Travel Agent - November 12, 2007 - (Page 78)

BUSINESS TR AVEL IT SHOULDN’T SHOCK ANYONE TO HEAR THAT HOTEL RATES IN THE COMING YEAR WILL CONTINUE TO RISE, due to a squeeze on the market from both the business and leisure sides of the industry. This means that for the fifth straight year since 2003, when travel started to rebound from the effects of 9/11, corporate travel managers can expect another tough negotiating season for hotel rates. “Across the globe, the industry continues to favor hoteliers, with the sharpest increases in the Pacific/Asia region,” says Mike Streit, vice president and global leader of American Express Business Travel Advisory Services, which recently released its Global Business Travel Forecast, based on research of supplier markets and regional economic trends. “In North America, rates will continue to climb, but at a slower pace than in previous years,” Streit says, adding that hoteliers may set minimum or maximum stays during peak periods. The highest increases are happening in the upper-tier properties, particularly in Europe where business travelers have to compete with vacationers for hotel rooms. “In France, rates are expected to continue to see healthy demand, as Paris remains popular with both business and leisure travelers,” says Priscilla Campbell, practice leader of hotels for AmEx’s advisory services. “Cities surrounding London also will feel the supply pinch.” A Tough Season Ahead Rising rates and demand give hotels edge in price negotiating BY JENNIFER MERRITT Truly the local expert! Gray Line of Alaska will build custom vacation packages with flexible sightseeing, comfortable accommodations and various meal options combined with an extensive array of transportation modes. Commitment to exceptional service and our dedication to providing customized itineraries make us the best choice in Alaska. We offer more options in Alaska – glacier viewing, gold panning, luxury rail travel, bear viewing, flightseeing, fishing excursions, custom charters, and more! Call for rates and reservations: 1-800-544-2206 www.graylineofalaska.com Book your clients online, learn about travel specials for your clients and discount travel to Alaska for yourself. Login at http://graylinealaska.com/industrytrade.cfm Interested? Request #032. 78 | TravelAgent November 12, 2007 http://www.graylineofalaska.com http://www.graylineofalaska.com http://graylinealaska.com/industrytrade.cfm

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - November 12, 2007

Travel Agent - November 12, 2007 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe: Berlin Has a Vibrant Arts Scene Central & South America: Iberostar Grand Amazon: Adventure, but with Upscale Cruise Comforts Culinary Tours in Argentina and Peru Belize Eco-Lodge Packages Pacific/Asia: Bali Awaits Discovery by U.S. Tourists Las Vegas: Three Days in Vegas for Baby Boomers Caribbean & Bahamas: CTO’s Chairman Sees Growth in the Market Dominica’s New Tourism Director Discusses Challenges and Opportunities for His Island St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Where Less is More St. Maarten as a Destination for Foodies Tours: Sunshine and Disney are Just Two of Florida’s Options Cruises: Theme Cruises Generate Demand and Revenue Oceania’s Sales and Fleet are Growing Cruise Deals Cover Story: The New Wave Supplier Profile: Viking River Cruises Launches Land-Only Tour Operation Air Lift: Sabre Takes UpSell to the Skies A Tough Season Ahead: Rising Rates and Demand Give Hotels Edge in Price Negotiating Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Caribbean Tourism Conference Cruise and Hotel News Trends In U.S. Travel to France Disneyland Upgrade Travel Week In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - November 12, 2007

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