A new feature of HSMAI is to feature a special member benefit each month to be promoted on our websites, newsletters, and in our programs.
This month’s feature deals with economic news. The HSMAI Foundation has introduced a special section of its online resource center, eConnect, to offer members a centralized place to access real-time economic news focused on the hospitality industry. The special section is a resource where you can go to find relevant and up to date news on how the very-changing economy is impacting business in the hospitality industry. It offers special reports, information on market trends and highlights different marketing activities that can help make a difference in your business results.
This special section of eConnect helps save time by consolidating the latest news and columns in one place. A series of articles/resources are available on the site. Just sign onto www.hsmai.org and click eConnect Industry News (one of the top boxes – white type on a blue background). Some portions are “member only” so you will need your id number. There are five basic areas along with a search function. Each includes a wealth of information to assist you in planning, getting leads, and turning them into sales.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Roundtable – January 2009 HSMAI Lunch Meeting
How wonderful to have Nicki Grossman, President, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB recognize our outgoing 2008 Board of Directors and to install our new 2009 leaders. We so appreciate Nicki’s kind words and support of our goals and our organization. Alfredo Gonzalez’s presentation on international travel was exceptionally well received – it was a wealth of information regarding our past history v.v. this market segment and lots of areas to tap into for potential South Florida travelers. There was so much “good stuff” to absorb, that we will be posting the presentation on our website. It should be up and running, we hope, sometime next week.
We had over 100 people registered to attend our January lunch meeting with lots of walk-ins. Thank you’s to Alice Land and staff at the Renaissance Plantation for adapting to our larger than expected group and for their wonderful hospitality.
We think we’ll have a large crowd, as well, for our February 18th meeting (the speaker is Will Seccombe, Marketing Director, Visit Florida) so do get your reservations in early. The BEST way to guarantee attendance is via advanced pre-paid registration through our website. Just a reminder – our registration is sponsored by national HSMAI and you are directed to a secure paypal website. No problem giving your credit card information plus pre-paying makes the check-in process so much faster. Look for online registration details to come in a couple weeks.
In other news – Congratulations to Doug Carillo, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Tecton Hospitality and Desires Hotels who has been selected as one of the “Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing” for 2008. The sixth annual list, given by The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), recognizes the “best of the best” in the hospitality, travel and tourism industries and the recipients will be honored at HSMAI’s annual Adrian Awards on Jan. 26, 2009. Doug is a member of our South Florida Chapter, by the way. Way to go Doug!
The gay travel website Pink Choice has awarded five Fort Lauderdale hotels with 2008 Pink Choice Awards. These gay-friendly hotels earned the highest travel ratings in their price range for 2008. Along with Provincetown (they received 7 of the total 15 awards), Fort Lauderdale was cited as standing out because of “their progressive views, wide range in lodging choices, and quality of service.” The local hotel winners are: La Casa del Mar, Fort Lauderdale; Liberty Suites, Dania; New Zealand House, Fort Lauderdale; Pineapple Point, Fort Lauderdale; and the Villa Venice Men’s Resort, Fort Lauderdale. Good job!
We had over 100 people registered to attend our January lunch meeting with lots of walk-ins. Thank you’s to Alice Land and staff at the Renaissance Plantation for adapting to our larger than expected group and for their wonderful hospitality.
We think we’ll have a large crowd, as well, for our February 18th meeting (the speaker is Will Seccombe, Marketing Director, Visit Florida) so do get your reservations in early. The BEST way to guarantee attendance is via advanced pre-paid registration through our website. Just a reminder – our registration is sponsored by national HSMAI and you are directed to a secure paypal website. No problem giving your credit card information plus pre-paying makes the check-in process so much faster. Look for online registration details to come in a couple weeks.
In other news – Congratulations to Doug Carillo, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Tecton Hospitality and Desires Hotels who has been selected as one of the “Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing” for 2008. The sixth annual list, given by The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), recognizes the “best of the best” in the hospitality, travel and tourism industries and the recipients will be honored at HSMAI’s annual Adrian Awards on Jan. 26, 2009. Doug is a member of our South Florida Chapter, by the way. Way to go Doug!
The gay travel website Pink Choice has awarded five Fort Lauderdale hotels with 2008 Pink Choice Awards. These gay-friendly hotels earned the highest travel ratings in their price range for 2008. Along with Provincetown (they received 7 of the total 15 awards), Fort Lauderdale was cited as standing out because of “their progressive views, wide range in lodging choices, and quality of service.” The local hotel winners are: La Casa del Mar, Fort Lauderdale; Liberty Suites, Dania; New Zealand House, Fort Lauderdale; Pineapple Point, Fort Lauderdale; and the Villa Venice Men’s Resort, Fort Lauderdale. Good job!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Local Roundup – January 2009
Taking advantage of the movie based on the novel Marley & Me by a former Sun-Sentinel writer, The GFLCVB has announced a special travel package featuring bringing your dog on vacation. Now through January 25th, those booking a trip at a participating property get a copy of the novel. There’s also a contest to win a “Marley & Me Doggy Vacay” including flights, 3-night stay at the Embassy Suites, and more.
