Many Americans are currently experiencing a drought in their finances due to the economic recession that is underway. Leisure travel to some Caribbean and American beachfront resorts is decreasing each year and many of these resorts are increasing their efforts to maximize meeting space, adding business centers on property and generally more "business friendly." Some beachfront resorts are on a mission to lure incentive and meeting planners in an effort to diversify their business mix.

Group business is seen as a way to hedge against the ups and downs of the leisure-travel industry, fill empty hotel rooms during shoulder and off-seasons and expose travelers to the destinations. It has been noted that meeting-goers typically generate three times more tourism dollars than leisure travelers and these beachfront resorts are very much aware of this reality. And now, more than ever, resorts understand the importance of servicing the meeting planner and conference attendee.

The constant question than runs through many people's minds is "How am I going to get any work done with all that sun and surf?" Well, truth be told, getting away to attend a meeting or conference in a luxurious, incentive filled beachfront resort has its advantages. Aside from the physical changes and upgrades some resorts have made to cater to group travelers and business travelers, the affect that this environment and ambiance has on an attendee can be quite fulfilling, and bring them into a more productive frame of mind. Most conferences and or business meetings are comprised of constant seminars, lectures and lots of networking. Many attendees might begin to feel a little overwhelmed by the conference schedule or feel as if they need a break from it all at times. This is precisely why a beachfront property would be beneficial to group travelers. For instance, many resorts on the beach come equipped with golf courses. Why not turn that 3:00 pm meeting with your top investors that was originally scheduled in a lobby ballroom to a 3:00 pm T-time on the golf course. Attendees can accomplish the same thing they would have in the meeting room, if not more, and feel more relaxed doing it.

EDEN ROC, A RENAISSANCE RESORT & SPA

Overlooking world-renowned Miami Beach on one side and the yachts and mansions of The Intracoastal Waterway on the other, the new Eden Roc embraces its role as a timeless treasure, yet welcomes guests with a gracious new contemporary spirit. With the redesign of its Resort Tower and the addition of the sleek new 21-story Ocean Tower, the Eden Roc has almost doubled in size from 349 guest rooms to 631 oversized guest rooms, suites and bi-level bungalow suites. In the new Ocean Tower, meetings and events will be even more glamorous with the creation of two new state-of-the-art ballrooms and a spectacular rooftop terrace. With this addition the Eden Roc offers 46,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor meeting space and 25,000 sq. ft of outdoor event space with breathtaking ocean and intracoastal views offering a wide selection of meeting venues from ballrooms, breakout rooms and exclusive penthouse meeting rooms to elegant outdoor sites including the ocean lawn. The famous Pompeii and Mona Lisa ballrooms have been restored to their original luster and enhanced with state-of-the-art technological advances.

The Eden Roc is also one of only two hotels on Miami Beach featuring a new state-of-the-art separate Kosher Kitchen for groups or social business. The Eden Roc is proud to be among the most eco-friendly resorts in the world. Every event hosted is built around green meeting principles, including the incorporation of hydration stations in all meeting rooms, green meeting essential stations, and the procurement of food and flowers from local, organic growers and the 100% reliance on eco-friendly, organic vendors.

The resort's new enhancements include an oasis of pools surrounded by gardens and waterfalls. The new ultra stylish Spa of Eden will open in early 2010 featuring 21,000 sq. ft. of elegantly appointed space, 18 treatment rooms and state-of-the-art Fitness center. Other leisure amenities include all new dining destinations offering exquisite cuisine, a cosmopolitan lobby bar, Starbucks, an upscale boutique, beach activities and a marina with charter yachts directly across the street. The Eden Roc is located directly on the ocean in the heart of Miami Beach, just minutes from Miami International Airport, Miami Beach Convention Center, South Beach nightlife, and world-class shopping, as well as cultural and sporting venues. For booking reservations call toll-free at (800) 319-5354 or visit the website at boldnewedenroc.com.

HOTEL MAYA

Located just across the bridge in Downtown Long Beach, next to the Historic Queen Mary, Hotel Maya seamlessly blends a relaxed resort feel with creative meeting and event space totaling over 20,000 sq ft. The food and beverage offerings have a distinctive Baja appeal. The Hotel's grounds, pool and waterside restaurant and lounge continue the exciting and escapist atmosphere. The result is a boutique hotel that is uniquely Long Beach!

On February 7, 2009 Hotel Maya, a distinctive Joie de Vivre Hotel, re-launched it's soft opening in Long Beach, where the striking yet soothing Latin American design fuses seamlessly with the Southern California lifestyle. Hotel Maya will be a luxury boutique hotel embodying the relaxed, creative, connected and escapist atmosphere of beach living, featuring four-star touches, guestrooms and suites with skyline and ocean views, outstanding culinary delights, and modern furnishings. This is the only Long Beach hotel to offer a waterfront ballroom and meeting space. Hotel Maya's waterfront property will be a premier destination for business and leisure travelers alike.

Hotel Maya is currently under renovation until June 30th. The property's new amenities will feature 200 guestrooms, which include a One/Two-Bedroom Suite, One Bi-Level Suite and 27 Deluxe Bay view Kings, Complimentary Wireless high-speed Internet access in all guestrooms, Ergonomic chair and work station designed with the business traveler in mind, 37" HDTV flat-screen TVs and a Business Center with Mac and PC computers. Additionally, the majority of rooms will include a private balcony with water view. Rooms will be equipped with AM/PM CD clock stereo with mp3/ipod adapter, complimentary HBO, refreshing aroma therapeutic bath products, hairdryer, coffeemaker, bathrobes in all guestrooms and an electronic safe. For more information please contact the Sales & Catering office at (5620 481-3897or go online to www.hotelmayalongbeach.com.


(CONTINUED)