SPECIAL REPORT
Q3 and Q4 bookings are tracking ahead of pre-COVID numbers ,” says Deanna Zuber-Galloway , director of sales , events and marketing . Through July , her team was focused on local and regional clients looking for an intimate upscale experience , often for high-end retreats or incentive programs . An executive retreat package for up to about 15 offers a menu of activities such as picnic lunches , yoga , bootcamp or aquatic fitness activities , teambuilding s ’ mores and star search events , a mixology demo and dinner in the resort ’ s herb garden .
Lisa Bush , director of sales and marketing for Thompson Nashville in Tennessee , says groups are seeking creative add-ons for their events , with health and well-being a common interest . The hotel introduced Executive Performance ,
IT ’ S ABOUT PARTNERING ON FLEXIBILITY AND SHARING BEST PRACTICES TO HELP OUR CUSTOMERS SELL THE POWER OF IN-PERSON MEETINGS TO THEIR OWN INTERNAL DECISION MAKERS .
– JULIUS ROBINSON , MARRIOTT
At Dromoland Castle in County Clare , Ireland , activities like canoeing and paddleboarding are drawing leisure guests . working with a local wellness company . An IV infusion is designed to increase energy levels , sharpen focus , reduce fatigue and maximize performance . The hotel also offers guided yoga sessions , rooftop group exercise classes and juice bar breaks .
One factor that has affected the group sales process : in-person visits are rare these days . First Hospitality put together virtual tours to help meeting planners get a sense for properties ; those tours are available to individual travelers as well . “ With fewer people touring our hotels , another thing we ’ re focused on is group response time ,” Fishel says . “ Since we ’ re less likely to have multiple chances to interact with the client , we have two priorities : we have to be the quickest to respond , and we have to make sure we have a competitive bid .” Improved analytics
94 hotelsmag . com September / October 2021