Hotel Beat 4-1-2003

Meetings & Conventions: Newsline

April 2003

Edited by Carla Benini

NEWSLINE

Breaking News
Hong Kong sees single-digit hotel occupancy rates... Risk of contracting SARS in flight is very low, says IATA... Florida developer buys land for Atlantic City resort complex... New York celebrates the reopening of the Millenium Hilton... Boston's smoking ban enacted as of Monday... Two Florida convention centers reveal plans for expansion... The Venetian puts finishing touches on its new 1,013-suite tower... Saudi Prince Al-Walid bin Talal buys Geneva's Hotel Des Bergues... and much more

Hotels Waive Fees as War Becomes Reality
One brand's move to lift penalties attracts imitators and critics

The IRS Targets Meetings
Planners should keep records and define activities as "mandatory"

Eco-Protests in Mexico
$1.5 billion project called "wasteful"

Screeners Cite Unsafe Practices
Poor training, erratic hours and lack of equipment are among gripes

Hotels React to Western Drought
Some states entering fifth year without adequate precipitation

Research: Do You Need a Block?
The cornerstones of meeting contracts come under question

On Location:Knoxville, Tenn.

City Beat
Branson, Mo.
New Meetings Mall

Nashville, Tenn.
Ramped-up Facility

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS:Dominican Republic

HOTEL BEAT
Status reports on hotel developments...New in the 'burbs: the Westminster Hotel in Livingston, N.J.