Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/3108
Black Meetings & Tourism April/May 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 49 M any Americans are currently experiencing a drought in their finances due to the economic recession that is underway. Leisure travel to some Caribbean and American beachfront resorts is decreasing each year and many of these resorts are increasing their efforts to maximize meeting space, adding business centers on property and generally more "business friendly." Some beachfront resorts are on a mission to lure incentive and meeting planners in an effort to diversify their business mix. Group business is seen as a way to hedge against the ups and downs of the leisure-travel industry, fill empty hotel rooms during shoulder and off-seasons and expose travelers to the destinations. It has been noted that meeting-goers typically generate three times more tourism dollars than leisure travelers and these beachfront resorts are very much aware of this reality. And now, more than ever, resorts understand the importance of servicing the meeting planner and con- ference attendee. The constant question than runs through many people's minds is "How am I going to get any work done with all that sun and surf?" Well, truth be told, get- ting away to attend a meeting or conference in a luxurious, incentive filled beachfront resort has its advantages. Aside from the physical changes and upgrades some resorts have made to cater to group travelers and business travelers, the affect that this environment and ambiance has on an attendee can be quite ful- filling, and bring them into a more productive frame of mind. Most conferences and or business meetings are comprised of constant seminars, lectures and lots of networking. Many attendees might begin to feel a little overwhelmed by the conference schedule or feel as if they need a break from it all at times. This is pre- cisely why a beachfront property would be beneficial to group travelers. For instance, many resorts on the beach come equipped with golf courses. Why not turn that 3:00 pm meeting with your top investors that was originally scheduled in a lobby ballroom to a 3:00 pm T-time on the golf course. Attendees can accomplish the same thing they would have in the meeting room, if not more, and feel more relaxed doing it. B Y S O L O M O N J . H E R B E R T , J R . B Y S O L O M O N J . H E R B E R T , J R . One of 4 pools overlooking the Atlantic Oc ean, EdenRoc Resort BEACHFRONT RESORTS MAKE FOR MEMEORABLE M E E T I N G S