'Hotels 2006' - Future Challenges And Opportunities
Hotels take centre stage on Meetings, Conference and Incentive Travel Day at World Travel Market on
OCTOBER 25, 2006. The importance and influence the hotel sector plays at the heart of the travel and tourism industry is reflected by the record number of hotel exhibitors and Meetings, Conference and Incentive Travel Day being sponsored for the first time by the Greek National Tourism Organisation.
Following the success and positive feedback of last year's hotel panel discussion, 'Hotels 2006' - on the World Stage at 14.00 - will review what has happened within the sector over the past year whilst looking at trends, opportunities and challenges to be faced in 2007.
'Hotels 2006' will be chaired by Peter Haigh, consultant and currently MPI UK President with the panel comprising of Kip Horton, Vice President Sales EMEA, Starwood; Irini Varda-Capsis, Commerical Director, Capsis Convention Centres and Resort Hotels and Bill Talbert, President and CEO, Greater Miami CVB.
Commenting on the sector Peter Haigh said: "The UK hotel market, and London in particular, showed surprising resilience this summer in the face of possible terrorist attacks and severe disruptions at all major airports. London, certainly at the top end of the market had a much better July and August than expected.
"Within the corporate market there is an increasing focus on conference and meeting spend with more companies purchasing software to assist in meetings management and consolidation. Along with this trend event organisers and meeting planners are being challenged to evaluate the effectiveness and measure the impact and success of their meetings and events to justify their expenditure."
The audience of travel professionals will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A session. No tickets are required. Seats allocated on a first come first served basis.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
