June 2010

You are currently browsing the monthly archive for June 2010.

Smoking Ban Guidance & Resources for Lodging Properties

June 3, 2010 in WH&LA Membership Features | No comments

We are pleased to provide to members three new resources specifically relating to the State Smoking Ban which goes into effect July 5th throughout the state. All of the following resources are available at the WH&LA Smoking Ban Resource page.

  1. The WH&LA Smoking Ban Guide for Wisconsin Lodging Properties. This Guide provides all lodging properties with the information needed to comply with the new Smoking Ban Law, as well as implications unique to lodging that you will need to consider and prepare for as a result of the Law
  2. The WH&LA Smoking Ban Guide – for Smoke-Free Lodging Properties. This version covers just the information that is pertinent to properties that are already “Smoke-Free”. These properties will still have new obligations and considerations under the Smoking Ban Law, so it is important to review this information if you are already Smoke-Free.
  3. Sample Smoking Ban Signage. With language and a design approved by the Department of Commerce, the entity responsible for rules on signage for the smoking ban, this will inform guests of the new law as well as the penalties and actions the law requires. It is designed to be placed in your lobby area near or at the Front Desk, to ensure guests can see it, in compliance with the new law. The suggested signage is available in full-page, half-page, and quarter-page formats to allow properties to have signs printed in the size you prefer. These signs can also be placed in the sleeping rooms for more specific clarification in addition to the standard no-smoking symbol signage that can be purchased from vendors. (If you are having difficulty printing in the specified sizes, please check your print settings)

In addition, we have updated the WH&LA Member “Rate Card” to now include the new pertinent Smoking Ban language. This includes the other state statutes that should be clearly posted in every room, and can conveniently be copied/printed for the back of your room/unit doors. All rooms/units are required to post their rates in a minimum of 12 point type, which is considered a standard visible type size. That is why the statutes are noted in 12 point type as well, to provide you with properly sized wording for your protection.

You will need your User ID & Password to access the above materials, please contact the WH&LA office for assistance if needed.

Share

Tags: , ,

Cast your vote for the 2011 Wisconsin Lodging Directory

June 2, 2010 in Marketing & Social Media, WH&LA Members make news | 6 comments

Help choose the cover of the 2011 Wisconsin Lodging Directory during our week-long vote! Three finalists were chosen from a pool of more than 70 entries, and we’re asking the traveling public to choose the winner.

Voting began Wednesday, May 26 and will end at 4 pm CDT on Friday, June 4. For votes to be eligible, voters must leave their name and a valid e-mail address. Duplicate votes or votes for more than one image will be disqualified. Employees of the featured properties are not eligible to vote.

All eligible voters will be entered to win a Romantic Escape Package from the Heidel House Resort & Spa in Green Lake, WI, which includes a one-night stay, dinner for two and 20% off of spa services. No purchase necessary to win. (WH&LA members and employees of member properties are not eligible to win the overnight, but are certainl eligible to vote!)

The winning cover and winner of the Heidel House & Spa Romantic Escape Package will be announced on Monday, June 7 at blog.wisconsinlodging.org.

Get voting, and help us spread the word by posting to your Facebook and Twitter!

Share

Tags:

Six reasons room rates may be slow to rise

June 2, 2010 in Industry Update | No comments

We see it each month in the Smith Travel Data reports – occupancy is up and continues to rise, but we can’t seem to see a statewide jump in the average daily rate (ADR).

Joel Ross of Hotel News Now has six theories for why ADR may not be gaining speed as fast as the industry would like. First, he says, there is “nil inflation.” Nobody has pricing power right now and that’s not a fact that’s expected to change.

Second, unemployment rates may take five years to return to “more long-term averages.” An influx of cash from a bonus or raise to fund a family vacation just isn’t realistic, so the demand for room nights goes down.

Third, the Euro is in trouble. Travel to the United States by Europeans is much more costly than it was  even a year ago and the continent’s citizens will not be able to afford American vacations in large numbers.

The stock market and credit markets are as unpredictable as ever. Price increases are slipping, the financial outlook in Europe is uncertain, and capital markets are reacting badly to all of this. “The wealth effect,” says Ross, “which induces people to take a nice vacation, is reduced.”

To read the rest of the article, including Ross’ fifth and sixth reasons for a slow rise in ADR, click here.

Share

Tags:

Wisconsin Economic Impact Study

June 1, 2010 in Industry Update | No comments

WH&LA was asked to share the following message from the Department of Tourism’s survey vendor:

Davidson-Peterson Associates has been commissioned by the Wisconsin Tourism Department to conduct a survey of lodging properties as one element in an economic impact study for the state of Wisconsin. To have accurate and complete information to help the state better promote tourism, the study depends on accurate information and widespread participation. Please be assured that all information that you provide us is absolutely confidential. It will never be shared or otherwise distributed without your express written consent. This second quarter of data collection begins the week of June 1.

Share

Tags: , ,

Travel boycotts position statement

June 1, 2010 in Industry Update | No comments

On May 12, the WH&LA Board of Directors took a stand opposing “Travel Boycotts” as a vehicle to influence political actions, due to the dramatic negative impact it has on the tourism industry, and the hard-working people employed in the industry.  The organization is purely focusing on the vehicle and not any current political issues, as Travel Boycotts could begin to become more popular anywhere in the country when controversial political actions by legislators are taken, which would be devastating to tourism in any state.

