Archive for the ‘CVent’ Category
June 4th, 2009 | 
Author: As I blogged last week, Mexico’s government is investing heavily in a stimulus package to boost tourism to the country. Tourism is the third-largest segment of the country’s economy. But after recent setbacks from gang-related violence the swine flu, this vital sector has taken a hit.
Hotels and resorts are doing their part to recapture tourists, and it seems to be helping. According to Smith Travel Research, hotel occupancy in Mexico dropped over 50 percent at the end of April and beginning of May. But now, USA Today reported that hotel occupancy rates for Cancun’s hotel zone rose to 43 percent over Memorial Day weekend. Though these numbers pale in comparison to the 85 percent reported in 2008, it’s certainly an improvement.
What are kinds of deals attracted Memorial Day travelers? RIU Hotels & Resorts is offering 40 percent off rates at many of its all-inclusive resorts, the Grupo Posadas hotels are running 35 percent off the nightly rate, and Tides Riviera Maya and Tides Zihuatanejo are giving out the second room free until September, to name a few.
Because of the relatively low occupancy, those who do book hotel stays in Mexico are reaping benefits beyond low room rates, as well. At the Royal Playa del Carmen, for example, USA TODAY reported that guests can find 50 percent off available spa treatments, a choice of covered beachfront daybeds, and no lines at the on-site restaurants. Basically, you can find the amenities of a modern resort without the crowds or high fees.
As Mexico tourist Wes Palazzi told USA TODAY, "It’s nice when it’s not so crowded. You can actually relax."
I’ve blogged frequently in the past about the great prices you can find in the U.S.’s current buyer’s market, and it sounds like the same is true in Mexico more than ever. If a South of the Border meeting or event is in your future, make sure to see what’s available by exploring the over 550 properties—from hotels to resorts to conference and convention centers—profiled on the Cvent Supplier Network. Book your event at a great rate, and expect a great experience for attendees.
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Planning a meeting or event involving international attendees? It not be as difficult to convince them to travel as it is for your U.S. meeting-goers.
Nearly half of European business travelers say their business travel activity during the next 12 months will remain relatively unchanged. However, 26 percent said their business travel would decrease as compared to 22 percent who said it would increase. Meanwhile, 40 percent of respondents said their firms have enacted or changed travel policies during the last six months.
The survey, a poll of 600 European business travelers in France, Germany and the United Kingdom conducted by research firm Vanson Bourne, found that organization size and country affected the results. Larger companies were more likely to limit business travel, for example, and those based in France are expected to travel more than those in Germany and the UK.
What’s affecting business travel for Europeans? Half of survey respondents said the global economic situation has negatively impacted business travel, 44 percent said it is "the hassle factor," 38 percent said it’s environmental impact, and 21 percent cited terrorism concerns. Interestingly, half of survey participants believe that traveling less "will have a negative impact on their business."
Did you miss the Cvent and MeetingsNet webinar "Deal or No Deal: Best Practices for Booking Meetings in a Tough Economy"? That’s okay! It’s now available online!
View the 45-minute presentation to learn how to:
• Reduce the time involved in finding event space that meets your needs
• Get the best pricing proposals from hotels and meeting venues
• Show management the value a planner brings to negotiating meeting costs
• And much more!
If you need tips on reducing meeting costs and taking advantage of today’s low rates, this webinar is a must-see. Watch it today!