In “The Business Travel Awards” survey published in the October 2007 Conde Nast Traveler magazine, the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport ranked 10th of the top 10 listed. Portland, Oregon came in number one. Tampa (the only other Florida airport in the top 10) was number three.
The survey of their magazine readers (mainly business travelers) looked at six basic categories: location/access; ease of connections; customs/baggage; food/shops/amenities; comfort/design; and perceived safety/security. FLL received high numbers in the category of location/access and received low numbers in the food/shops/amenities category.
Do you agree? Of the six categories, what do you think is our best and our worst features?
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
Oct 19: Upscale Hotel Charges
Recently while traveling, I was charged a daily $18 resort fee (even though I was in meetings all day unable to use the resort) and $26 daily for the privilege of letting my car sit in the hotel’s parking lot. It got me thinking…
The general theory was that travelers on business expense accounts don’t care what anything costs. Their company is picking up the tab. It seems, however, that many companies are no longer able or willing to pay for “martini lunches” and other non-essential items. They have become more cost conscious. At the same time the current tax rules on deductible items have tightened. Are more people turning to mid-priced hotels that are including web-access, free parking, and free breakfasts in their rates?
And, where’s the line? How does a hotel today balance finding new sources of revenue without incurring a backlash from customers? Have you changed what is included to be more competitive?
The general theory was that travelers on business expense accounts don’t care what anything costs. Their company is picking up the tab. It seems, however, that many companies are no longer able or willing to pay for “martini lunches” and other non-essential items. They have become more cost conscious. At the same time the current tax rules on deductible items have tightened. Are more people turning to mid-priced hotels that are including web-access, free parking, and free breakfasts in their rates?
And, where’s the line? How does a hotel today balance finding new sources of revenue without incurring a backlash from customers? Have you changed what is included to be more competitive?
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Oct 17: Dressing for Success
A recent newspaper article talked about the importance of dressing for success amid the new casual dress codes. One authority recommended keeping a nice pair of shoes and a blazer in your office for those unexpected meetings. One of my friends at an upscale hotel in Sarasota wears flats in the office, but stashes a pair of heels in her desk to be ready for appointments. And an ex-boss of mine always used to have a jacket (with a tie in the pocket) on the back of his office door, just in case someone important stopped by to visit.
Selling business to business, the recommendation has been to match the look of your customers. So those selling corporate travel or to the meetings industry are advised to look like their meeting planners or their corporate exec clients.
So, it made me wonder whether or not there’s even the possibility of a casual day (most usually Fridays in most companies) for our industry. You don’t see too many of us, if ever, in jeans. If you eliminate those of us required to dress in a uniform or costume for our jobs, what should the dress code be for our industry? Is it okay to dress resort casual to sell South Florida? And at what point is resort casual too casual? What do you think?
Selling business to business, the recommendation has been to match the look of your customers. So those selling corporate travel or to the meetings industry are advised to look like their meeting planners or their corporate exec clients.
So, it made me wonder whether or not there’s even the possibility of a casual day (most usually Fridays in most companies) for our industry. You don’t see too many of us, if ever, in jeans. If you eliminate those of us required to dress in a uniform or costume for our jobs, what should the dress code be for our industry? Is it okay to dress resort casual to sell South Florida? And at what point is resort casual too casual? What do you think?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Oct 11: Hotel restaurants – No longer just for convenience
Hotels used to have to include a restaurant for the convenience of their main clients – the traveling salesman who arrived by car and was looking for a quick, predictable meal at an inexpensive price. Think chain, think original Holiday Inn.
And years ago, to obtain a certain rating (stars, diamonds, etc.) the inclusion of a restaurant (even a coffee shop) raised the level of your property.
Times have changed – hotel restaurants are often destinations in themselves. Some even have gourmet food. They may be a concession or a franchise or even use a celebrity name for increased recognition. Some hotel restaurants stand on their own merits – being listed in Zagat’s or Fodor’s.
So, if you’re a hotelier, is your restaurant a focal point of your marketing or just one of the many amenities listed? If you’re not a hotelier, when was the last time you went to a hotel for their food?
