Monday, May 18, 2009
South Florida Hotel Occupancy Rates Down
For the first three months of the year, Smith Travel reported occupancy was down 12.1 percent in Miami, to 71.9 percent. Fort Lauderdale reported a 5.6 percent decline, to 72.9 percent. West Palm Beach occupancy fell 11.9 percent ,to 67.1 percent. This is according to a recent report released by Smith Travel Research. See related stories in the South Florida Business Journal: http://southflorida.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2009/05/11/daily74.html
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Changes at VISIT FLORIDA – Announced May 8th 2009
Didn’t know if you’d heard the news…so passing along the following press release re: Chris Thompson’s appointment as new head of VISIT FLORIDA:
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (May 8, 2009) – “On behalf of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, we have promoted Chris Thompson to President and CEO of the organization as part of a staff realignment to ensure an effective implementation of our strategic plan. Thompson, who has served VISIT FLORIDA for 12 years, most recently as Chief Operating Officer, will assume the position previously held by Bud Nocera."
“The realignment also includes the elimination of 17 positions within the organization, five of which have been vacant. This realignment optimizes resources and will have a cost savings of more than $1.2 million annually.“The VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors has complete confidence and trust in Chris’ ability to effectively lead the organization. Chris has been an integral part of the VISIT FLORIDA team and his appointment will ensure continuity and consistency.”
We wish the best of luck to Bud Nocera. He will be missed. Bud is busy building his own company offering high adventure tours for international travelers to the U.S.
Our best wishes and congratulations to Chris in his new position with VISIT FLORIDA.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (May 8, 2009) – “On behalf of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors, we have promoted Chris Thompson to President and CEO of the organization as part of a staff realignment to ensure an effective implementation of our strategic plan. Thompson, who has served VISIT FLORIDA for 12 years, most recently as Chief Operating Officer, will assume the position previously held by Bud Nocera."
“The realignment also includes the elimination of 17 positions within the organization, five of which have been vacant. This realignment optimizes resources and will have a cost savings of more than $1.2 million annually.“The VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors has complete confidence and trust in Chris’ ability to effectively lead the organization. Chris has been an integral part of the VISIT FLORIDA team and his appointment will ensure continuity and consistency.”
We wish the best of luck to Bud Nocera. He will be missed. Bud is busy building his own company offering high adventure tours for international travelers to the U.S.
Our best wishes and congratulations to Chris in his new position with VISIT FLORIDA.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monthly Member Benefit
Each month HSMAI offers a featured benefit. It’s a series of monthly messages highlighting exclusive HSMAI member benefits to help you get the most out of your membership.
April’s is: inDepth eConnect Information Sections from the HSMAI Foundation.
As an HSMAI member, you can stay up to the minute on the news and trends that impact you and your business most through special information areas on the HSMAI Foundation's eConnect Research and Resource Web site, including new "Swine Flu" and "Recovery Resources" sections, for example:
“The latest news, information, videos and views on the impact of the swine flu on the hospitality industry.”
“Articles, opinions, news releases, trends, and more with the latest economic and industry forecasts and features on how take advantage of opportunitties and emerge from the recession.”
Here's all you need to do:
1) Click Here to go to the HSMAI Foundation's eConnect Research and Resources site
2) Log in with the following information: Username: (This is your Last Name)Password: (This is your membership number)
3) Click on the Recovery Resources and Swine Flu links (just for example…)
HSMAI is dedicated to your success. These are just two examples of tools available through your membership that help save time by centralizing information and resources.
If you have any questions or comments, send them to national at info@hsmai.org or you can call (703) 506-3280. It’s a way to say thank you for being a member of HSMAI.
April’s is: inDepth eConnect Information Sections from the HSMAI Foundation.
As an HSMAI member, you can stay up to the minute on the news and trends that impact you and your business most through special information areas on the HSMAI Foundation's eConnect Research and Resource Web site, including new "Swine Flu" and "Recovery Resources" sections, for example:
“The latest news, information, videos and views on the impact of the swine flu on the hospitality industry.”
“Articles, opinions, news releases, trends, and more with the latest economic and industry forecasts and features on how take advantage of opportunitties and emerge from the recession.”
