Thursday, February 18, 2010

“Table of Eight” – February 17, 2010 – Part 1

The HSMAI-South Florida chapter’s February meeting was held yesterday at the Design Center of The Americas in Dania Beach, FL. A crowd of about 100 people were in attendance to hear speakers Alfredo Gonzalez, VP of International Tourism, Great Fort Lauderdale CVB, and Virginia Sheridan, President, M. Silver Associates Public Relations, speak on international tourism and review trends for our industry. In addition, we heard from DCOTA about the facility as well as from Condor who will be introducing new nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale to Frankfurt, Germany beginning May 14th.

It was so nice to see some “old” friends as well as a lot of new faces in attendance. A portion of monies from the monthly raffle were designated from this meeting for the UNICEF Children’s Fund for children in Haiti. What a wonderful idea! A surprise drawing awarded two airline tickets on Condor to Frankfurt. Congrats to Bruno Perez (RevParGuru) on his raffle win.

Alfredo highlighted ten megatrends in International Tourism. He talked about its 1) Growth: Travel is a “right”, a necessity. 2) Energy Demand: With no other alternatives to jet fuel in the near future, airline pricing will continue to be a concern. 3) Rising Climate of Fear: Some people are making decisions based on this; triggered by the news media; more people are just adapting v.v. their travel decisions. 4) Participant Economy: Consumers are in the drivers’ seat. What do consumers want/feel? 5) Experiential economy: Consumers have “live your life” attitude; they have the basics; now they are willing to pay more for experiences than possessions. 6) Socio-Demographic Disparities: Social behavior is changing attitudes; aging population is now “hip”. 7) Urbanization: By 2020, 60% are living in a city. (Need to travel to “escape”) 8) Mobility: Traveling further and farther and more often. Decisions to travel (even in Europe) made by women. Wider use of Internet/multiple channels. 9) Global Warming – most not concerned, but… 10) Sustainability: going green becoming important and changing the way they buy travel. . (Comments are from my notes; presentation slides will be on the chapter’s website: http://www.hsmaisouthflorida.org/ under resources.)

In addition, Alfredo discussed consumer trends in Europe. What has changed in the last ten years? One of the main differences was the increased use of the internet. He mentioned the importance of not just dealing with tour operators, alone, as in certain markets consumer buying online has increased to about 50% and up. Knowing your market is important as not all behave the same (Sweden, e.g. 93% do their research online and 48% actually buy online; In Italy, however, only 17% actually buy online). There are new consumers: active seniors, extended family groups, cosmopolitan consumers, and the affluent.

To be continued... Best, HSMAInsider, Julie Wernick

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

VISIT FLORIDA PUSHES “SHARE A LITTLE SUNSHINE” CAMPAIGN

In Miami Beach on February 16th, Governor Charlie Crist joined more than a hundred Florida tourism industry representatives to re-launch the grassroots ‘Share a Little Sunshine’ campaign. The Governor and VISIT FLORIDA President/CEO Chris Thompson called on all Floridians to help strengthen the state’s economy by sending a personal invitation to out-of-state friends and family, encouraging them to visit Florida.

“Together we can let the world know how great Florida truly is, and help keep our state’s world-class restaurants, resorts, parks, and attractions strong,” said Governor Crist.

In 2008, tourism returned $3.9 billion to Florida in tax revenue and generated $65.2 billion in direct economic impact. The ‘Share a Little Sunshine’ campaign has the potential to increase visitation to the state and raise much-needed sales tax dollars.

On the ‘Share a Little Sunshine’ Web site, www.ShareaLittleSunshine.org, Floridians can select one of several free video invitations or custom e-mail postcards that can be sent to friends and family directly from the site. To encourage Floridians to send invitations, a Florida vacation package will be given away each quarter to someone who sent an invitation through the site.

In addition to the video and invitation components, the integrated campaign is supported by statewide promotions and public service announcements. Through partnerships, the message of ‘Share a Little Sunshine’ appears on TV, radio, and billboards throughout the state. Also, the Governor’s Office of Film and Entertainment, Florida Lottery, Florida Attractions Association, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and Florida State Parks will use the ‘Share a Little Sunshine’ for advertising and promotion. The campaign is on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

HSMAI HOLDS LODGING CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER ROUNDTABLE

HSMAI hosted its first “Lodging Chief Marketing Officer Roundtable” in conjunction with American Express on February 1 in New York City. The invitation-only event engaged participants in an intimate forum about the “new normal” in lodging.

“The discussion was invaluable and participants shared perspectives on the various recovery scenarios and the short-term and long-term impact of the global economy in their businesses,” said Robert A. Gilbert, president/CEO of HSMAI. “Attendees also had rich dialogue regarding the new normal in media including the role and balance of print and digital.”

