Skift Take
The concept of bleisure has gained increasing popularity over the past few years, but time remains an issue for travelers. Attendees want to do more than pass through a destination, and event hosts can go a long way in making that happen.
Amid all the agony of long flights, TSA lines, and interminable conferences, one of the few perks of business travel is getting to visit destinations all over the world. Right?
Ask any event attendee, and she’ll probably tell you it’s not as fun as it sounds. Work trips are often so rushed, travelers barely have time to see much more than the hotel room, the lobby bar, and the venue where meetings are being held.
This is where meeting planners and convention centers can step in and give attendees a taste of some of the most distinctive cultural experiences the destination has to offer, as well as quick access to the best in local cafes and restaurants.
We talk to two visitor bureaus, one in London and one in Salt Lake City, to see what they do to bring a little bit of leisure to the overly rushed business traveler.
Check out the story below.
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— Isaac Carey, Travel Reporter
THE FUTURE OF EVENTS AND MEETINGS
Visitor Centers Are Bringing Leisure Experiences Directly to Biz Travelers: Many business travelers simply don’t have time to explore destinations on their own, no matter how much of a priority they say it is. This is where convention centers can play a key role, bringing the destination to time-strapped attendees.
2019 Innovators in Hospitality and Travel: Summer Edition: Here are some of the most inspiring innovations in design, service, and guest experience in hospitality and travel so far this year. The more the industry can cross-pollinate, learn from others, and experiment, the better it will be.
Marriott Handed $124 Million Fine Over Starwood Data Breach: The headline fine amount might seem pretty substantial, but as with an earlier British Airways breach case, the penalties likely will be challenged. Both companies will no doubt vigorously defend themselves in the hope of getting the figure reduced.
AROUND THE INDUSTRY
Regent Wants to Reclaim Its Crown Under IHG: With new hotel brands popping up every day, it can be a challenge to establish name recognition among consumers. That’s one challenge InterContinental Hotels Group doesn’t have to deal with as it works to revive the Regent brand.
Accor Finds Middle East Poses Unique Challenges After Acquisitions: If more than a month goes by without an acquisition or partnership announcement from Accor, does it even count? There are high expectations from the Middle East and Africa division in the wake of recent deals, especially from owners that may be anxious about potential disruptions.
Underperforming Philippines Extends Tax Breaks to Attract Tourism Investors: Despite its beautiful beaches, the Philippines is a tourism underperformer in Southeast Asia. It keeps luring investors with tax breaks. Critics say maybe it’s better to prioritize peace and order instead. Both are required.
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Skift Senior Enterprise Editor Andrew Sheivachman [[email protected]] curates the Skift Meetings Innovation Report. Skift emails the newsletter every Wednesday.
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Tags: meetings, meetingsiq
Photo credit: Westminster Hall, the oldest remaining part of the Palace of Westminster, in London. UK Parliament / Flickr