Here's all you need to do:
1) Click Here to go to the HSMAI Foundation's eConnect Research and Resources site
2) Log in with the following information: Username: (This is your Last Name)Password: (This is your membership number)
3) Click on the Recovery Resources and Swine Flu links (just for example…)
HSMAI is dedicated to your success. These are just two examples of tools available through your membership that help save time by centralizing information and resources.
If you have any questions or comments, send them to national at info@hsmai.org or you can call (703) 506-3280. It’s a way to say thank you for being a member of HSMAI.
A Message from Visit Florida: "Share A Little Sunshine"
Will Seccombe, Chief Marketing Officer with VF, is asking that we send an email to our employees, partners, vendors and customers and encourage them to visit www.ShareaLittleSunshine.org as well as sending out some personal invitations. They’re hoping to add to the industry and media partner commitments to send e-mails to more than 5 million Floridians.
In addition to the viral efforts, VISIT FLORIDA is supporting the “Share a Little Sunshine" campaign with an integrated mix of statewide radio promotions, television public service announcements, and a comprehensive PR initiative.
The goals of the campaign are to: Increase awareness about the impact of tourism on the Florida economy. And to give potential visitors a reason to travel to Florida now – a personal invitation, an emotional video and an economic incentive.
As an added benefit, everybody who sends a personal invitation is registered for a chance to win one of 12 great Florida vacation packages. You can customize the sample invitation (see below) as you wish…. and Thank you!
The Sample Invitation:
Reconnect with family & friends, improve the state economy and enter to win a great Florida vacation package. It is a win-win proposition. If you live and work in Florida, all you have to do is invite someone to visit. More visitors mean more jobs and a brighter economic future for our state.
Please click (www.ShareaLittleSunshine.org), choose one of the invitations, and add a personal message and press send. Your family and friends will receive a cool video message and great Florida travel deals. As an added benefit, every invitation you send registers you for a chance to win one of 12 great Florida vacation packages. The Sunshine State is a great place to live – and a great place to visit.
In addition to the viral efforts, VISIT FLORIDA is supporting the “Share a Little Sunshine" campaign with an integrated mix of statewide radio promotions, television public service announcements, and a comprehensive PR initiative.
The goals of the campaign are to: Increase awareness about the impact of tourism on the Florida economy. And to give potential visitors a reason to travel to Florida now – a personal invitation, an emotional video and an economic incentive.
As an added benefit, everybody who sends a personal invitation is registered for a chance to win one of 12 great Florida vacation packages. You can customize the sample invitation (see below) as you wish…. and Thank you!
The Sample Invitation:
Reconnect with family & friends, improve the state economy and enter to win a great Florida vacation package. It is a win-win proposition. If you live and work in Florida, all you have to do is invite someone to visit. More visitors mean more jobs and a brighter economic future for our state.
Please click (www.ShareaLittleSunshine.org), choose one of the invitations, and add a personal message and press send. Your family and friends will receive a cool video message and great Florida travel deals. As an added benefit, every invitation you send registers you for a chance to win one of 12 great Florida vacation packages. The Sunshine State is a great place to live – and a great place to visit.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Meetings Mean Business Video Campaign
The "Meetings Mean Business" campaign is looking to find the individual who best embodies the character and hardworking spirit of the travel industry. The winner will become the newest spokesperson for the industry. The U.S. Travel Association will also provide $5,000 to the winner.
To take part, industry employees submited a 45- to 60-second video telling why they are the “face of travel” and how business travel, meetings and events are important to them, their company and their community. Our very own HSMAI Board Member, Joseph McKinney submitted this video for the face of travel to the US Travel Association channel on YouTube
Please make sure to visit the official ballot site when voting begins to vote for your favorite finalist. Good luck to Joseph, if he wins I'm sure he will share the wealth with the local chapter members :-)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Coming Up…
USA TODAY is holding a “Picture America” contest to promote Discover America. Your “iconic images” of America could appear in USA TODAY and on their website as well as on Discoveramerica.com which promotes our country internationally. As a winner you can earn a four-night getaway and $500. Wouldn’t it be great if one of the winners was a photo featuring South Florida? For more details and to enter go to pictureamerica.usatoday.com but HURRY…contest ends May 8th!
The Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism is going to be held at the Fontainebleau Resort on August 23 – 25th. Visit Florida has just sent out its “save the date” notices with special hotel room rates. More information to come soon.
And of course, don’t forget to register for the HSMAI-South Florida Chapter’s May 20th lunch meeting at the newly reflagged Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina featuring Carlos Molinet speaking about “World Class Customer Service”. The deadline to register is May 15th. Register on our website: www.hsmaisouthflorida.org
The Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism is going to be held at the Fontainebleau Resort on August 23 – 25th. Visit Florida has just sent out its “save the date” notices with special hotel room rates. More information to come soon.
And of course, don’t forget to register for the HSMAI-South Florida Chapter’s May 20th lunch meeting at the newly reflagged Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina featuring Carlos Molinet speaking about “World Class Customer Service”. The deadline to register is May 15th. Register on our website: www.hsmaisouthflorida.org
Around Town – April/May 2009
Belated congratulations to: The Mondrian Hotel for making the cover of Conde Nast Traveler magazine; to The Regent Bal Harbor and The Ritz Carlton Palm Beach for being listed in the “15 to Watch” column of Travel + Leisure’s new hotels and companies predicted to make their World’s Best lists in the near future;
Welcome to: The new W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Elves have been scurrying around for some time in preparation for their “official” opening. Our VP of Programming visited for a site inspection and reports we’ll have a treat for our July luncheon meeting there. Can’t wait!
Isn’t it great that Regis and Kelly are filming their TV show (seen here on WSVN, Channel 7) and featuring Miami Beach while at the Fontainebleau Resort the week of May 4th? I still love that bow-tie lobby tile in the hotel. Hate to admit I’m old enough that those glamorous years of the “rat pack” and classy entertainment still brings back nostalgic memories even if I was just a young child then…
From Pia Dahlquist comes the news that the Mai Kai has just completed extensive renovations and upgrades, recently introduced a brand new wine list, unveiled their new website (www.maikai.com) and started a new Happy Hour from 5 to 7 pm with 50% off drinks and appetizers. While over at Jungle Island in Miami-Dade, they’ve just announced their new program called “Summer Adventures”. And just in time for Mother’s Day, the Neiman Marcus Last Call Store (Sawgrass) has come out with a special sale…
Sorry to see the sad statistics on room occupancy of our local hotels over the past few months as recently reported in the news. Most sources quoted are looking for a turn around in the future – but times vary widely as to when – anywhere from six to ten months. Yet, based on what other chapters of HSMAI report, it seems that South Florida is still doing better than most other places around the nation.
Have information to share? Send your “news” to hsmaisouthflorida@gmail.com
Welcome to: The new W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Elves have been scurrying around for some time in preparation for their “official” opening. Our VP of Programming visited for a site inspection and reports we’ll have a treat for our July luncheon meeting there. Can’t wait!
Isn’t it great that Regis and Kelly are filming their TV show (seen here on WSVN, Channel 7) and featuring Miami Beach while at the Fontainebleau Resort the week of May 4th? I still love that bow-tie lobby tile in the hotel. Hate to admit I’m old enough that those glamorous years of the “rat pack” and classy entertainment still brings back nostalgic memories even if I was just a young child then…
From Pia Dahlquist comes the news that the Mai Kai has just completed extensive renovations and upgrades, recently introduced a brand new wine list, unveiled their new website (www.maikai.com) and started a new Happy Hour from 5 to 7 pm with 50% off drinks and appetizers. While over at Jungle Island in Miami-Dade, they’ve just announced their new program called “Summer Adventures”. And just in time for Mother’s Day, the Neiman Marcus Last Call Store (Sawgrass) has come out with a special sale…
Sorry to see the sad statistics on room occupancy of our local hotels over the past few months as recently reported in the news. Most sources quoted are looking for a turn around in the future – but times vary widely as to when – anywhere from six to ten months. Yet, based on what other chapters of HSMAI report, it seems that South Florida is still doing better than most other places around the nation.
Have information to share? Send your “news” to hsmaisouthflorida@gmail.com
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