Around Town - August/September 2010

(Editor’s Note: Here’s a collection of newsworthy items happening recently “Around Town” from our industry members and South Florida community. HSMAInsider, Julie Wernick)

Southeast Florida:

The Bahia Cabana Resort is running a special “Sun Note” package through September. The 2-night package includes an efficiency room, dinner for two with wine, kids eat free (under 12), water taxi passes, late checkout, etc.

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino recently topped off their 9-story garage which will provide 3,000 additional parking spaces. Nice to be popular!

Congratulations to:
--Susan Dennen on her “new” job with the Holiday Inn – Juno Beach; Congrats to: Scott Snipes, General Manager, and Joe Kramer, DOSM, newly appointed to the Weston Hyatt Regency Bonaventure.

--Belated congrats to the newly installed South Florida MPI Board including Christine Tascione (Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB) as the “new” President for 2010-2011;And to the South Florida ISES chapter on their installation of their Board including “new” President, Vanessa Goyanes.
--And congrats, too, to: Port Everglades Director Phil Allen who was elected the chairman of the Florida Ports Council.

-- And to: Andreas Ioannou who was promoted as General Manager of both the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort and Gallery One. He is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Gallery One in addition to continuing his role as General Manager of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.

According to Smith Travel Research, the first half of 2010 in Broward had a 70.9% occupancy, representing a +7.5% from last year; Palm Beach was at 67.6% (up 10.9%); Miami-Dade was at 73% (up 8.1%). The average daily room rate was down in Broward 2.6%; up in Palm Beach slightly, 1.1%, and in Miami-Dade up 2.8%.

Hotel occupancy across South Florida rose in July, according to data from Smith Travel Research. Palm Beach County had the biggest gain in occupancy, to 62.1 percent from 53.2 percent in the prior-year period. Occupancy in Broward grew to 63.7 percent from 59.9 percent. Occupancy in Miami-Dade grew to 67.9 percent from 64.1 percent.

Greater Fort Lauderdale's popular Lauderdale Spa Chic promotion which began on August 15 runs through September 30, 2010. Now in its third year, Lauderdale Spa Chic program features innovative treatments and therapeutic spa experiences at some of the top resort and day spas throughout the destination for just $99, a savings of up to 50 percent. Many participating resorts are also offering special packages and rates in conjunction with a Spa Chic stay, allowing visitors to take advantage of the great benefits of the promotion physically, psychologically, financially and socially.

The North American cruise line industry generated a $35.1 billion economic impact last year, according to a new study commissioned the Cruise Lines International Association (which is based in Fort Lauderdale). This number was down 12.8 percent. Net capacity (available bed days) among CLIA members in 2009 rose 3.8 percent, and average capacity utilization was 104.6 percent for the year. On the other hand, total gross revenue declined by 11.4 percent, a CLIA press release said.

Southwest Florida:

Congrats to Darlene Boyle of the Hilton Naples who recently received the Spirit of Hilton Award - Hilton's most prestigious award. The Spirit of Hilton is awarded by Hilton Corporation, and nominations are submitted from more than 500 hotels nationwide.

Congrats to: Tony Marino, of The Marino Group transportation company, who has been named to the board of the National Limousine Association.

Congratulations to The Ritz-Carlton, Naples and The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples for making the Travel + Leisure Top U.S./Canada resorts list.

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club recently celebrated the opening of its all-new $5 million beachfront pool complex, as well as the completion of the multi-million dollar renovation and remodeling of its guest rooms and suites, at a VIP Poolside Reception.

The Vanderbilt Beach Resort is offering a great price on an all inclusive fly fishing package. The special package includes: a ¾-day charter with Capt. Bill Baldus of Fly Fishing the 10,000 Islands, with all fly tackle, licenses and lunches, beachfront resort accommodations double occupancy for 2nights as well as a food credit voucher for two dinners and complimentary cocktails.
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To submit items for future editions, send to jwfranklin1@gmail.comBest, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider