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Chains extend waivers: Gulf Coast meeting relocations to cause availability 'ripple effect'.

Article Excerpt
Hotel chains last week extended cancellation fee waivers at properties in the Gulf Coast that were affected by Hurricane Katrina and said the rush to relocate events may cause a "ripple effect" by tightening availability in major cities across the country.

Even after the floodwaters of New Orleans are pumped out and hotels are reopened, affect ed properties may not be able to accommodate corporate meetings and events for months, warned consultants. In addition, some properties may be used for long-term housing for relief workers or evacuees, hoteliers said.

As meetings and conventions originally scheduled for New Orleans are relocated, availability will tighten in major U.S. cities, said Bob McCarthy, executive vice president of North American lodging operations for Marriott International Inc. in a conference call. This ripple effect will be felt in New York, Washington D.C., and other major cities, he said. "We've been...

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