Jungle Island is offering a special to Florida Residents during the month of January. Pay for a one-day park admission and get an annual pass free. For more info, go to www.jungleisland.com
Dania Beach is holding their Beach Blast on Saturday, January 10th. The event is free – food, car show, kids activities, music, etc. For more info, visit www.greaterdania.org
The Broward Convention Center is hosting the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition from January 15th to the 17th. This international trade show is returning for its 16th consecutive year. The group has contracted room blocks with about 10 hotel properties and is estimated to have an economic impact of about $7.1 for the County. (Their website is: www.tpie.org)
Riverwalk is also going to the dogs by promoting its “Mutts and Martinis Yappy Hour” on January 16th inviting all to come to an outdoor dog-friendly happy hour. Riverwalk is also encouraging participation in the 19th Annual Walk for the Animals on March 7th. For more info on the yappy hour and Riverwalk Trust, visit www.GoRiverwalk.com
At the same time that millions of people will be converging on Washington, D.C.
for the presidential inauguration (starting January 20th), the Greater Fort Lauderdale Beach on Wheels (the glass enclosed flatbed truck) will be inviting everyone there to experience another “change”. With the theme of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Sunshine”, the Beach on Wheels will be seen along Pennsylvania Ave., in Georgetown, around DuPont and Logan Circles and along Wisconsin Avenue. At night it will be along The Mall visible by those doing Monument night tours.
Jungle Island is offering a special to Florida Residents during the month of January. Pay for a one-day park admission and get an annual pass free. For more info, go to www.jungleisland.com
Dania Beach is holding their Beach Blast on Saturday, January 10th. The event is free – food, car show, kids activities, music, etc. For more info, visit www.greaterdania.org
The Broward Convention Center is hosting the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition from January 15th to the 17th. This international trade show is returning for its 16th consecutive year. The group has contracted room blocks with about 10 hotel properties and is estimated to have an economic impact of about $7.1 for the County. (Their website is: www.tpie.org)
Riverwalk is also going to the dogs by promoting its “Mutts and Martinis Yappy Hour” on January 16th inviting all to come to an outdoor dog-friendly happy hour. Riverwalk is also encouraging participation in the 19th Annual Walk for the Animals on March 7th. For more info on the yappy hour and Riverwalk Trust, visit www.GoRiverwalk.com
At the same time that millions of people will be converging on Washington, D.C.
for the presidential inauguration (starting January 20th), the Greater Fort Lauderdale Beach on Wheels (the glass enclosed flatbed truck) will be inviting everyone there to experience another “change”. With the theme of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Sunshine”, the Beach on Wheels will be seen along Pennsylvania Ave., in Georgetown, around DuPont and Logan Circles and along Wisconsin Avenue. At night it will be along The Mall visible by those doing Monument night tours.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Sharpen Those Pencils for a Happy New Year!
Belated best wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
Here's a few more items from various websites. Staying with the trends mentioned in a previous post, Conde Nast Traveler's concierge.com is (still) featuring escapes you can afford. A posting in their "Best Winter Travel Deals" included a fun-in-the-sun weekend getaway(The Ritz-Naples). Their article told travellers to consider midweek trips to get lower rates among the tips offered to get away inexpensively from the winter doldrums.
Fodor's "Top Travel Trends of 2008" list noted that even with the state of the economy as it is, families are still planning to go away. Good news for us is that the majority of family travelers stayed in the mainland U.S. this past year (and will do so in 2009). One of the "mommy bloggers" even suggested that parents should be sure to make travel memories with their children and introduce to them new places. She pointed out the lower gas prices, and the plethora of travel deals making travel more affordable than ever. Hey, South Florida, let's spread the word to all families about this!
So, you've been checking out the various websites. You're up on all the latest buzz words and phrases to reach the potential travelers. Now everyone should be sharpening their pencils and figuring out the BEST value-added travel deals you can offer. And don't keep your "deal" a secret -- get the word out.
PS Don't forget to RSVP by the Monday noon deadline on January 19th for our Wednesday lunch meeting (1/21) at the Renaissance in Plantation. Should be a sell-0ut crowd. See you there!
Here's a few more items from various websites. Staying with the trends mentioned in a previous post, Conde Nast Traveler's concierge.com is (still) featuring escapes you can afford. A posting in their "Best Winter Travel Deals" included a fun-in-the-sun weekend getaway(The Ritz-Naples). Their article told travellers to consider midweek trips to get lower rates among the tips offered to get away inexpensively from the winter doldrums.
