Using New Orleans as a Predictor of the Future of the Convention Industry

Abstract

Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) are a significant part of the U.S. hospitality industry. Thus, predicting the future of this sub-segment is important to many practitioners, academics, and policy makers. However, no one has undertaken a comprehensive assessment of MICE on a longitudinal basis. The research that follows uses one of the top MICE destinations in the U.S. as a surrogate for the MICE industry. Historical data is analyzed to trace the progress of MICE in terms of the number of events, attendance, room nights, and market mix. Then, a new model is utilized to predict what lies ahead for MICE. The results suggest that the future is bright but that the market mix may change.     

Exploring Content and Design Factors Associated with Convention and Visitors Bureau Web Site Development

Abstract

Convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) have become important organizations within the tourism industry. The International Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus (IACVB) reported that it represents approximately 500 destination management organizations in 30 countries (IACVB, 2003). As one of the most important components of the tourism industry in the United States, the Convention and Visitors Bureau performs various activities to facilitate destination marketing and development, with the aim of enticing leisure and convention customers to their particular city or region. Meanwhile, meeting planners are using technology to enhance their ability to produce and execute meetings that demonstrate a high return on investment. Consequently, CVBs' websites have enormous potential in selling a destination and facilitating the meeting/convention planning process. This paper explores the content and design factors associated with convention and visitors bureau web site development. It also demonstrates how planners utilize the Internet and CVB websites.     

Examination of benefits sought by hiking tourists: a comparison of impact-range performance analysis and impact asymmetry analysis

This study assesses the benefits of hiking for visitors to the Jeju Olle Trail on Jeju Island in Korea, which has been designated as a World Heritage Site. Data were collected from a total of 318 tourists visiting the Jeju Olle Trail. The study focused on comparing the benefits sought by first-time visitors and those of repeat visitors. Analytical results found that first-time visitors and repeat visitors sought different benefits from their hiking experiences. First-time visitors sought to observe nature and interact with people. For first-time visitors, benefits that delighted them were buying unique souvenirs and enjoying educational experiences, whereas repeat visitors demonstrated a good assessment on interactions with new people and buying unique souvenirs.