Mapping Obamaland
The travel industry has found a popular, lucrative new brand, a bright spot in a troubled economy. Even as President Obama works on plans to turnaround the struggling economy, destination marketers are building business by adding links on their websites to Obama tours and packages.
A Presidential Chicago tour is featured on choosechicago.com for visitors who want to “experience the city the Obamas enjoy.”
Hawaii’s official tourism site has a page dedicated to its native son, with information on his favorite spots, restaurants he’s visited, and shops that carry Obama souvenirs. “When Barack Obama returns to Hawaii with his family, he comes as a kamaaina, a local who knows where to go, where to eat and what to do,” reads a description.
Then, of course, there are African tours. Adventure travel specialist Intrepid Travel offers “Roots of Obama,” an eight-day tour of Kenya that features a visit to the own of Kogela, the president’s father’s birthplace, guided by one of Obama’s many cousins.
An article in Portfolio, “The Obama Economy,” estimates how much the rush to all things Obama may be injecting into the troubled economy—maybe not the rescue package the president is looking for, but every little bit helps.
So, if you’ve got a group that’s caught Obama fever, you might want to consider at least a side trip on the Obama map.
Taste buds are changing
Changing consumer tastes influence the food and beverage industry, and challenge meeting planners. As the demographics change, so do the demands. Some of the latest trends include bolder flavors and a variety of service options. Increasingly, consumers are concerned about supply chain protection and whether an operation has gone green. Snack or fun foods, food exploration or “experiences,” a fusion of cuisines, service styles, themes and technology are preferred and expected by Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, and the Millennial Generation. Read more HERE.
Delta Queen heads up river
The world’s only fully restored steam-powered overnight paddlewheeler is moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee, in February. Because federal law prohibits wooden superstructures from operating as overnight cruise vessels, the historic steamboat will dock and operate as hotel.
In the late 1960s, the floating palace was nearly decommissioned due to the federal legislation, but after countless letters and more than a million petitioned signatures, the steamboat was granted congressional exemption in 1970.
To ensure smooth sailing into the millennium, the Delta Queen had $3.3 million in renovations in 1998. Today, the Delta Queen’s trademark stained glass windows, rich hardwood paneling, brass and dramatic Grand Staircase make it a National Historic Landmark.
The steamboat will leave New Orleans this month for its voyage to Chattanooga, where it will be docked at Coolidge Park Landing.
To read more about the Delta Queen, click here.
Blago scandal works for planners
The Hard Rock Hotel Chicago announced a new meeting package called the “Blagojewhichever You’d Like” package, Jan. 26, 2009, in conjunction with the first day of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s impeachment trial. Pulled straight from the headlines, the offer is for meetings and events booked prior to April 30, 2009, and includes a list of meeting incentives planners can pick.
The offer reads, “Pay to Play—You scratch our back, we scratch yours. Whatever the phrasing, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago is taking the gubernatorial cue this season.” The incentives being offered include: a 10 percent overall food/beverage discount, beverage voucher for each attendee, wireless internet in meeting room, and a $25 iTunes gift card for one meeting planner.
According to the hotel, the “Blagojewhichever You’d Like” package “will be impeached before long.”
To read more about the scandalous package read “Chicago Turns Blagojevich Scandal into Publicity Opportunity.”
