CITY BEAT 12-1-2002

Meetings & Conventions: Newsline CITY BEATToronto
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CVB UNVEILS CONTRACT
In an unusual move for a convention and visitors bureau, Tourism Toronto rolled out a standard hotel contract this past October. Eight downtown hotels already are offering the contract, and the bureau expects that number to rise. Meanwhile, the 122-room, $25 million boutique Hotel Le Germain Toronto is ready to open, and a 305-room Ritz-Carlton property is slated to debut in 2004.

Newark, N.J.
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CHANGE OF VENUES
In the coming years, Newark and the nearby Meadowlands will become major draws for groups. An 18,500-seat, $355 million sports arena, likely to break ground next summer, is expected to help revitalize Newark’s downtown. Following the arena’s completion, the Meadowlands’ Continental Airlines Arena, to the north, will likely become a convention center, possibly with an entertainment complex surrounding it. In addition, four golf courses are planned, along with a 350-room conference center set to open by 2008.