Click the image below to read the entire WH&LA Position Statement on Travel Boycotts.

Share

Tags: , ,

WH&LA member properties win awards

June 1, 2010 in WH&LA Members make news | No comments

Congratulations to the following WH&LA member properties that have recently been recognized for excellence:

Days Inn Hotel of the Arts, Milwaukee, winner of the Mayor’s Design Award for “Design that Grabs You,” which recognizes projects that have great curb appeal, street engagement, inviting exteriors, welcoming entries and gathering spaces for the public.

The Iron Horse Hotel & The Yard Outdoor Patio, Milwaukee, winner of the Mayor’s Design Award for “It’s All in the Details,” which recognizes projects with creative uses of materials or lightig, with details that celebrate culture or heritage, with unique reuses of older elements, or with art and other public amenities.

Courtyard by Marriott-Madison East‘s General Manager, Dennis Clark, was named 2009 general manager of the year, the top honor among 600 Courtyard by Marriott hotels in North America. The property also won a Diamond Award for hotel performance and service.

Courtyard by Marriott-Madison West/Middleton was honored with a Platinum Award for service in its brand.

Residence Inn by Marriott-Madison West/Middleton received a Gold Award for service in its brand.

Fairfield Inn & Suites-Madison West/Middleton was awarded a Silver Award for service in the brand.

Hampton Inn & Suites-Madison West/Middleton earned the Circle of Excellence Award which goes to the top 10% of the Hampton brand in product quality and guest satisfaction

Hilton Garden Inn-Madison West/Middleton received the Problem Resolution Award for the Hilton Garden Inn with the highest overall service recovery scores for 2009.

Hampton Inn Appleton Fox River Mall Area received the Hampton brand Loyalty Champion Award for highest guest loyalty scores for 2009.

Share

Tags: , ,

Drivers must carry proof of insurance – starting today!

June 1, 2010 in Uncategorized | No comments

Drivers on Wisconsin highways must now carry proof of insurance in their vehicles or face a $200 fine.

Wisconsin’s mandatory auto insurance law takes effect today, June 1, which means law enforcement officers will begin asking not only for a driver’s license during traffic stops, but also for proof of insurance, which usually is a card provided by insurers when the premium is paid.

“We will be asking for insurance credentials on each and every stop, similar to like when we ask for a driver’s license,” said State Patrol Major Dan Lonsdorf, who is director of transportation safety for the state Department of Transportation. “That’s really to be consistent across the board. What we don’t want is law enforcement, at least not State Patrol officers, picking and choosing who they ask and who they don’t ask.”

Lonsdorf said officers won’t be trying to hassle drivers with the new law. No one can be stopped by police solely on suspicion of not having insurance.

In addition, he said, a big ticket isn’t inevitable if proof of insurance is absent at the time of a traffic stop. Under the law, drivers will be asked for proof of insurance, and those who can’t provide it may be fined $10.

To read the entire article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, click here.

Share

Tags: , , ,

WH&LA New Name Announcement

June 1, 2010 in Industry Update | 1 comment

The following announcement was sent to all WH&LA (formerly WIA) members on May 24, 2010:

Dear Member,

We are pleased to share with you that, at our May 11 Member Luncheon in Madison, members formally approved our name change from the Wisconsin Innkeepers Association to the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association!  Last Friday the Board of Directors approved our new logo, to move us forward with the name change.

It is important that the first ones to see both our new name and logo are the very individuals we exist for – our valued members.

This week we will begin introducing our new name and logo to those we currently work with and those we look forward to working with.  While we have many cherished memories with our former name, the clarity of our new name should let everyone know at a quick glance that we represent all facets of Wisconsin’s lodging industry – including resorts, inns, bed & breakfasts, hotels, motels, condo rental properties, and vacation homes.

Your comments and input as we have evaluated and discussed the many options of changing our name have been most appreciated, and we are most grateful for your loyalty and support.  We can only be as strong and viable as the members who stand together with us.

We look forward to continuing and strengthening our efforts to deliver value to and advocate for the business interests of our members – which remains our primary purpose.

Sincerely,

Kirk Drusch, CHA                                       Trisha Pugal, CAE
2010 Chairman of the Board                     President, CEO

Share

Tags: , ,

April 2010 STR data now available

June 1, 2010 in Smith Travel Data | No comments

Occupancy was up in Wisconsin in April 2010 compared to April 2009 and nearly all market areas saw an increase in occupancy, with the largest increase in Appleton-Oshkosh MSA. ADR was down slightly statewide compared to April 2009, with the largest increase in Janesville/Racine. To view Smith Travel Data for your region for April 2010, click here. (password protected – e-mail Michelle in the WH&LA Office if you need help logging in)

Data is provided by Smith Travel Research, an independent research firm founded in 1985. Smith Travel offers WH&LA members discounts on various STR reports and products. For more information, visit strglobal.com.

Share

Tags: , , , ,

Newer entries »