Closing 2016 and Looking to 2017

2016 is ending with a bang for the hospitality industry, as we have seen record setting growth for about the past 6 years and it’s been primarily a seller’s market. While REVPAR and other indicators have shown some market increases for 2017, most indicators we follow show a slowdown in the meetings and hotel economy. 2017 is expected to be near flat which will provide more opportunities for planners. While we are optimistic about this shift, we are not there yet and the market remains a seller’s game for now. On top of this, the merger of Marriott-Starwood, has made it more difficult than ever to negotiate hotel contracts. While it appears that we have more options, there’s actually less competition out there. Our roles as meeting managers have become increasingly strategic and forward thinking as we seek more creative ways to negotiate and make the overall meeting experience memorable, experiential, and focused on learning retention. Looking forward. we are in a fragile time with the uncertainty of a Trump presidency and all the worldwide security issues. We remain cautiously optimistic as President Trump is a hospitality veteran who is likely to promote business policies that benefit our industry and who has actively been in support of business overall. We are excited about the potential opportunities that lie ahead for us in 2017 and about the buyer-seller relationship shift.

Voluntourism: Kick Back and Give Back

Ever wanted to go on vacation, but also give back to the local community? With the holidays near and spirit of giving in the air, you might want to give voluntourism a try!  More and more hotels are getting involved in supporting local charities and are coming up creative ways of integrating their services with charity.

Marriott and Renaissance hotels in New Orleans have created the "Big Easy Spirit to Serve" program where a portion of your room rate goes to "New Orleans Habitat for Humanity". Additionally, the hotels provide a Care Concierge service that recommends volunteer opportunities in the area.

Never let your soap go to waste at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco. After you check out, they will donate your used soap to "Clean the World", which recycles and distributes soap around the world.

Earn free room nights at the Maldives Soneva Resorts by spending some of your stay working on local community projects, such as planting trees, marine conservation, and teaching underprivileged children.

Next time you're think of taking a vacation, do some research and see what hotels partner with charities. Whether it's volunteering your time or just booking a room, incorporating voluntourism into your holiday plans will make a difference in someone's life.

Escape to the Magical Family Paradise of Aulani

On August 29th, 2011, the Ko Olina resort on Ohau, Hawaii, transformed into the magical paradise of Aulani. The resort provides world class fun for all ages, awarding it one of the best family resorts in 2015. With enchanting themed pools, exciting Hawaiian adventures, and night-time cultural entertainment, families are ensured to have a memorable experience at Aulani.

The magic of the island combined with the magic of Disney creates an atmosphere for the perfect family get away. The resort itself includes a series of private coves with white sand beaches and lively reefs. The coves are protected by rock formations that minimize waves and provide a safe environment for exploring. Guests can explore the nature and beauty of the island and the resort activities all in one exclusive location. Children can take part in activities at Aunty’s Beach House, a complimentary, supervised activity center, while adults can golf miles of private golf course greens. Guests can also venture out around the island with many unique island excursions the resort offers. From swimming with dolphins to discovering hidden waterfalls, the island’s possibilities are amazing.

Are you ready for paradise yet?

Trump International Trumps the Vancouver Skyline

Just opened, the Trump International Hotel & Tower Vancouver will be the second tallest building on the Vancouver skyline. The mixed use tower began construction in 2013. $360 million dollars later, the hotel now twists up 616 feet high with 57 floors. Besides its height, the tower stands out with its sleek design and interesting architecture.

The tower includes 147 guest rooms, world class restaurants, a personalized Ivana Trump Spa, gorgeous banquet rooms, and conference rooms. The mixed use tower also includes 218 residential condos at over $20 million per condo.

The central location in downtown Vancouver, along with the champagne lounge and award-winning fine dining, makes it a great place to mix business with pleasure. Even in the middle of the city, the tower captures impressive Vancouver mountain views from afar. The tower also includes services like the Luxury Trump Rolls Royce car service and Trump Attaché service. The Trump Attaché program goes above and beyond regular concierge services and is dedicated to providing unique, customized services to guests.

Bookings for the Trump International are now being accepted, so pre-book your rooms before it’s too late!

Maldives to Open Magnificent New Resort

The thought of paradise should be synonymous with this unparalleled luxurious resort. Inspired by a word that means "wisdom" in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani encompasses a collection of Water Villas and Island Sanctuaries set within a lagoon of crystal clear waters, fringed by pristine beaches and blanketed in lush tropical greenery.

The highlight of the islands that the resort calls home is the 5.6 kilometer private lagoon that surrounds it; an awe-inspiring azure spectacle that inspires a sense of calm.

Among its amazing features, this gorgeous resort will offer villas built to the highest levels of quality, as well as world-class facilities. Constructed both over-water and on land, the Saneva Jani will be located on Medhufaru Island. This aquatic haven is just a short 35 minutes by seaplane from Male Airport or an hour's speedboat trip from its sister resort, Soneva Fushi.

The resort’s soft opening is planned for October 01, 2016, while the official opening date is fixed at November 05, 2016.  For more information please visit http://www.soneva.com/soneva-jani.

Beach Goer's Welcomed by the Captivating Catamaran

The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa offers a tropical elegance inspired by Polynesia. Located just steps from Mission Bay and across the street from the Pacific, the Catamaran features guest rooms and suites, each with its own private balcony or patio, as well as views of the water or tropical gardens. The Catamaran showcases San Diego’s only beachfront spa along with an open-air fitness facility with a 180-degree view of the Bay. Spa treatments and specialized Rituals are based on Polynesian, Thai and a variety of other South Pacific traditions. The Catamaran’s 14 function rooms offer 20,000 square feet of versatile space and an inspirational setting for meetings, conferences, weddings, and special occasions. The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is located at 3999 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92109. For more information on the resort, visit www.catamaranresort.com