With a record number of hotel exhibitors WTM, for the first time, is hosting on the World Stage a major Hotels 2005 panel discussion on November 15.
This recognises the importance and influence the sector plays at the heart of the travel and tourism industry.
WTM has brought together David Kong, president and chief executive officer, Best Western, Reas Kondraschow, senior vice-president and managing director, Cendant Hotel Group International, Jurgen Fischer, president, commercial operations, Hilton Group, and Gerard Greene, CEO Yotel, to discuss the future of the hotel industry with particular reference to the meetings, conference and incentive travel sector.
What are the key issues and trends set to affect the sector over the next five years? How can hotels, whether independent or as part of a multinational group, differentiate in a crowded market? In such competitive times can customer loyalty be guaranteed? Can the sector learn lessons from other areas of the travel and tourism industry?
Additionally, reflecting the emphasis of the day on the meetings, conference and incentive travel sector the panel will tackle some specific issues of particular relevance.
It is no secret that many meeting planners have numerous gripes when it comes to dealing with hotels primarily because they do not seem to value the conference and incentive market when it comes to dealing with enquiries relating to space facilities or basic questions concerning room capacity, ceiling height or even the price of a bottle of champagne. What needs to be done to change this perception?
Staff turnover has greater impact on delegates than it does on leisure guests. How can hoteliers avoid high staff turnover? And do hoteliers really recognise the true worth of professional site inspections as they are an integral part of deciding where to hold an event, conference or incentive trip? The audience of travel professionals will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A session.