Meeting News - June 16, 2008 - (Page 48) Destination Insider: Bermuda Edited by William Ng william.ng@nielsen.com Comeback Begins with Group Business By Bob Curley Bermuda has had its ups and downs as a meetings destination in recent years, but it may be poised for an upswing thanks to the renewal of a deal on group travel, diversified marketing, and airlift at a historically high level. The former British territory off the Carolina coast once suffered from a reputation as a pricey destination that was also expensive to get to, but airlines like JetBlue and USA3000 have helped knock down airfares and boost service from the East Coast. “Airfares are half what they were three or four years ago and are much more in line with fares to Florida from New York and are competitive or lower than those for the Caribbean,” said Mike Winfield, manager of Cambridge Beaches resort, and president of the Bermuda Hotel Association. After an extended tourism slump, Bermuda rebounded as hotel companies began renovating key properties. Since 2003, the owners of the island’s two Fairmont hotels have poured in $100 million. Group business was “gangbusters” in 2006-07, according to Shelley Meszoly, regional director of sales and marketing for the Fairmont Hamilton Princess and the Fairmont Southampton. But business has been tempered by the the current economic slump in the U.S., which supplies most of Bermuda’s tourists. “Last year was exceptional for group business in Bermuda, but 2008 has been softer. I don’t think anyone would say it’s a big downturn, but we are back to 2006 levels,” said Cambridge Beaches’ Winfield. “A large percentage of our business is from the U.S., and most of [the decline is due to the U.S.] economy.” “Our volume of leads has dropped by half since January, similar to a lot of other resort destinations,” said Meszoly. “We’re converting what we’re getting, Bermuda’s Two Fairmont Hotels Complete Major Renovations The Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda’s premier meeting venue, has just completed a renovation of all of its guest rooms and public spaces, while its sister Fairmont Hamilton Princess has added a “resort within a resort” in the new Bermudiana House. The Southampton’s renovation included a wallsout refurbishment of the hotel’s 50,000 sf of meeting space, including new AV equipment, carpets and drapes, temperature controls, and soundproofing. Outside, event capacity on the hotel’s private beach was raised, the Ocean Club beachfront restaurant received a makeover with an Asian fusion twist, and the hotel’s Great Lawn was spruced up for group events. “The hotel is completely redone now,” said Shelley Meszoly, regional director of sales and marketing for the two hotels. The 112-room Bermudiana House at the Hamilton Princess, a complete renovation of the hotel’s former Bay Wing, occupies a spit of waterfront land and provides a more intimate residential feel for guests than the main building. The property offers a unique buyout opportunity for midsize groups in Bermuda, said Jon Crellin, Hamilton Princess’ general manager. “You’re able to have 112 rooms that are exactly the same,” he said. The Bermudiana House’s pool can be used for private events, and group registration can be conducted in the lobby, he noted. In addition to taking part in Bermuda’s $200per-delegate winter incentive program, the Fairmont hotels are offering the Meet in Bermuda deal, starting at $199 per night for travel through Oct. 31, 2008, with half off staff rooms, one free room for every 30 booked, and other perks. —BC but there definitely are some economic issues. People are worried about going offshore in a time of economic uncertainty.” Bermuda continues to play to its strengths, such as its proximity to the East Coast, affluent and safe environment, and European-flavored experience at U.S. prices. But it has a $200-per-delegate offer for groups of at least 15 rooms and three nights that visit between November 2008 and March 2009. Cambridge Beaches, Coco Reefs, Elbow Beach, the two Fairmonts, Grotto Bay, and the Pompano Beach Club are taking part in the program, while the new Tucker’s Point Club will participate in fall 2009. “If you have 100 people, that’s $20,000 [off] your master account,” noted Meszoly, of the savings. Bermuda’s boosters say they are seeing signs of bookings picking up for next year, and that more groups are originating from Canada, the U.K., Germany, and Italy, taking advantage of the U.S. dollar. However, even U.S. groups will enjoy “Meeting Season” rates that are half off Bermuda’s summer rates. Winfield said that climate change may also be making Bermuda a more attractive off-season destination, with warm air and water temperatures lasting as late as Christmas. November and December are being billed as part of Meeting Season and a as time for golf or tennis, but the beach now isn’t out of the question, said Winfield. “That’s the time of year, if I were a meeting planner, that I would focus my attention on Bermuda.” Fairmont Hamilton Princess has redone the Bay Wing into the Bermudiana House. Tucker’s Point Club Caters the High-End Opening in April 2009, Tucker’s Point Club will have just 88 rooms but 5,000 sf of meeting space, and officials hope to attract groups of 10 rooms or more for board and management meetings and top-level incentives. Meeting facilities will include a three-way-divisible, 2,700-sf ballroom and event space at a golf clubhouse. Service will be a key component of the property's appeal, said Ann Walker, sales and marketing director; guests will be greeted at the airport and escorted directly to their rooms. “The fact that we’re just 10 minutes from the airport is a huge plus, especially for board members and seniorlevel events,” Walker added. The first new luxury hotel to be built in Bermuda in decades, Tucker’s Point will feature a 9,000sf spa, 18 holes of golf, a dive shop, and four restaurants. Walker expects groups to comprise 60 percent of the hotel’s business. r —BC www.meetingnews.com 48 MeetingNews June 16, 2008 http://www.meetingnews.com
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