Fodor's "Top Travel Trends of 2008" list noted that even with the state of the economy as it is, families are still planning to go away. Good news for us is that the majority of family travelers stayed in the mainland U.S. this past year (and will do so in 2009). One of the "mommy bloggers" even suggested that parents should be sure to make travel memories with their children and introduce to them new places. She pointed out the lower gas prices, and the plethora of travel deals making travel more affordable than ever. Hey, South Florida, let's spread the word to all families about this!
So, you've been checking out the various websites. You're up on all the latest buzz words and phrases to reach the potential travelers. Now everyone should be sharpening their pencils and figuring out the BEST value-added travel deals you can offer. And don't keep your "deal" a secret -- get the word out.
PS Don't forget to RSVP by the Monday noon deadline on January 19th for our Wednesday lunch meeting (1/21) at the Renaissance in Plantation. Should be a sell-0ut crowd. See you there!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Learn about Wine at Lynn University
Dean Mike Hampton of Lynn University is passing along the following information regarding The College of Hospitality Management continuing to offer wine master classes. The classes are led by their Sommelier in Residence, Charlie Arturaola, who is considered to be one of the nation’s “top palates”. Upcoming classes include:
Jan. 27, 2009 -
The New World Series: New Zealand and Australian grapes
Feb. 17, 2009 -
Tuscany and its most famous D.O.C.G’s: Past, present and future
March 24, 2009 -
The New World Series: Wines of South America
April 21, 2009 -
The Iberian Peninsula: Portugal and Spain wine regions and grapes
The price per session is $39 and of course, you must be 21 years-old to attend.
All classes are being held in the Henke Wing in the de Hoernle International Center at Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, Fla. 33431
You may purchase tickets in advance or at the door (check/cash).
For information, contact Stella Quintero, College of Hospitality Management, via
E-mail:SQuintero@lynn.edu or call 561-237-7448.
Jan. 27, 2009 -
The New World Series: New Zealand and Australian grapes
Feb. 17, 2009 -
Tuscany and its most famous D.O.C.G’s: Past, present and future
March 24, 2009 -
The New World Series: Wines of South America
April 21, 2009 -
The Iberian Peninsula: Portugal and Spain wine regions and grapes
The price per session is $39 and of course, you must be 21 years-old to attend.
All classes are being held in the Henke Wing in the de Hoernle International Center at Lynn University, 3601 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton, Fla. 33431
You may purchase tickets in advance or at the door (check/cash).
For information, contact Stella Quintero, College of Hospitality Management, via
E-mail:SQuintero@lynn.edu or call 561-237-7448.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Looking Ahead to 2009 by the President/CEO of (national) HSMAI 12-08
In a featured article in the HSMAI e-connect newsletter on Industry Trends, Bob Gilbert, President/CEO of HSMAI wrote the following(without the bold type):
“It was no surprise to see that the highest read articles this year were those relating to the economy and the constantly changing forecasts for hospitality and travel. In 2009 you can depend on HSMAI to continue to push to you relevant information on trends about your customer market segments and our industry. And we encourage you to leverage your membership by engaging in our chapters, special interest groups, online communities, webinars, trade shows, events and strategy conferences. Your investment in membership in HSMAI can pay huge dividends to you and your company by making sure you have the information you need to make the right decisions on how to retain and grow your business levels.
As we all wind down the year we certainly hope that you finally have an approved budget for 2009 and are ready to face what will likely be a challenging time in the hospitality and travel. Sales and marketing people by nature tend to be optimists and opportunistic. You need to seize this opportunity to be innovative and creative in all your strategies and tactics to grow your business and be a leader in your business, your team, and in your community. The case studies we'll write in 2010 are likely going to include those individuals who made "lemonade out of lemons" in 2009. I challenge you to be one of those. As you prepare your team for success in 2009, ask them why a sales and marketing person is like a teabag. It's because you never know how strong they are until you drop them in hot water.
HSMAI will be there throughout 2009 to support you and your team with trends, ideas, case studies, best practices, and strategies - all for you to contemplate while you're "brewing".
“It was no surprise to see that the highest read articles this year were those relating to the economy and the constantly changing forecasts for hospitality and travel. In 2009 you can depend on HSMAI to continue to push to you relevant information on trends about your customer market segments and our industry. And we encourage you to leverage your membership by engaging in our chapters, special interest groups, online communities, webinars, trade shows, events and strategy conferences. Your investment in membership in HSMAI can pay huge dividends to you and your company by making sure you have the information you need to make the right decisions on how to retain and grow your business levels.