Lalia Rach, dean of the Tisch Center for Hospitality Tourism and Sports Management at NYU moderated the roundtable discussion. Professor Jeff Garten, Yale School of Management and an expert on global business strategy, was the keynote speaker and summarized how the global economy and consumer behavior have changed. He forecasted emerging economic trends that will likely impact hospitality and travel.

Jud Linville, president & CEO of American Express, was interviewed to identify his perspectives on “the new normal” as well as its implications on his strategic outlook, American Express brands, and the travel industry.

“We are seeing some spending come back from the depressed levels of last year,” said Linville. “We need to help remove friction and help consumers feel more comfortable. They are very attentive now to how and where they spend.”

In addition, a group of industry thought leaders discussed implications of the “new normal” in print, online, and other mediums brands use to connect with consumers and spoke about the evolution of dominant media strategies. They hypothesized about which strategies would be implemented in the next 18 months.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

VISIT FLORIDA HAS NEW SLOGAN

Visit Florida’s previous slogan, “Shine”, launched in 2007 has been replaced.
DDB Miami, the Visit Florida’s advertising agency, has developed a new integrated marketing campaign with a new tagline: “Your Florida Side”. This theme is aimed at recession-weary consumers.

The new $6.1 million campaign aims to target loyal Florida vacationers who have been here before. They are going to tell these former visitors to “come on back. This is the place you love.” The advertisements highlight the fact that a Florida trip is a central identifying factor of a vacationer’s identity. Look for this new slogan to appear in all their new promotional and marketing efforts.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

HSMAI HONORS TRAVEL MARKETING EXCELLENCE AT ADRIAN AWARDS

HSMAI presented the winners of its 53rd annual Adrian Awards at the New York Marriott Marquis on Monday, February 1st. The Adrian Awards honor the top companies and individuals in hospitality, travel and tourism advertising, public relations and web marketing. The evening also featured specialty awards from DEPARTURES Magazine, Google, TRAVELCLICK, and TripAdvisor.

The 2010 Adrian Awards received nearly 1,100 entries from around the globe. The prestigious Platinum winners were judged to be the most extraordinary entrants from a selection of 123 Gold winners. Chosen from the Platinum winners, the highest distinction of Best of Show for the divisions of advertising, public relations and web marketing went to:

BEST OF SHOW WINNERS:
Advertising: The San Diego Zoo and their agency M&C Saatchi for their entry that spread the message of conservation of the world’s animals.
Public Relations: Tourism Queensland and their agency Cummins Nitro for the “Best Job in the World” campaign that generated 34,000 candidate applications from 197 countries vying for the position of Island Caretaker, along with worldwide media coverage.
Web Marketing:”Life of a Brown Paper Bag” video by the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau. The destination took one of its most treasured holiday traditions and added compelling content and humor to create an original holiday greeting video that was shared extensively and generated a tremendous ROI.

PLATINUM WINNERS:
Advertising (See Agency in Parentheses if applicable) --
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (R&R Partners); Lindblad Expeditions;
Maine Office of Tourism (Swardlick Marketing Group); Marriott International (McGarry Bowen); Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism (Target Marketing); San Diego Zoo (M&C Saatchi).
Public Relations --
Elite Island Resorts (Pomerantz PR); Fontainebleau Miami Beach (Weber Shandwick);
Hotel Sax Chicago (Zapwater Communications, Inc.); Moroccan National Tourist Office (Spring, O’Brien); Omni Hotels (Weber Shandwick); Pennsylvania Tourism Office (Tierney); Tourism Queensland (Cummins Nitro); VisitScotland Laura Davidson Public Relations).
Web Marketing:
Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau; Dolce Hotels and Resorts; Morgans Hotel Group (ZAAZ); The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (Weber Shandwick and phearcreative);
Tourism Queensland (Cummins Nitro); Howard Johnson (Berlin Cameron)

HSMAI Adrian Awards Gold Award winners were honored throughout the Gala and displayed during the Gold Award Gallery Reception, presented with partner Expedia Media Solutions, prior to the Gala.

In addition to its Adrian Awards, HSMAI recognized the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing and presented two individuals with the top honor of Lifetime Achievement. The awards recognized the recipients for their significant contributions and lasting impressions on the hospitality and travel industry.

HSMAI's annual Albert E. Koehl Award for advertising and marketing was awarded to Sol Kerzner, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Kerzner International Holdings Limited. The Winthrop W. Grice Award for public relations excellence was bestowed upon Vivian A. Deuschl, Corporate Vice President, Public Relations, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

A new addition to the Adrian Awards line-up was TripAdvisor’s Travelers' Choice Best Hotels and Brand Awards. Their top brand award went to Ritz-Carlton.
The DEPARTURES Magazine Luxury Marketing Achievement Award was presented to Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club and ISM.
TRAVELCLICK paid tribute to the best integrated eMarketing program in the hotel industry with the eMarketer of the Year award, presented to Joie de Vivre Hospitality.
Google’s Wisdom of the Crowds Award, which recognizes an integrated marketing campaign that today's travelers and HSMAI members choose as the best in its class, went to the San Diego Zoo.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Florida Governor Recommends Tourism Marketing Budget

Governor Crist allocated $25 million in public funding for tourism marketing for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The budget recommendations were announced on January 29th as VISIT FLORIDA begins its advocacy and education campaign for the 2010 Session in an effort to increase awareness and demonstrate the importance of tourism marketing.

