News

Global Travel Forecast: Higher Hotel and Air Prices in 2019

Travel costs are expected to rise in 2019, with hotel prices rising 3.7% and flight prices increasing 2.6%, according to the Global Travel Forecast, published by Carlson Wagonlit Travel and Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) with the support of the Carlson Family Foundation. This fifth annual report, which was released on July 24, 2018, cites a growing global economy and rising oil prices as the drive behind this predicted rise.

Q&A: Don Welsh Discusses Challenges Faced by DMOs

Meetings Today Destinations Content Director Marlene Goldman sat down with Destinations International President & CEO Don Welsh during its 2018 Annual Convention in Anaheim in July 2018 to find out how the organization is helping DMOs adapt to the next generation of meeting planners, and the challenges DMOs face in areas such as destination boycotts and the “weaponization of travel.”

World’s Largest Cannabis Complex Set to Light Up Las Vegas

It didn’t take long for Las Vegas to turn 2017 legalization of adult-use cannabis in Nevada into a glitzy new attraction. Planet 13 Holdings, which currently runs an off-Strip dispensary, is building a 40,000-square-foot cannabis superstore and entertainment space slated to open in phases starting in November 2018. No event space is planned for the facility yet, but it’s a possibility for Phase 2.

Duck Boat Tragedy: How to Protect Your Attendees

In light of the July 19, 2018, duck boat tragedy near Branson, Missouri, consider these five areas, each with a few questions, to include in your RFPs regarding boats, cars and buses, and also for hotels and off-site venues. These are items that are likely taken for granted by meeting and event planners organizing group excursions and transportation.

Exclusive Sneak Peek: Inside Gaylord’s Newest Property

In December 2018, the newest Gaylord Hotels property and latest member to Marriott’s Convention & Resort Network is set to open its doors. Just after leaving the Denver International Airport you can’t miss the massive structure standing alone in the distance that will soon debut as the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. Less than 20 miles from downtown Denver, the resort offers easy access to and from the airport, downtown Denver and the outdoor playground that are the Rocky Mountains.

MGM and Las Vegas Shooting Victims Reach Settlement

MGM Resorts International reached a settlement with the victims of the October 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting. In a statement on October 3, 2019, MGM said it will pay between $735 and $800 million, depending on the number of claimants.

Caesars Forum Conference Center Breaks Ground in Vegas

Caesars Entertainment broke ground on its $375 million, Caesars Forum conference center on Monday, July 16, during a ceremony for trade press, industry executives and Caesars staff members. The ceremony was also livestreamed by Caesars so that people could tune in from all over the world.