ConnectWorldwide in Hotel Business News Magazine
ConnectWorldwide History
September 15th, 2011
Connect-worldwide opens office in Russia.
September 12th, 2011
Connect-Worldwide Canada awarded Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Public Relations Contract for Canada
September 1st, 2011
Connect-worldwide has established Connect-Worldwide USA based in New York
August 1, 2011
Connect-Worldwide announces France Office
June 1st, 2011
Accor Partners with Connect-Worldwide to strengthen distribution in India.
March 8th, 2011
Connect-Worldwide Acquires the Destination Marketing Division from Vision|Co and establishes Connect-Worldwide Canada. New Clients include New York, San Francisco, North Carolina, and Arizona.
February 15th, 2011
Virginia Tourism Corporation has selected Connect-Worldwide South Korea, Japan and China to represent sales and marketing project needs in Asia.
February 1st, 2011
Fiesta Hotel Group has selected Connect-Worldwide for MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conventions & Exhibitions)representation services in the U.S. and Canada.
January 1st, 2011
The Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau has selected Connect-Worldwide to represent their sales and marketing needs in Japan.
October 6th, 2010
Royal Resorts has selected Connect-Worldwide for tour operator sales in the United
States and Canada.
September 1st, 2010
Travel South USA selects Connect-Worldwide Canada and Connect-Worldwide Italy to represent their sales and marketing needs.
July 1st, 2010
Formation of Connect-Worldwide Japan Co., Ltd.
July 1st, 2010
Argentina appoints Connect-Worldwide for development of 2011 sales and marketing plan
February 1st, 2010
Utell Hotels and Resorts appoints Connect-Worldwide Belgium to represent their sales and marketing needs in Belgium.
October 1st, 2009
Managing Directors Mauricio Gonzalez and Ana Mari Bordallo have been elected as President of the Visit USA committees in their countries.
September 1st, 2009
Utell Hotels and Resorts has appointed Connect-Worldwide Benelux to represent their sales and marketing needs in The Netherlands.
July 1st, 2009
Paradores Hotels has appointed Connect-Worldwide Italy and Connect-Worldwide Canada to represent their sales and marketing needs.
January 1st, 2009
Travel Oregon has selected Connect-Worldwide Mexico to represent their sales and marketing needs in Mexico.
January 1st, 2009
Thistle and Guoman Hotels increase their partnership and appoints Connect-Worldwide India as their sales and marketing partner.
September 22nd, 2008
The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau has selected Connect-Worldwide Mexico as their representation company.
August 12th, 2008
The Nevada Commission on Tourism today announced the appointment of Connect-Worldwide
as their representation company in South Korea.
July 2nd, 2008
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced the appointment Connect-Worldwide
International.
July 1st, 2008
Connect-Worldwide Benelux awarded office of the Year
2007.
February 1st, 2007
ThistleHotels and Guoman Hotels brands announced major expansion to its international sales and marketing team with the appointment of Connect-Worldwide.
November 1st, 2006
Netherlands based Tourism in Action awards global representation contract of TravelDNA to
Connect Worldwide.
August 1st, 2006
Connect-Worldwide is pleased to announce Connect-Worldwide Chile.
April 1st, 2006
Connect-Worldwide opens new office in South Africa.
January 1st, 2006
Connect-Worldwide signs agreement with Ginn Clubs & Resorts.
January 1st, 2006
Connect-Worldwide opens new headquarter office in Scottsdale, Arizona
October 5th, 2005
Connect-Worldwide adds 67 properties in the US to its global representation portfolio as a direct result of Choice Hotels acquiring the Franchise System of 67 Suburban Extended Stay hotels.
September 5th, 2005
Connect-Worldwide UK awarded office of the Year in 2004.
July 1st, 2005
Smart Destinations has increased their worldwide distribution by selecting Connect-Worldwide:
June 15th, 2005
Connect-Worldwide announces new office in the Caribbean.