Why not take advantage of a few of our local hotel restaurants? A promotion called “Dine Out Lauderdale” takes place through November 15th (excluding the boat show dates) and offers a special priced-fix menu at $35. You can visit the Grill room on Las Olas (Riverside Hotel); 3030 Ocean (Harbor Beach Marriott); Aizia (Westin Diplomat); Council Oak (Hard Rock Hotel); Latitudes (Marriott Hollywood Bch); Ireland’s Steakhouse (Hyatt Bonaventure) and Cero (St. Regis). For more details and other restaurants participating, check out www.sunny.org/dineout
And years ago, to obtain a certain rating (stars, diamonds, etc.) the inclusion of a restaurant (even a coffee shop) raised the level of your property.
Times have changed – hotel restaurants are often destinations in themselves. Some even have gourmet food. They may be a concession or a franchise or even use a celebrity name for increased recognition. Some hotel restaurants stand on their own merits – being listed in Zagat’s or Fodor’s.
So, if you’re a hotelier, is your restaurant a focal point of your marketing or just one of the many amenities listed? If you’re not a hotelier, when was the last time you went to a hotel for their food?
Why not take advantage of a few of our local hotel restaurants? A promotion called “Dine Out Lauderdale” takes place through November 15th (excluding the boat show dates) and offers a special priced-fix menu at $35. You can visit the Grill room on Las Olas (Riverside Hotel); 3030 Ocean (Harbor Beach Marriott); Aizia (Westin Diplomat); Council Oak (Hard Rock Hotel); Latitudes (Marriott Hollywood Bch); Ireland’s Steakhouse (Hyatt Bonaventure) and Cero (St. Regis). For more details and other restaurants participating, check out www.sunny.org/dineout
Monday, October 8, 2007
Oct 8: The 40th Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism
I’ve been attending the Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism off and on over the years. Somewhere there’s even a dusty photo from 1979 (1980?) from an opening dinner with industry faces you might still know and recognize if you squint just a bit. So I had some idea of what was going to take place at the 2007 Conference held in August at the Boca Raton Resort and Club.
As usual, we were in for some informative seminars and several entertaining and inspiring guest speakers. I’m always amazed how each year I actually bring home some small piece of information that’s useful to my business.
As relevant as the “business” side of the conference, my participation continues for the “people” part as well. It’s those connections and re-connections with industry peers that keep me attending. Meeting old friends and making new ones.
Even though it’s been more than a month since the Conference, I just learned something that I never knew. The first Governor’s Conference which took place in 1967 was held in Fort Lauderdale at the Galt Ocean Mile Hotel. It was organized by the Florida Development Commission and Governor Claude Kirk.
Did you attend this year’s conference? What did you think of it? Will you go again? Welcome your thoughts….
As usual, we were in for some informative seminars and several entertaining and inspiring guest speakers. I’m always amazed how each year I actually bring home some small piece of information that’s useful to my business.
As relevant as the “business” side of the conference, my participation continues for the “people” part as well. It’s those connections and re-connections with industry peers that keep me attending. Meeting old friends and making new ones.
Even though it’s been more than a month since the Conference, I just learned something that I never knew. The first Governor’s Conference which took place in 1967 was held in Fort Lauderdale at the Galt Ocean Mile Hotel. It was organized by the Florida Development Commission and Governor Claude Kirk.
Did you attend this year’s conference? What did you think of it? Will you go again? Welcome your thoughts….
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Oct 3: Community Service and Learning the True Meaning of Hospitality
Susan Stern, Director of Sales, Hampton Inn Plantation, and our chapter’s Community Service Director, gave me all the inside scoop on what everyone agrees was the “best community service event the Southeast Florida chapter of HSMAI has ever held.”
