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3 B M & T ••• January/February 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com CONTENTS B L A C K M E E T I N G S & T O U R I S M COVER STORY 20 20 31 31 27 27 VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 FEATURES A R E A G U I D E S DEPARTMENTS It's a fact! Planners and their delegates don't want to sit cooped up in a conference room for three or four days, no matter how well the seminars are organ- ized and how valuable the information they offer. Meetings are more productive and enjoyable when attendees have an opportunity to move about and experience the destination first hand. One of the best ways to make this happen is by including healthy walk- ing activities into your program agenda. Walking Cities suggests some cities that are ideal to explore on foot. By Rufus McKinney 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 Newsmakers 8 Hotel Happenings 10 In The News 12 TPOC News Briefs 16 Caribbean Corner 28 Fam Report 38 Travel Data 39 Cruise News 40 From Motherland 41 Jamaica 42 Wilmington 43 Omaha 44 Bridgeport 45 Dominican Republic One of the greatest characteristics of computer tech- nology also can be problematic. Outdated Computer Systems Play Havoc With The Bottom Line explains how and why. 13 13 36 36 Top Ten Trends in Travel & Tourism Trends for 2016 is a report from Tourism Intelligence International that shares strategic information for our industry. Destination Hotels Shares 2016 Trend Forecast In Fourth Annual 'State Of The Meetings Industry' Survey offers key findings on 2016 meetings trends. Route 66 End of Trail road sign in Los Angeles, California Photo Credit: Sean Pavone As the leader of L.A. Tourism since January 2013, Ernest Wooden oversees the global brand marketing and meetings and convention sales strategy for one of the most visited and premier travel destinations in the world. Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board President & CEO Ernest Wooden Jr. Named to the Prestigious Ebony® Magazine 2015 Power 100 List reports one of many honors he's received. 32 32 As the travel and meetings market responds to world events and an ever-evolving economy, we feel it prudent to pause from time to time to assess what impact all these occurrences are having on our industry. A View From The Top: CVB Heads Annual Report On State Of The Industry is this year's installment. By Gloria M. Herbert 18 18 Julie Coker Graham has been appointed president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB). Philadelphia Makes History, Again shares the good news for your edification. By Matt Thomas D E P A R T M E N T S