June 1st, 2005
Connect-Worldwide announces the signing of a representation agreement with Allson Hotels based in
Malaysia.
May 1st, 2005
Connect-Worldwide open offices in Spain and in Central America
February 1st, 2005
Smart Destinations Inc announced the appointment of Connect-Worldwide UK.
January 1st, 2005
Connect-Worldwide CEO Eric Otto works with several local business leaders to aid Tsunami victims
in Indonesia.
September 1st, 2004
Connect-Worldwide open Eastern Europe office in Budapest, Hungary.
August 1st, 2004
Choice Hotels Brazil has selected the Connect-Worldwide European sales and marketing
offices to assist them in developing business.
July 1st, 2004
Vasudha Sondhi of India awarded Office of the year for 2003.
July 1st, 2004
Connect-Worldwide has opened a new Connect-Worldwide Mexico office.
January 1st, 2004
Connect-Worldwide accepted as a member of Travel Industry Association of America.
December 1st, 2003
Connect-Worldwide announces the opening of the Connect-Worldwide affiliate office in Russia.
December 1st, 2003
Connect-Worldwide announces the opening of the Connect-Worldwide affiliate office in Jordan
November 1st, 2003
Connect-Worldwide celebrates its first year anniversary.
November 1st, 2003
Connect-Worldwide announces the opening of Ireland office
September 20th, 2003
Connect-Worldwide opens office in Germany.
August 25th, 2003
Connect-Worldwide opens office in the UK.
July 7th, 2003
Connect-Worldwide recently acquired www.generalsalesagent.co www.travelrepresentation.com
June 15th, 2003
Choice Hotels International selects Connect-Worldwide for additional seven markets
April 10th, 2003
Connect-worldwide announces new offices in Venezuela and the Netherlands.
April 1st, 2003
Choice Hotels International selects Connect-Worldwide for sales and marketing
representation in Central America.
March 2003
Connect-Worldwide changes status from LLC to S-Corporatio
January 1st, 200
Connect-Worldwide signs agreement with Choice Hotels for representation in 15 countries
September 2002
Connect-Worldwide is registered as an LLC at a cost of $86.00
Record-Setting International Visitor Spending in July
Below is a press release from the Office of Travel & Tourism Industries (OTTI)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Statement from Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank on International Travel to the United States in July 2011
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce announced today that international visitors spent a record-setting $13.3 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during the month of July – $1.8 billion or 15 percent more than was spent in July 2010. International visitors have spent an estimated $86.9 billion on U.S. travel and tourism-related goods and services year to date (January through July), an increase of 13 percent when compared to the same period in 2010. Americans have spent nearly $63.7 billion abroad year to date (up 8%) – resulting in a $23.2
billion trade surplus for travel and tourism through the first half of 2011.
“Today’s numbers underline the vital role travel and tourism plays in strengthening the U.S. economy, helping to create jobs in communities across the United States,” Blank said. “The industry is also an important part of America’s exports success story. Travel and tourism accounts for 26 percent of exports in services and 7 percent of all U.S. exports, and helps to achieve President Obama’s National Export Initiative goal of doubling exports by 2015.”
This service is provided free of charge by: Office of Travel and Tourism Industries.
Some Good News for Mexico Tourism
Anytime we at Connect-Worldwide hear about uplifting news in the tourism industry we get very excited. This time around it’s about Mexico, a country that has seen a boost in the travel sector over the past two years! This has all happened in the midst of negative connotations it has received regarding travel safety…
Bret Stephens of The Wall Street Journal recently discussed President Calderon’s editorial board visit to say, “Yet a funny thing happened on the way to Mexico being called another failed state. To wit, the “failed state” boomed.” In 2010, twenty-two million tourists visited Mexico, trade with the U.S. reached an all-time high of nearly $400 billion and, in Ciudad Juárez, the maquiladora industries added some 20,000 jobs.