On Saturday, September 29, 2007, we hosted a wonderful day at Jungle Island for 45 residents of the Hollywood and Pompano branches of the Broward Outreach Center (BOC). These residents included homeless mothers, fathers, their children, and several BOC staff members. Members of our chapter who attended were: Gail Spier, City & Shore Magazine; Sandy Edwards, Jungle Island; Stacie Faulds, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB; Ellen Serra, Comfort Inn & Suites; Richard Gonzalez, American Coach; Phyllis Festinger, HSMAI Executive Director and Donna McCarthy, Jungle Queen.
The day started out with perfect weather. Transportation was donated by Richard Gonzalez (American Coach). On the bus ride to the park, breakfast was provided courtesy of the Hampton Inn Plantation (Susan’s hotel). Donna McCarthy (Jungle Queen) and Clint Gordon (Blue Dolphin Hotel) each donated $250 towards expenses; our chapter donated $500; and Phyllis Festinger (our executive director) donated $100 for the bus driver. On behalf of the chapter, Susan thanks all of you for your contributions and your kindness and generosity.
She also wanted to offer special thanks to our hostess, Sandy Edwards of Jungle Island who provided free admission to the park, shows, tours, and lunch. The children as well as the adults were absolutely amazed at what they saw and experienced in this open zoo: tigers, monkeys, parrots, a petting zoo with llamas, lambs, kangaroos, lizards, crocodiles, tortoises, and more. There were even three shows with reptiles, birds, and the “Tale of the Tiger.”
Susan said that if you could have seen all the smiling faces on these kids, you would have been touched and deeply moved. It was such a learning experience for the children as well. On the way back to the Center, several of the BOC staff told Susan that this was the best day the kids had ever had – a day they will remember for the rest of their lives. They were so thankful. And a rewarding way for those of us in the hospitality industry to learn the true meaning of being hospitable!
P.S.Want to make donation to the Broward Outreach Center? Contact Francine Daley at 954-620-4038 for more information.
On Saturday, September 29, 2007, we hosted a wonderful day at Jungle Island for 45 residents of the Hollywood and Pompano branches of the Broward Outreach Center (BOC). These residents included homeless mothers, fathers, their children, and several BOC staff members. Members of our chapter who attended were: Gail Spier, City & Shore Magazine; Sandy Edwards, Jungle Island; Stacie Faulds, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB; Ellen Serra, Comfort Inn & Suites; Richard Gonzalez, American Coach; Phyllis Festinger, HSMAI Executive Director and Donna McCarthy, Jungle Queen.
The day started out with perfect weather. Transportation was donated by Richard Gonzalez (American Coach). On the bus ride to the park, breakfast was provided courtesy of the Hampton Inn Plantation (Susan’s hotel). Donna McCarthy (Jungle Queen) and Clint Gordon (Blue Dolphin Hotel) each donated $250 towards expenses; our chapter donated $500; and Phyllis Festinger (our executive director) donated $100 for the bus driver. On behalf of the chapter, Susan thanks all of you for your contributions and your kindness and generosity.
She also wanted to offer special thanks to our hostess, Sandy Edwards of Jungle Island who provided free admission to the park, shows, tours, and lunch. The children as well as the adults were absolutely amazed at what they saw and experienced in this open zoo: tigers, monkeys, parrots, a petting zoo with llamas, lambs, kangaroos, lizards, crocodiles, tortoises, and more. There were even three shows with reptiles, birds, and the “Tale of the Tiger.”
Susan said that if you could have seen all the smiling faces on these kids, you would have been touched and deeply moved. It was such a learning experience for the children as well. On the way back to the Center, several of the BOC staff told Susan that this was the best day the kids had ever had – a day they will remember for the rest of their lives. They were so thankful. And a rewarding way for those of us in the hospitality industry to learn the true meaning of being hospitable!
P.S.Want to make donation to the Broward Outreach Center? Contact Francine Daley at 954-620-4038 for more information.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Oct 1: Table of 8 - HSMAI luncheon at St. Regis
The September luncheon meeting held at the St. Regis Resort on A1A in Fort Lauderdale had a record sold-out crowd in attendance.
