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Mtg. planners still can find resort deals, for now.

Article Excerpt
Corporate meeting buyers have some general opportunity to save money on resort meetings through the remainder of 2004, particularly on ancillary meeting charges, according to both buyers and suppliers, because the market segment simply has not grown at the pace resort operators had hoped for, if not expected. As meetings become smaller and with less lead time, however, some resorts now anticipate more short-term meetings and negotiate and manage yield and revenue accordingly, leading to no guarantees for good deals for buyers.

Longer-term, resort operators have shifted their optimism to 2005 and beyond and are less likely to negotiate on ancillary, and service fees for meetings held during that timeframe. The current market is marked by inconsistency and varied sales strategies. Some properties are pleased with the pace of business for 2004 and generally are offering fewer discounts, while others aggressively are pursuing deals.

"It's been kind of spotty," said John Meissner, executive director of corporate group markets for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. "There's new product in...