Minneapolis CVB devise work-around to hotel shortage

Sunday, 17 Mar, 2005 0

The Greater Minneapolis Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVA) booked 86% of is targeted room night goal, officials said.

The group blamed delayed meeting planners’ decisions, a still-recovering market and a lack of compressed downtown hotel inventory for not meeting its goals, said Greg Ortale, GMCVA president and CEO.

“Once we get them here, they’re sold,” said Mr Ortale. “Meeting planners are blown away by the city – the quality of Minneapolis’ hotels and the state-of-the-art convention center, along with a safe and vibrant downtown all convince them to book their next convention here.”

Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents after a recent convention of the American Society of Association Executives said their experience significantly changed their impression of Minneapolis for the better.

Sixty-six percent of past lost convention business (1999-2004) cited a hotel inventory or availability issue as a reason for not selecting Minneapolis, according to the GMCVA.

A study by the Chicago-based C.H. Johnson in 2005 identified a 2,800-room deficit. The study said a new 1,200-room hotel close to the Minneapolis Convention Center was necessary for more business.

Last year, the GMCVA targeted its marketing efforts to specific demographic groups and special interest areas. Also contributing to record night numbers was an increase in European (particularly UK) travel packages and African American reunion bookings.

To generate more tourism hotel bookings, the GMCVA began creating travel packages last year.

Report by David Wilkening

David

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