My fellow watchers all of group travel news, listen up.
Group Hotel Demand in the United States is weaker than expected. We get this information from a very reliable source, Mr Marriott himself.
Speaking at engagements associated with New York University International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, J. W. Marriott Jr. (of Marriott Hotel fame) told his audience that he expects demand in the United States market to be softer than expected.
This was not a conference for the layman so he was using hotel marketing jargon like a decrease in growth of Marriott’s "RevPAR" to describe the weakening hotel demand. RevPAR just means revenue per room, or more simply how much money Marriott makes off all the rooms they have to sell. You know when these guys start talking about "softening RevPAR" they’re serious.
Mr. Marriott attributes the weakening demand to less weekend leisure demand and less last minute Group travel business.
Last minute Group travel business is good for hotels because they can charge more for them.
The bottom line on this story is to look for more group incentives in Marriott’s and elsewhere in the coming months. Also, book ahead to get the best rates! You heard it from Mr. Marriott himself…
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