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Ailing meeting biz getting much better
Group customer business is rebounding, according to hoteliers, and the US Travel Association forecasts a seven percent increase in meeting and convention spending this year after a 15 percent decline in 2009.
The result:
“Hotels and convention bureaus responded with aggressive deals and packages, such as providing free coffee breaks or discounts on audiovisual equipment. Groups are responding now, spurring an optimistic mood in the meeting planning and convention industry,” says USA Today.
"It’s coming back quick and strong," said Andrea Strauss, owner of Classic Conferences, a meeting planning firm.
In a June survey of members by Meeting Professionals International, which represents meeting planners, almost to-thirds responded that they’re seeing more favorable business conditions, including attendance, budgets and number of meetings.
Examples of rebounding hotel business:
•InterContinental Hotels Group says its group and corporate business rose 10 percent in the first half of this year vs. 2009.
•Eight New York City hotels run by Denihan Hospitality Group, including Affinia Manhattan and The Benjamin, are reporting a 26 percent increase in revenue from a year ago from group customers.
•JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, Mich., has sold 1,500 more group nights this year, a 20 percent increase from 2009, resulting from a resurgence in meeting bookings tied to the city’s medical industry, according to George Aquino, hotel general manager.
“Still, it remains a buyer’s market,” concludes USA Today.
By David Wilkening
David
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