The percentage of the population living below the poverty line declined to 47.4 percent in 2008, literacy rates surpassed 90 percent and life expectancy continues to rise to near-First World levels. In Mexico City, home to some 20 million people, the murder rateactually fell over the last decade and, in 2009, it was about one quarter of the rate in Washington,D.C:
http://online.wsj.com/article/global_view.html
Mexico continues to grow its international conventions and meetings industry and has been ranked 22nd worldwide in terms of such events by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). This marks an increase of seven positions from 2009.
“Destinations and entities continue to invest in infrastructure, equipment and services… But Mexico has much more to offer,” said Gloria Guevara Manzo, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism. “In order to continue our competitiveness, we will also promote less well-known destinations that can be of interest for international conventions.”
Corporation for Travel Promotion budget hits $500 million
The 43rd annual Pow Wow US travel trade show has just completed in San Francisco, with the declaration that the Corporation for Travel Promotion now has half a billion dollars in funding available to market the USA to the rest of the world.
Stephen Cloobeck, chairman of the new Corporation for Travel Promotion, also chairman and chief executive of Diamond Resorts International, said it had a $200 million budget to promote the US, and that sum, combined with the work of the individual convention and tourism offices, meant there was now half a billion dollars available to market the USA internationally.
He described the new Corporation as a “game changer” and the USA as a “sleeping giant that has awoken.” He added: “Every other country will now be watching the USA – because we know how to compete.”
Pow Wow delegates were shown a new video to promote the work of the Corporation and highlight US attractions, which ends with the tagline” “Come visit the USA”.
But actual marketing activity will not begin until later this fall. It is anticipated that WTM in November in London will be a good kick-off date.
The newly appointed chief executive, Jim Evans, said the board was working towards making the USA “the most welcoming and interesting tourist destination in the world”. He said that the board had accomplished a great deal since its creation in September last year, and would build on that momentum going forward.
He also said that the corporation would be canvassing US travel partners for their ideas. “We want this program to deliver maximum results to our partners around the world,” he added. But initially his work will be to set up the infrastructure for a successful and long-term corporation. One of the first things on the list is to hire a CMO.
The CMO will establish the USA brand and develop it globally, so it will be a key position. It is a crucially important position.
There is much work to do, but in the end we are excited about the fact that the USA will be able to compete globally for the global travel dollars and reverse the declining market share trends.
Impact of Japan Earthquake Disaster on Tourism
Apr 15 2011
The tourism community around the world is assessing the impact of the recent earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear reactor disaster in Japan, and how it will affect outbound travel from Japan to the rest of the world. Most countries have extended well wishes for the people of Japan, many countries have offered financial and resource support but are now beginning to wonder how it will affect tourism to their country/region or city.
When the country suffers a national crisis, Japanese people feel a sense of responsibility toward their country, and travel outside the country declines. This cultural characteristic, along with practical reasons for staying within the country will ,at least temporarily, reduce tourism around the world.
Japanese tourists to the United States are among the top visitors in the world. Tourism to Hawaii includes almost 20% from Japan. Hawaii is already projecting a possible two billion dollar decline in tourism from Japan tourists in 2011.
According to the Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau, HVCB, tourist arrivals from Japan grew by 18% from January of 2010, spending on average of $288 USD per person, per day. Timeshares increased steadily with Japanese visitors as well. The number of Japanese traveling for incentives tripled in January, 2011.
HVCB reports that the USA west coast arrivals to Hawaii grew by almost 13% last year, each person spending almost $150 per day. The Big Island, Hawaii, increased traffic almost 10%, spending on the big island, Hawaii, rose almost 24% in January.
Other countries already predicting loss of tourism and financial revenue include Thailand, Australia, Nepal and Indonesia.
While the short term effect of the Japan disaster is affecting travel negatively, we at Connect-Worldwide believe that Japan will blossom over the next few years as it rebuilds. We confidently predict that the stagnation period in Japan will give way to a vibrant renewed and exciting economy resulting in increased travel, well beyond the levels of recent years.
