MultiBriefs - Your source for industry specific News Briefs

An open letter to tour company suppliers

Shebby Lee

I am a writer. Not surprisingly, I like to have my work read. Mostly I write tour descriptions, ad copy, newsletters or blogs encouraging prospective customers to book tours. But there are other uses for my golden prose, and it always surprises me that more travel professionals don’t take advantage of these opportunities to get to know their current and prospective clients better.

Best to book soon — and consider a multiyear strategy

David Gabri

The marketplace has simply changed. Have you? The increased demand for meetings, conventions and group incentive programs is rapidly changing the landscape in the meetings marketplace, particularly in the luxury-level and upper-tier sectors. Combine this with an upswing in attendance at both corporate and association programs, and planners may be increasingly at risk when it comes to securing the sites, facilities, precise patterns and terms and conditions they desire for their programs.

Have you ever had hire’s remorse?

Mel Kleiman

Employees are the most impressionable during their first weeks on the job — and even more so during their first few days. This is because people in unfamiliar territory are more alert for clues that will help them navigate the new terrain. Every bit of information gathered during this time will either reinforce your new hire's decision to take the job or lead to "new hire’s remorse."

Pitfalls and challenges of green spas

Beatrice (Vallant) Hochegger

The last article about green spas emphasized on benefits and advantages that go hand in hand with sustainable business practices. Increasing eco-efficiency, creating a positive image and motivating as well as attracting employees are just some worth mentioning. However, there are also challenges that need to be considered in the course of greening a spa.

Ground broken on Southwest’s new international terminal at Houston

Matt Falcus

Southwest Airlines has marked the beginning of its expansion at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport by breaking ground on its new International Terminal. Hobby is primarily a domestic airport with no international airline service, but corporate and general aviation traffic does regularly arrive from across the border in Mexico. In 2011, Southwest Airlines officially expressed interest in changing this by proposing the introduction of international flights.

Little comforts can enhance RV camping enjoyment

Laura Weaver

Camping in an RV is one of the most enjoyable experiences we have ever done. Surrounding ourselves with spectacular views, breathing lungfuls of fresh air, and listening to birds chirping and brooks babbling all contribute to a fulfilling camping experience. Being able to appreciate these things in the comforts of our RV only enhances this experience. It's the little things that make camping comfortable and give us the feeling that it's just like home.

Government shutdown will impact travel in a big way

Suzanne Mason

When the government last shut down in 1995-96, it cost U.S. taxpayers $1.4 billion, the Congressional Research Service estimates. It’s too early to tell how much the 2013 shutdown will cost taxpayers, but travel will take a significant hit. Here’s what travelers need to know.

Seeds of hope as Pittsburgh reopens concourse areas

Matt Falcus

Pittsburgh International Airport was once the largest hub of US Airways, handling almost 20 million passengers per year in 2000. Since those heady days, the airport has seen major decline and a fight to retain jobs and profits. But seeds of improvement are starting to show, with the airport announcing the reopening of two sections of its concourses. Nevertheless, passenger figures still pose challenges for the airport management.

Valdez proves to be a real treat in Alaska

Jerri Grubb

The summer of 2012 my husband and I, along with another couple, drove to Alaska. At the time we were there, it was wetter than usual and also chilly. One of my favorite spots in Alaska was Valdez. We spent several days there, the weather was wonderful, and the scenery was beautiful. From Anchorage, the drive to Valdez was breathtaking. There was an awesome scene around every turn.

Airport retail: Options, styles expanding rapidly

Bambi Majumdar

The latest airport retail trends show two distinct expansion characteristics — lateral and vertical. The former is natural, but it is the advent and addition of the latter that gives more depth to the trend and has made a complete 180-degree change in the airport retail scene.

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