WTM urges hotels to rethink leisure approach
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Leisure guests will become increasingly important for hotels in the post-recession years according to members of World Travel Market’s (WTM) Meridian Club. Talks held at Arsenal’s Emirates stadium showed that regional managers were concerned that budgets would remain tight even when the economy picks up. Hoteliers at the event said its bookings had been affected by company policies which stopped travellers staying in five-star hotels and made more use of video conferencing. “Corporations now want wi-fi access as part of the deal, and they are looking for free transfers, free phone calls and discounts on food and beverage which clearly affects our margins” one hotelier said. “It is possible that leisure travellers might now be more profitable than corporate guests.” However, it was discussed that guests expected a more inclusive product and expected more for their money. WTM Meridian Club Marketing Manager Mark Jacobsen said that emerging markets, foreign exchange rates and distribution were also covered at the meeting. “We will take on board what was said and use it to make sure World Travel Market is able to service the needs of all players in the challenging and dynamic hotel sector,” he added.
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