Connect-Worldwide is actively working with destination and travel clients to support them through this difficult period and prepare them for a much brighter and exciting future. Our great team in Japan is carefully but resolutely guiding us as we explore the outstanding opportunities in travel over the coming years.
We wish the people of Japan continued strength.
Tourism has been identified by more than half of the world’s poorest countries as an effective means to take part in the global economy and reduce poverty.
According to WTO (World Tourism Organization) Tourism is increasingly a major, if not the main, source of growth, employment, income and revenue for many of the world’s developing countries. The sector is currently the first or second source of export earnings in 20 of the 48 Least Developed Countries, and is demonstrating steady growth in at least 10 others. As such, tourism has become one of the main engines of socioeconomic progress for many countries and a development priority for a majority of the developing nations.
Boosted by improved economic conditions worldwide, international tourism has recovered faster than expected from the impacts of the global financial crisis and economic recession of late 2008 and 2009. International tourist arrivals in 2010 were up by 6.7% compared to 2009, with positive growth reported in all world regions. Worldwide, the number of international tourist arrivals reached 935 million, up 58 million from 2009 and 22 million more than the pre-crisis peak level of 2008 (913 million).
While all regions posted growth in international tourist arrivals, emerging economies remain the main drivers of this recovery. This multi-speed recovery, lower in advanced economies (+5%), faster in emerging ones (+8%), is a reflection of the broader global economic situation and is set to dominate 2011 and the foreseeable future.
The recovery in international tourism is good news, especially for those developing countries that rely on the sector for much-needed revenue and jobs. The challenge now will be to consolidate this growth over the coming years amid a still uncertain global economic environment.
Connect-Worldwide is working with several developing nations to develop plans to increase tourism. Developing country representation and support are key initiatives in the five year plan for Connect-Worldwide
ConnectWorldwide predicts significant increase in inbound travel to the US in 2011
The stars seem to be aligned for a strong year 2011 for inbound travel to the US. The dollar is at a reasonably low level compared to the major currencies, advance bookings are up by double digits, and emerging travel markets such as China, India, and Brazil are showing unprecedented growth.
If we look closer at the top inbound markets to the US, we find that the growth had already begun in 2010.
JAPAN
- Japan tour operators reported in the U.S. Department of Commerce sponsored Japan Travel Trade Barometer (as of October 26 – November 19, 2010) that bookings for travel to the United States in the fourth quarter 2010 are projected to remain positive.
- Two thirds (64%) of the trade project higher bookings in the fourth quarter 2010, and nearly one in ten (7%) project much higher bookings compared to fourth quarter 2009.
- 2011 bookings are projected to continue to grow. Two thirds (64%) of the trade project higher bookings and nearly one in ten (7%) project much higher bookings for the first quarter 2011 compared to the first quarter 2010.
GERMANY
- According to the U.S. Department of Commerce sponsored Germany Travel Trade Barometer, half of the German tour operators reported (as of October 18 – November 27, 2010) that bookings to the United States would continue to grow through fourth quarter 2010. One fifth of those respondents projected bookings to be much higher compared to last year.
- Bookings are projected by the trade to stall in the first quarter 2011. One in three (30%) German tour operators project that bookings will continue to be higher into the first quarter 2011. However, six in ten (60%) respondents project bookings to be about the same in the beginning of 2011.
CANADA
- On average, fourth quarter 2010 bookings from Canada to the United States are projected to be up, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce sponsored Canada Travel Trade Barometer (reported as of October 26 – November 26, 2010).
- Canadian tour operators upgraded the change in bookings for fourth quarter 2010 from the previous survey session from flat to higher.
- Bookings are also projected to be higher at the beginning of 2011. Seven in ten respondents projected first quarter 2011 bookings to be higher.