As we all wind down the year we certainly hope that you finally have an approved budget for 2009 and are ready to face what will likely be a challenging time in the hospitality and travel. Sales and marketing people by nature tend to be optimists and opportunistic. You need to seize this opportunity to be innovative and creative in all your strategies and tactics to grow your business and be a leader in your business, your team, and in your community. The case studies we'll write in 2010 are likely going to include those individuals who made "lemonade out of lemons" in 2009. I challenge you to be one of those. As you prepare your team for success in 2009, ask them why a sales and marketing person is like a teabag. It's because you never know how strong they are until you drop them in hot water.
HSMAI will be there throughout 2009 to support you and your team with trends, ideas, case studies, best practices, and strategies - all for you to contemplate while you're "brewing".
Monday, December 8, 2008
Around the Travel Websites or what’s being said online lately – December 2008
Conde Nast’s concierge.com is telling consumers that travel is on sale, i.e. there’s an “upside to the economic downturn”; and that “now is the best time to snag a phenomenal bargain.” At later date, they stressed the need for escape – to get away from the current shambles of our economy and go to a place that feels a million miles away -- The emphasis still being on “wallet-friendly” vacations. Keeping with the same themes of the last month or so, they are now touting “luxury for less”. For those whom the staycation doesn’t apply (or not yet at least), they offer tips on how to get travel deals by knowing where and when to travel.
Fodors.com newsletter has always featured various top travel deals, but it seems there are more listings in the section than every before. Is this my imagination? Another perennial favorite is the "Hot List" each week of new hotels and restaurants.
In the Zagat Buzz (www.zagat.com), we read recently about the results of the 2008 Airline Survey. The overall industry was not “flying high in the public’s eyes”. On the other hand, they said that average overall ratings rose slightly both domestically and internationally with the premium class showing the most improvement. In the U.S., Continental Airlines got the highest marks for premium class and Jet Blue the top for economy class; and Southwest was voted best for on time performance. Interestingly 60% of those surveyed now book via airline websites.
One of my online favorites is the TripAdvisor Newsletters. In the early Fall when gas prices were sky high, they creatively came up with an affordable local travel guide. Getaways that were a tank away (or however far you wanted to travel) that they planned for you. They’ve also recently added a couple new forums. Two of them: budget vacations and beach vacations might be of special interest to South Florida properties.
Once you’ve signed up as a member of Trip Advisor, you can set up a personalized trip watch. You choose the locations you want travel information about and every week as new reviews are posted by the traveling public you get sent the latest info. I highly recommend that everyone does this for their local area/city. It’s very interesting to see who’s saying what about which hotels and it helps you to be prepared if there are problems with your own property.
You might also wish to sign up for your hometown newspaper’s travel newsletter. Sun-Sentinel.com has their “Travel Unraveled” newsletter which contains a “local scene” section. Some recent items have featured Miami’s listing in Travel and Leisure’s 10 green landmarks; holiday airfare bargains, tennis resorts, South Beach hotels offering TiVo, and new properties or new services being offered.
So South Florida how are you staying up to date? What travel sites are you reading on line?
Fodors.com newsletter has always featured various top travel deals, but it seems there are more listings in the section than every before. Is this my imagination? Another perennial favorite is the "Hot List" each week of new hotels and restaurants.
In the Zagat Buzz (www.zagat.com), we read recently about the results of the 2008 Airline Survey. The overall industry was not “flying high in the public’s eyes”. On the other hand, they said that average overall ratings rose slightly both domestically and internationally with the premium class showing the most improvement. In the U.S., Continental Airlines got the highest marks for premium class and Jet Blue the top for economy class; and Southwest was voted best for on time performance. Interestingly 60% of those surveyed now book via airline websites.
One of my online favorites is the TripAdvisor Newsletters. In the early Fall when gas prices were sky high, they creatively came up with an affordable local travel guide. Getaways that were a tank away (or however far you wanted to travel) that they planned for you. They’ve also recently added a couple new forums. Two of them: budget vacations and beach vacations might be of special interest to South Florida properties.
Once you’ve signed up as a member of Trip Advisor, you can set up a personalized trip watch. You choose the locations you want travel information about and every week as new reviews are posted by the traveling public you get sent the latest info. I highly recommend that everyone does this for their local area/city. It’s very interesting to see who’s saying what about which hotels and it helps you to be prepared if there are problems with your own property.
You might also wish to sign up for your hometown newspaper’s travel newsletter. Sun-Sentinel.com has their “Travel Unraveled” newsletter which contains a “local scene” section. Some recent items have featured Miami’s listing in Travel and Leisure’s 10 green landmarks; holiday airfare bargains, tennis resorts, South Beach hotels offering TiVo, and new properties or new services being offered.
So South Florida how are you staying up to date? What travel sites are you reading on line?
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