NEWS

Marriott International and several destinations held news conferences at WEC. Let’s take a look at some new developments.

Michael Woody, chief tourism officer for the Galveston Island CVB, said that Galveston’s historic charm and affordability as a beach destination are giving the island plenty of offerings, from unique meeting spaces to bleisure-friendly attractions.

The city’s convention center offers 140,000 square feet, combining executive conference facilities with amenities. More than 700 guest rooms are adjacent to the center and another 1,400 are located within two miles.

Unique venues options include the Grand 1894 Opera House, the Bryan Museum and Moody Gardens, while outdoor options include Pleasure Pier, the Texas Seaport Museum and historic downtown Galveston.

The city also offers VICi, a 1975 Dodge Travco motorhome, remodeled and retrofitted for the 21st century, that serves as a mobile visitor information center.

Los Cabos reopened to tourism in June and recently assembled its health and safety efforts under an initiative called A Safer Way to Get Away #LosCabosWithCare. These efforts comprise destination-wide guidelines and certifications to ensure the well-being of visitors, the local community and the meeting industry. This includes strict and consistent health and safety protocols that have been implemented across the destination.

“Even though meetings, events and travel paused for a moment, the ability to help business event planners has not changed and the destination has successfully welcomed more than 290 international groups and events since its reopening date on June 15th,” said Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. “This is the result of the trust and confidence we have gained from all of our visitors thanks to the correct implementation of our health and safety protocols across the destination.”

Tammy Routh, senior vice president of global sales at Marriott International, addressed the company’s commitment to adapting its meeting and event offerings to address the unique concerns of our current time.

“Our goal is to serve as a true partner to our clients as we forge a path toward the ‘new normal’ in meetings together,” she said.

While virtual meetings have been a tremendous way to stay connected in the short term, they will never replace the benefits of face to face.

“We may even see ‘virtual meeting fatigue’ next year as more people grow anxious and ready to connect again in-person,” she said.

Visit Norfolk showed a sizzle video promoting the destination with the theme “Meet Where It Means Something.” Katie Castano, sales manager for Visit Norfolk, emphasized the open-air venues and walkable waterfront in downtown. She also highlighted hotels, cuisine, venues and the destination’s location and access for business and leisure.

Flights between Lima, the capital city of Peru, and 37 cities in the Americas are being resumed on Nov. 1, including seven cities in the U.S. Flights from Dallas resume Dec. 17.

International travelers are required to provide a negative PCR molecular coronavirus test result taken at most 72 hours prior to check-in, but no quarantine is needed upon arrival. Mask wearing is mandatory across the country.

Machu Picchu, which has reopened to visitors, was awarded the “Safe Travels” seal from the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Waco played a video featuring two of the city’s most famous residents, Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of the TV show Fixer Upper. They touted the city’s iconic destinations, including their own Magnolia complex, as well as the convention center.

“You’ve got to check it out,” Joanna Gaines said. “You’ll love it.”