Destinations Promote Secondary Neighborhoods to Event Planners

Many frequent conference-goers are accustomed to a rather tired routine. They parachute into a downtown area, attend an event nearby, eat and sleep downtown, then hit the road without really exploring the city.

Now, convention and visitors bureaus are promoting secondary neighborhoods to meeting planners. This way, attendees can develop a deeper relationship with their surroundings and hopefully experience a wider variety of restaurants and activities.

This strategy is reminiscent of how tourism boards combat overtourism in the leisure sector: Educate travelers on life outside that familiar downtown corridor.

If you have any feedback about the newsletter or news tips, feel free to reach out via email at as@skift.com or tweet @sheivach.

— Sarah Enelow-Snyder, Assistant Editor

The Future of Events and Meetings

Event Planners See Opportunities Beyond Downtowns: Convention and visitors bureaus promote all corners of their destinations to entice both planners and conference attendees using both technology and tried-and-true marketing methods.

Uber Didn’t Listen Enough to Cities, a Top European Exec Concedes: Uber has tried hard to change its image in recent years, but has it worked?

Marriott Is Officially Getting Into the Homesharing Business: This news will trigger responses from elated to downright furious, whether you’re a Bonvoy member, Marriott hotel owner, property manager, or just someone concerned about the growth of homesharing around the world.

Travel Leaders Picks Up Former Amex Partners in Corporate Travel Push: Travel Leaders has turned to a membership model instead of franchising or partnerships to build out its global presence in the corporate space. It’s one way to grow without costly acquisitions, although more acquisitions are probably on the way too.

Around the Industry

Airbnb Experiences Makes Growth a Priority Over All Else, Executive Says: Airbnb is right to focus on unique experiences. Most younger travelers prefer one-of-a-kind experiences — not cookie-cutter ones.

British Airways CEO Says Transformation Is Not Over Yet: Alex Cruz has not always done the popular thing, but the changes he has made have made British Airways a more financially stable airline.

Amazon Is Doubling Down on Travel, Just Not in the Way You Think: Turns out it’s through its cloud-based services that Amazon is embedding itself in the travel and restaurants sectors. The company’s recent hiring hints at the scope of the opportunity.

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Skift Senior Editor Andrew Sheivachman [as@skift.com] curates the Skift Meetings Innovation Report. Skift emails the newsletter every Wednesday.

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