As the government comes down on TARP-funded companies for their incentive programs, U.S. Travel (the former TIA) has issued a set of responses on behalf of the meeting industry. The organization has done a really terrific job inserting commentary into the media and changing the focus from TARP companies gone wild to the real value of incentive programs.
I know Castle has a vested interest in the success of the industry, but is it really so hard to understand that a well-executed incentive or meeting actually drives business, leading to revenue which then stimulates the economy?
Read below for a sample of recent media coverage on the issues and the impact on the meetings industry:
Hawaii hotelier asks Obama for an important favor
Pacific Business News
By Jim George
March 2, 2009
Gibson understands that the incentive-travel pot is an easy target for corporate executives struggling to balance budgets. What he doesn’t understand is why the national media and government at large continue to give travel to Hawaii a negative connotation.
“There’s a perception problem,” he says.
http://pacific.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2009/03/02/editorial3.html?b=1235970000%5E1786209
It’s Time To Fight AIG Effect
Hotels Magazine
By Jeff Weinstein
March 1, 2009
It all started when insurance industry giant American International Group (AIG) was blasted by Congress last fall for spending US$440,000 on an executive retreat at the St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach, in California after being bailed out with taxpayer money. Now this event has become a symbol of excess and greed, in many ways forcing meeting planners and corporate executives to find other solutions, and other venues, to conduct business.
http://www.hotelsmag.com/article/CA6639669.html?industryid=47565
MPI Launches New Web Resource To Emphasise The Value of Meetings in Crisis Time
Focus on Travel News
By Ozgur Tore
March 2, 2009
MPI is also part of a coalition of organizations including American Hotel and Lodging Association, Destination Marketing Association International, International Association of Exhibitions and Events, National Business Travel Association, Maritz Travel, Professional Convention Management Association, SITE (Society of Incentive & Travel Executives) and U.S. Travel Association that also emerged to unify the industry behind a common message to regulators and media.
http://www.ftnnews.com/content/view/5165/29/lang,english/
Travel Leaders Shows How to Travel in a Tough Economy
Travel Agent
March 2, 2009
“As one of America’s largest industries, travel and tourism is the vital lifeblood that courses through our nation’s veins. Continued corporate and leisure travel strongly contributes to a healthier economy,” stated Block. “While we can appreciate and understand why many individuals may be reconsidering their travel plans, our Travel Leaders nationally are advising their clients on the most effective ways to stretch their dollars for maximum value.”
http://www.travelagentcentral.com/consortia/travel-leaders-shows-how-travel-tough-economy-13433
Two-Way Street 