Public investment is needed for VISIT FLORIDA to continue to provide cooperative marketing programs. Tourism marketing is a catalyst to stimulate our economy, a fact proven by the $3.9 billion in total state sales tax revenue returned to the state in 2008.

Tourism marketing is of great importance to our state:
• For every $1 in tourism marketing, VISIT FLORIDA generates $55 in tourism spending and more than $3 in new sales tax is collections.
• More than 1 million Floridians are directly employed by Florida’s tourism. That means 85 visitors equals 1 Florida job.
• Tourism provided 21 percent of our total state sales tax in 2008—more than any other industry.

Christopher L. Thompson, VISIT FLORIDA’s President and CEO, released the following statement in response to Governor Crist’s budget recommendations, which includes $25 million in public funding for VISIT FLORIDA’s tourism marketing efforts:
“Governor Crist has been and continues to be a great advocate in helping Florida become the No. 1 travel destination in the world. The tourism industry deeply appreciates Governor Crist’s recognition of tourism’s strong economic impact and return on investment to the Sunshine State with his budget recommendation of $25 million in public funding for tourism marketing.”

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and the legislature in an effort to demonstrate the value tourism brings to every part of Florida through the return of crucial state sales tax revenues and jobs, which benefit all Floridians.”

Friday, January 29, 2010

“Around Town” Column – January 2010

Here’s a collection of newsworthy items happening recently “Around Town” from our industry members and South Florida community.

Broward County

The Liberty Suites in Dania Beach has won a 2009 Pink Choice Award. Pink Choice rates gay and gay-friendly hotels, inns and guest houses, according to the opinions and scores submitted by gay and lesbian travelers. Based on these ratings, Pink Choice Awards are presented to those properties determined to have provided the very best in guest amenities and services. These awards are presented at the end of each calendar year.

This weekend (January 29th through 31st) is the 2010 Dania Beach Folk Art and Antique Festival along with a Vintage Motorcycle Show. In addition, Dania Jai Alai is hosting the Florida Arcade and Pinball Expo this weekend. This event is being promoted as the “largest gathering of pinball machines and classic video games in Florida”.

The "Award Winning" Hampton Inn Plantation, for the second year in a row has won the prestigious Lighthouse Award for service and accommodations. This was awarded in 2008 and now in 2009. They are ranked #20 out of over 1700 Hampton Inns Worldwide. (In addition, they still have availability of Super Bowl if anyone is sold out and gets a call for reservations, would appreciate them being passed on to Susan Stern at 954-382-4500.)

Lawrence Of Florida Entertainment and Events has two new additions to their offerings: Up Lighting. As most venues have very neutral walls, they can provide new lighting packages which will change the room venue to virtually any color that a client can imagine. The second new item, which works for corporate events as well as social parties, is their version of Jeopardy. It can be set up for 3 to 6 players or an entire audience. The game is fast moving, fun and does NOT require a “brain trust” to join in the action. They bring the whole package – the Jeopardy board, the lights, sound system and the MC. According to Larry Rodkin, they can even tailor or design the questions/answers to fit a particular theme or the company’s background to personalize the event.

Miami-Dade

Karen Weiner Escalera
, President, KWE Group in Coral Gables (and one of the top 25 extraordinary minds in sales and marketing in 2008 HSMAI) has had her “Reinvention Revolution” trends letter was featured in the Luxury Society’s annual Global Experts issue on luxury lifestyle trends. The European-based Luxury Society is a by invitation only online community of worldwide leaders in luxury products and services.

Southwest Coast:

The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau is inviting football fans traveling to the Pro Bowl or the Super Bowl to extend their trip with a visit to the Paradise Coast. They’ve put together a number of deals under the heading “Miami Bowl Packages”. In addition, for the winter, they are promoting “Paradise Priced Perfectly” hotel packages (see my floridasavings.com).

Jorian Weiner has been appointed to be the new manager of public relations for The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples.

Sarina Buonannata has joined Sunstream Hotels & Resorts as communications specialist.

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club has introduced an all-new "Beach Club Card." This new gift card can be purchased in any denomination, and used at the resort's spa, golf course, beachfront restaurant, bars, in any of the resort's gift shops, and for stays at the resort.

Visitor Research for Collier Country for November 2009 saw a climb in visitation from the Northeast, Midwest and Canada. December 2009 followed with significant increases in those markets, along with Markets of Opportunity, or visitors from west of the Mississippi River.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To submit items for future editions, send to jwfranklin1@gmail.com
Best, Julie Wernick, HSMAInsider