Seattle’s Washington State Convention and Trade Center is reporting its biggest year since 2001 with even higher numbers expected in 2006, according to tourism officials.
Partly as a result, small boutique hotels are booming. Over the next few years, six new hotels — all with less with 200 rooms — are planned for the area.
Also helping to fill rooms there: a special program for non-convention travelers that might be copied in other areas.
The Seattle Super Save program is credited with filling more than 28,000 hotel rooms last winter.
More than 80 hotels throughout the region participated in the program aimed at budget-minded travelers.
The Seattle program is a revamped version of the city’s CVB initiated system that offered discounts during colder off-season times.
The program was expanded recently to include year-round discounts.
The visitors bureau offered travelers a no-fee structure — no booking fees, no hidden fees and no fees to cancel a reservation up to 24 hours prior to check-in.
Also offered: a book of discount tickets for dining and attractions.
Report by David Wilkening
