Destination Hotels & Resorts Announces Inaugural 'State of the Meetings Industry' Survey Results
Nearly 400 meeting planners weigh-in on trends for 2013
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The nation's fourth largest hospitality management company, Destination Hotels & Resorts (Destination), has released the results of their annual 'State of the Meetings Industry' survey. The inaugural edition of the study identifies six key trends for meetings and group travel in the coming year. Utilizing a diverse dataset of industry experts, the survey included responses from more than 380 meeting planners specializing in a variety of group segments including corporate, government, and Association.
The results, compiled into a single research whitepaper available for download at http://www.destinationmeetings.com/whitepaper2012 yielded six specific trends for hotels and resorts to take note of for the coming year, and one overarching theme: cautious optimism.
"In almost every segment, we're seeing positive indicators that 2013 will be a growth year for groups and meetings," stated Andre Fournier, vice president of sales & marketing of Destination Hotels & Resorts. "More than 30% of planners expect an increase in the number of meetings for 2013. Most planners felt budgets have stabilized, with 20% anticipating increased budget flexibility in the coming year," notes Fournier.
Examples of identified 2013 trends and focal areas detailed in the Destination research whitepaper include:
- Location, Location, Location - While planners consistently referenced budget parameters as their biggest challenge, in a surprise shift "location" led as the most important consideration in selecting a venue (with "rate," "flexible space" and "amenities" following closely behind).
- Technology - More than 36% noted an increase in technology integration with meetings compared to a year ago, with strong indications that the trend will continue.
- What's on the Table Matters More than Who's in the Kitchen - Surprisingly, after years of seeing big-name chefs attach their moniker to hotel and resort restaurants, meeting planners were very clear on one thing: they don't care. Less than 10% cited a 'signature chef' as an important factor in how they evaluate culinary options. What do they care about? Diverse culinary offerings, smart, well-planned meals and Complete Meeting Packagesthat focus on health and nutrition (43%) as well as specialized dietary offerings (35%).
To download a complimentary copy of the complete Destination Hotels & Resorts meetings research whitepaper with insight on all six trends, including additional case studies, visit: http://www.destinationmeetings.com/whitepaper2012
Additional information on the Destination Meetings Collection can be found at: www.DestinationMeetings.com
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About Destination Hotels & Resorts
Destination Hotels & Resorts is a privately held hospitality management company headquartered in Colorado. With 40 independent, luxury and upscale hotels, resorts and golf clubs, Destination is the fourth largest hospitality management company in the country. The company's portfolio features more than 9,600 guest rooms, 18 golf courses and 16 full-service spas. Destination Hotels & Resorts properties are located in key metropolitan and resort markets including Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Phoenix, Santa Fe, Aspen, Lake Tahoe, Seattle, Denver, Austin and San Diego. The company is a subsidiary of Los Angeles-based investment, development and management firm Lowe Enterprises and the Lowe Hospitality Group.
For a complete list of properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.destinationhotels.com.
SOURCE Destination Hotels & Resorts
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