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Paradise By Marriott
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Marriott® and Renaissance® Caribbean & Mexico Resorts are committed to the success of our valued Paradise partners. Visit this resource page often for all the latest news, tips and tools you need to keep your business—and industry—thriving
STRAIGHT FROM MR. MARRIOTT
Click the play button below for insight from our Chairman & CEO of Marriott International, Bill Marriott Jr., who’s extended the voice of our industry to the highest political offices, including President Barack Obama. You can also follow Mr. Marriott on his blog, Marriott on the Move.
THE CARIBBEAN AND MEXICO MISSION
Our Market Director of Group Sales, Porsche Pettiford, explains why there’s never been a better time to get your group up and out.
In this economy, what steps are your resorts taking to attract meeting business?
We’re using an array of marketing and direct sales that include customer retention and attraction. In seeking new customers, we look to industries that are economically healthy and still traveling, like food and beverage, pharmaceutical and continuing medical education companies.
What kind of packages are you putting out there?
We’ve created several great offerings, stand alone and combinable, which significantly increase the value of creating a program with us. These include airline credits, reduced cancellation and attrition clauses, customizable all-inclusive, and our popular “Meeting Stimulus” rebate, which we recently extended.
It’s been an especially difficult year for the incentives industry. How have you reached out?
We’ve taken extraordinary measures to entice the incentive customer through various media channels and direct sales efforts. Incentive programs make up a large part of our annual business, and I believe the Caribbean will continue to be a leader in that arena. The region has some of the world’s most beautiful locales and rewarding experiences.
Any predictions about the future of Caribbean meetings in the next five years?
I believe the core of what our Caribbean resorts deliver will remain the same—fantastic accommodations, memorable food and beverage events and an array of water sports and activities. What will evolve are unique attractions for families that accompany the incentive winners. Things like small kiosks for children to play online games, expanded Kids Clubs, excursions for women and children, etc. I also see the continued evolution of “green” meetings, as we look for new ways to decrease our carbon footprints.
What kind of encouragement would you like to pass along to prospective partners?
The value and array of special offerings available right now is unparalleled, making for the perfect time to get away and reward people for their hard work. Our portfolio of nine Paradise resorts gives groups a great selection of exotic destinations. And they can count on Marriott’s Spirit to Serve, which ensures abundant amenities, genuine care and highly-personalized experiences that make their stay unforgettable.
The U.S. Travel Association has developed a suite of materials to help you help your customers. Although the Treasury’s rules only apply to companies that have taken taxpayer assistance, these tools can be helpful with all businesses and associations.
Meetings Mean Business works to protect the millions of American jobs that depend on business travel and events. The campaign features forums for taking action, as well as essential information on the value of meetings, and hot issues and trends.
The U.S. Travel Association offers members access to the industry’s largest professional network and cutting-edge research, from segmented studies to hot topic alerts to the latest in government affairs.
In this down economy, it’s important to understand the need for continued use of incentives and meetings. This white paper highlights the numerous studies that show a clear relationship between motivation, the work environment, and bottom line profits.