The presentation by Expedia focused on online travel/lodging trends, consumer segments coming to south Florida, and the selling of air/hotel packages. We were surprised to learn that 82% of households in the U.S. have internet access. (Our table guessed a lot lower number.) In lodging trends for our area, they showed occupancies down, but total package sales (air/hotel) up, and average daily rates on the rise. Prior to the presentation, we were treated to white glove service (literally) and a wonderful meal featuring lobster.
Loved meeting all new-to-me people at my table: Ana Schwager (Southwest Airlines) is based in Nashville but covers the Dade, Broward and Palm Beach areas and is in town quite frequently; Carolyn Solomon (Florida Travel Saver) is the local rep for her Ocala company; Fernando Rojas (Blooming Design and Events) is originally from Ecuador and provides flowers for events; Michael Broderick (Riverside Hotel) heads up revenue management; and Jennifer Weaver (Smart Source) reps computer and AV rentals for her company; General Manager Harry Hogan (Best Western, Oakland Park Inn) told some great stories from when he was in Fort Myers Beach and in the Cayman Islands.
Was delighted to welcome back Alice Parkman now in sales at the Embassy Suites Hotel on SE 17th Street; Visited with Alexander Worthington (Smith Office Supplies) and got caught up on industry personnel changes; Spoke with Melissa Milroy (The Galleria) about the local chamber of commerce; Met Gretchen Daley (Enterprise) and Gabriele Gannaway (Neiman Marcus), et al. As always, the value of networking at an HSMAI meeting is priceless.
Afterwards, I stopped by to chat with Catherine Cumings, St Regis Director of Sales and Marketing. The boutique property has only 166 rooms but lots of meeting space. One of the things she is most excited about is the newly opened spa. She told me to let everyone know that the spa facilities (on the seventh floor of the hotel) are open to the public. And their restaurant, “Cero” offers a menu that is sixty percent seafood and everything is organic. I took a walk over to check out the airy, ocean view restaurant room. Don’t know which you’ll want to do first -- run over to the spa or have a seaside gourmet meal on your lunch hour…See you next month
The presentation by Expedia focused on online travel/lodging trends, consumer segments coming to south Florida, and the selling of air/hotel packages. We were surprised to learn that 82% of households in the U.S. have internet access. (Our table guessed a lot lower number.) In lodging trends for our area, they showed occupancies down, but total package sales (air/hotel) up, and average daily rates on the rise. Prior to the presentation, we were treated to white glove service (literally) and a wonderful meal featuring lobster.
Loved meeting all new-to-me people at my table: Ana Schwager (Southwest Airlines) is based in Nashville but covers the Dade, Broward and Palm Beach areas and is in town quite frequently; Carolyn Solomon (Florida Travel Saver) is the local rep for her Ocala company; Fernando Rojas (Blooming Design and Events) is originally from Ecuador and provides flowers for events; Michael Broderick (Riverside Hotel) heads up revenue management; and Jennifer Weaver (Smart Source) reps computer and AV rentals for her company; General Manager Harry Hogan (Best Western, Oakland Park Inn) told some great stories from when he was in Fort Myers Beach and in the Cayman Islands.
Was delighted to welcome back Alice Parkman now in sales at the Embassy Suites Hotel on SE 17th Street; Visited with Alexander Worthington (Smith Office Supplies) and got caught up on industry personnel changes; Spoke with Melissa Milroy (The Galleria) about the local chamber of commerce; Met Gretchen Daley (Enterprise) and Gabriele Gannaway (Neiman Marcus), et al. As always, the value of networking at an HSMAI meeting is priceless.
Afterwards, I stopped by to chat with Catherine Cumings, St Regis Director of Sales and Marketing. The boutique property has only 166 rooms but lots of meeting space. One of the things she is most excited about is the newly opened spa. She told me to let everyone know that the spa facilities (on the seventh floor of the hotel) are open to the public. And their restaurant, “Cero” offers a menu that is sixty percent seafood and everything is organic. I took a walk over to check out the airy, ocean view restaurant room. Don’t know which you’ll want to do first -- run over to the spa or have a seaside gourmet meal on your lunch hour…See you next month
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