience. Since high-end customers aren’t as influenced by that free spa treatment or extra-night free stay promotion, upscale hoteliers are trying to find something special to add and not just on the hotel property. These items might be a dinner at a top local restaurant, theatre tickets, or a private tour. (Put your thinking caps on South Florida! I’m sure you’ll come up with something innovative.)
Some of the “must-have” and “most searched” for amenities that drive a consumer’s decision to book a hotel in 2011 included promotional offers or discounts. In this category, according to an Orbitz survey, free parking and airport shuttle service were the top items searched. Swimming pools were one of the most important hotel amenities, overall. Beyond the basics, rising number of searches included hotels that welcome pets, provide spa services, and have fitness centers. Astute hoteliers will anticipate and meet these consumer needs.
In a study of business travelers, Travel Leaders looked at what was most important to this group when choosing a hotel. The top five selections were: Location – near business meeting (82.8%), Rewards program – frequent guest points (54.4%), Free Wi Fi (31.4%), Location – near airport (17.7%), and Free breakfast (13.2%).
According to an NBTA report, annual U.S. business travel spending should climb about 5 percent in 2011 and 6.4 percent in 2012, to $254.5 billion. They also projected that the number of business trips this year would surpass 2010 levels.
Part of hotel marking is also managing consumer reviews on sites like TripAdvisor. Don’t overlook the basics. You should be asking your guests during check-out to review your property on social networks and/or booking sites. In your “thank you for your stay” emails to your guests, ask for positive reviews to be posted. Make sure you show your guests that you care by monitoring your hotel’s reviews and answering all negative comments. If there is a negative comment, after your apology have you offered an incentive for these guests to come back to your hotel?
Luxury hotels in major markets are copying tour operator methods to focus on travel not just as a destination, but as an entire experience. Since high-end customers aren’t as influenced by that free spa treatment or extra-night free stay promotion, upscale hoteliers are trying to find something special to add and not just on the hotel property. These items might be a dinner at a top local restaurant, theatre tickets, or a private tour. (Put your thinking caps on South Florida! I’m sure you’ll come up with something innovative.)
Some of the “must-have” and “most searched” for amenities that drive a consumer’s decision to book a hotel in 2011 included promotional offers or discounts. In this category, according to an Orbitz survey, free parking and airport shuttle service were the top items searched. Swimming pools were one of the most important hotel amenities, overall. Beyond the basics, rising number of searches included hotels that welcome pets, provide spa services, and have fitness centers. Astute hoteliers will anticipate and meet these consumer needs.
In a study of business travelers, Travel Leaders looked at what was most important to this group when choosing a hotel. The top five selections were: Location – near business meeting (82.8%), Rewards program – frequent guest points (54.4%), Free Wi Fi (31.4%), Location – near airport (17.7%), and Free breakfast (13.2%).
According to an NBTA report, annual U.S. business travel spending should climb about 5 percent in 2011 and 6.4 percent in 2012, to $254.5 billion. They also projected that the number of business trips this year would surpass 2010 levels.
Part of hotel marking is also managing consumer reviews on sites like TripAdvisor. Don’t overlook the basics. You should be asking your guests during check-out to review your property on social networks and/or booking sites. In your “thank you for your stay” emails to your guests, ask for positive reviews to be posted. Make sure you show your guests that you care by monitoring your hotel’s reviews and answering all negative comments. If there is a negative comment, after your apology have you offered an incentive for these guests to come back to your hotel?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
