Hotels that don't miss a beat

The hotel industry is constantly searching for the perfect formula to provide guests with addictive experiences, and, as such, music-themed hotels are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in big cities. A new article by Simon Hudson in Hotel Business Review focuses on these kinds of upbeat boutique hotels, from the rock-themed Backstage Hotel in central Amsterdam, to Hotel El Ganzo in Los Cabos Mexico, with its own recording studio, to Hotel Pelirocco, a unique rock’n’ roll hotel in Brighton, England. The keys to success for these hotels? Authenticity, superior customer service, and staying true to the music theme. For more see: 
http://hotelexecutive.com/business_review/4677/hotels-that-dont-miss-a-beat

Events and Festivals Good for Columbia!

Dr. David Cardenas presented to the Columbia City Council on January 19th, 2016 on the results of a recently completed study on the effective usage of the H-Tax funds to promote tourism and improve the quality of life of the residents in Columbia, SC. The city collects a 2% tax on all prepared foods and beverages and then leverages those funds to promote tourism in Columbia and improve the quality of life of the residents.

The Smart State Center conducted a research study during the spring and summer of 2015 aimed at measuring the impacts of the events supported by the H-Tax funds and also examined the effectiveness of the application process.The results overwhelmingly indicate a high level of satisfaction in the events/festivals currently being supported and a perceived increase in the quality of life among the residents as a result of these events/festivals. Recommendations were to continue and expand the program as funds allow and target visitors from over 50 miles away. In examining the application process,the research team provided recommendations for streamlining the application process and providing additional training. Finally, Dr. Cardenas strongly recommended that the city conduct an economic impact study to provide tangible expenditure data, which he believes will support the program's future.

For more information:  http://coladaily.com/2016/01/20/columbia-city-council-says-no-h-tax-money-available-for-nonprofits-right-now/

For a copy of the report: http://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/hrsm/research/research_centers/richardson_family_smartstate/pdfs/studies/h_tax_funds.pdf

El Niño, a friend to the ski industry!

I will be heading up to the Canadian Rockies soon to promote my new book ‘Winter Sport Tourism’, and it is great to hear about all the early-season snow in North American ski resorts – especially after such a dry winter last year for ski areas in the West. Some say this is due to El Niño, which often brings higher than average snowfall to the Rockies, but regardless of the reason, skiers – and those that make a living out of the ski industry - are rubbing their hands in delight. Early season snow conditions and skier perception of these conditions hugely influence the momentum and success of the overall season. Demand is often the greatest at this time (over the New Year period, in particular), so poor snow conditions can be expensive for resorts; the ski industry in the U.S. lost over $1 billion in aggregate revenue because of poor snow seasons between 2000 and 2010. Skiers and snowboarders can be a fickle bunch – it is hard enough to tempt them to get up to the mountains in the first place. In fact, in America only 4.3% of the population takes to the mountains each winter. Compare this to the percentages in Switzerland (37%), Austria (36%) and Norway (25%). Easily the most important factor for skiers/snowboarders is the quality of snow conditions, with more than eight in 10 skiers indicating that this is extremely important or important to them in terms of destination selection. So El Niño – bring it on!!!

If you would like more information on the book Winter Sport Tourism please click here

To celebrate all the fresh snow, the publishers are offering a special 15% discount on purchase, using code SNOW15 at checkout!

You’ve seen the film - now visit the set!

Have you ever watched a movie and wondered: “Where did they film that?” or thought: “I know that place - I’ve been there before.” Increasingly, movies and television shows are becoming a source of inspiration for travel. The phenomenon of Harry Potter – or ‘Pottermania’ - had huge domestic and international repercussions for tourism in the U.K. Likewise, Lord of the Rings was so successful for New Zealand that destination marketers branded the country as ‘Home of Middle Earth.’ To learn more about this fascinating topic, don’t miss next week’s Science Café feature presenter, Dr. Simon Hudson. Hudson is one of the world’s leading experts in film tourism, and in this informative, but entertaining presentation, he will explain the reasons behind the growth of the pop-culture phenomenon. He will show how some destinations – including the U.S – are working closely with the film industry to leverage the benefits of ‘destination placement’ – even to the extent of funding television shows and big-box movies to attract tourists. So join Dr. Hudson on October the 20^th at 6pm in the relaxing atmosphere of the Speakeasy bar, located at 711 Saluda Avenue Columbia, SC 29205.  

For more information on this free event and to register please click on:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/october-science-cafe-tickets-19048635983

Dr. Cardenas to Keynote International Conference

 

Dr. Cardenas has been chosen to deliver the keynote address at the 5th annual International Congress on Competitive Development being held in Colombia, South America on October 7th-9th, 2015. Dr. Cardenas will discuss innovative approaches to sustainable tourism development, stakeholders and trust. Congratulations Dr. Cardenas on this honor!

Dr. Hudson chosen as featured speaker at African-American Tourism Conference

Don't miss Dr. Hudson's presentation on the current state of African-American tourism in South Carolina and the unique economic and cultural impact potential of future growth in this industry on the state. Dr. Hudson will present at this forum on September 26th, 2015 in beautiful Charleston, SC. To learn more and to register go to:http://scurbaneconomics.com/tourism/ .

The Center Welcomes Our Newest PhD Student: Jing Li

The SmartState Center is pleased to announce the arrival of our newest PhD student,  Jing Li. Jing's primary areas of interest are in destination branding and marketing, tourist behavior and social media. Prior to enrolling at USC, she received her B.S. degree in accounting and M.S. degree in tourism management from Shandong University, China. She previously worked as an intern in Dahua Tourism Consulting Company. She also worked in tourism planning of Lanzhou Geological Park and other rural tourism planning projects of the Shandong Province. During her free time, Jing likes swimming, playing badminton and traveling. Welcome Jing!