MEXICO
- According to the U.S. Department of Commerce sponsored Mexico Travel Trade Barometer, a strong majority (83%) of Mexican tour operators reported (as of October 26 – November 26, 2010) that fourth quarter bookings will be higher.
- All of the trade projected bookings to increase in the beginning of 2011. Just over two thirds (67%) of the respondents projected bookings to be higher. Another one third (33%) projected bookings from Mexico to the United States to be much higher.
So good news! We project that, barring any major events, this growth pattern continues for at least the next 4-5 years. What remains to be seen is if the US-inbound travel can keep pace with international travel growth around the world and keep its share of international travelers.
Partnerships Are Essential to Growth in the Travel Industry
Meaningful partnerships are the foundation for success. Partnerships are what enable many travel companies to grow. By sharing with others, hotel companies, airlines, cruise lines, destinations and car rental companies can direct resources and capabilities to revenue improvement projects and growth ambitions.
Partnership is usually defined as a voluntary collaborative agreement between two or more parties in which all participants agree to work together to achieve a common purpose or undertake a specific task and to share risks, responsibilities, resources, competencies and benefits.
At Connect-Worldwide we believe that meaningful partnerships are the foundation for success. Partnerships are what enable our company and our clients to make continuous improvements. By sharing with others, we can direct resources and capabilities to generate revenue for our clients.
Recent travel industry partnership examples are Marriott and Cosmopolitan Resort Las Vegas, Pegasus and HP, Southwest and Volaris, Vacation.com and Tauck, Disney and Alamo, United and Air Canada, and British Airways and Iberia.
When two parties leverage their assets, resources, expertise, client base etc. for the mutual benefit of both, partnering results in synergies.
Connect-Worldwide successfully partners with companies such as Choice Hotels, Royal Resorts, Paradores Hoteles, Utell, Las Vegas, Houston, etc. for the development of tourism and hotel revenue and is looking for additional representation partnerships.
Today the most successful companies build bridges, and the selection of strategic partners with whom to collaborate is becoming more and more important.
International Trade Shows for the Travel Industry – Are they still relevant?
We are on our way to London to attend World Travel Market. The show is held every year in November and it is one of the largest Travel Industry gatherings in the world. The trip is costly, hotels are at a premium and we will be out of the office for an entire week.
So in this day and age with the ability to connect with customers, partners and employees around the world does it still make sense to attend tradeshows such as ITB in Germany, FIT in Argentina, ABAV in Brazil, Pow-Wow in the USA etc. Some people think Trade Shows are or Trade Fairs are a marketing method from a bygone era.
At one point in time, Trade Shows were a staple in most travel company’s marketing budget. But in this Internet age, they have been greatly reduced in the marketing mix, if not taken completely out of the picture. Some Cruise Lines hotel companies and airlines have completely disappeared from the list of exhibitors.
There are many reasons for this. First and foremost, the ROI of tradeshows was always very questionable for most exhibitors. In marketing departments there were discussions during budget time, on whether to continue the expense of the expensive global shows. They always seemed important to be at, but usually it was pretty difficult to make a direct correlation to enough actual revenue, to justify the large expense. As the Internet became more prominent, this ROI looked even worse in comparison–as it did for many other “offline” marketing methods, such as traditional direct mail and print advertising. In some cases the shows became more of a resume exchange venue than a business opportunity venue.
So are tradeshows now obsolete? Probably not, and for us it is still a great way to meet existing and future customers and partners. Where can we go to one venue and meet clients from all continents? And what would the cost be to fly to see all those customers? The importance to be face to face with our customers and partners is still extremely important.
So we are glad the global travel tradeshows are still around. But we have to be smart about how we go to these tradeshows.
If we just fly to a city, set up your booth, and wait for new customers to flock by to see us–we are likely to be very disappointed in the return on investment. The key is preparation and planning, to make sure our results are optimized and we come back home with concrete results.
See you in London. Travel safe.
