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“Runaway bride” boosts business
Hot summers have an impact on occupancy rates and convention-goers in New Orleans, but at least one hotel is hoping Jennifer Wilbanks will help bring travelers down the aisle.
The “runaway bride” who dominated news for a week is a new $485-a-night package from the 300-room Loews.
General manager Steve Ferran told Smith Travel Research that the promotion is drawing business.
The package includes discreet luxury rooms, a 24-hour do-not-disturb sign, screened phone calls and an appointment with a palm reader to determine the future.
Other area hotels such as the InterContinental New Orleans are offering promotions such as $20 gas certificates to offset soaring prices at the pump.
Mr Ferran said because New Orleans is not an airline hub or a center for major corporations, it does not attract business travelers who would otherwise help the area survive lean summer months.
Room rates are often drastically less in the summer months.
Mike Valentino, managing partner with the Prince Conti Hotel in the French Quarter, told Smith Travel Research that rates drop up to $40 a day in the summer.
At the same time, convention business is expected to be stronger than normal in June, July and August, according to Sabrina Written, communications director for the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Report by David Wilkening
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