Welcome to the ConventionSouth Blog. Here, ConventionSouth Managing Editor Marlane Bundock, posts weekly information, news, perspectives and insight on the meetings industry as well as the hospitality industry in the South. But don't just read what she has to say. Add a thread to give her your feedback. Post your opinion of her blog, share ideas with others, pose a question or just let her know what concerns you as a meeting pro. Your thoughts will help her resource more in-depth content for this website and each issue of ConventionSouth. Make sure you check back here each week for updated blogs. And, follow Marlane's ConventionSouth Twitter.com page at Twitter.com/ConventionSouth to get updated messages from the ConventionSouth Newsroom that can be sent directly to your e-mail or mobile device. Enjoy! | 05/22/2009 11:00 AM - Marlane's Blog | |
| Earlier this wee, the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation approved S. 1023, the "Travel Promotion Act of 2009." The bipartisan legislation, led by Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and John Ensign (R-NV) creates a public-private partnership with a budget of up to $200 million annually to attract international travelers to the United States by better communicating America's security policies and competing for visitors. According to an analysis by Oxford Economics, the program could drive $4 billion annually in new spending by international travelers to the United States. Roger Dow, president/CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, was of the many travel industry professionals that praised the act. "Our nation's economy is struggling and international travel promotion is part of the solution. This much-needed legislation will help the United States to create thousands of new jobs and welcome billions in new spending by international visitors." The Travel Promotion Act specifies that travel promotion would be paid for by private sector contributions and a $10 fee on foreign travelers from countries that do not pay $131 for a visa to enter the United States. The legislation requires no contributions from U.S. taxpayers. Similar legislation was introduced in the Senate and passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, but did not receive a vote before the Senate adjourned. Overseas visitors spend an average of $4,500 per person, per trip in the United States. For more information, visit www.poweroftravel.org. | |
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Was an event held at your site or destination creatively and professionally executed? If so, nominate the event and planner for inclusion in the December special awards and recognition issue.
GoIn the December 2010 issue of ConventionSouth, editors will include profiles of meeting planners whose creativity has been recognized by you. Nominate meeting planners for this recognition.
GoThe December 2010 issue of ConventionSouth will highlight some of the South's most creative and professional convention and visitors bureaus and meeting sites as selected by you.
GoThe December 2010 issue of ConventionSouth will highlight some of the South's top meeting sites that are newly opened and top sites that have recently renovated or expanded.
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