Sunday, March 15, 2009

Hitting the road to Vegas MIX09

There has been a lot of talk about Congressional criticism of corporate travel and how the travel industry is suffering, but I don’t see any evidence that they are suffering (earnings apart), because I tried to book a flight to Vegas, 2 weeks ago, for the MIX09 conference. All flights were full so I had to buy a first class seat and could not even use miles.
No rental cars are available even though Vegas is used to bigger conferences. (I always rent a car because parking at most Vegas hotels is free)…... Then I tried to book a hotel but prices have not gone down.. Sure there are lots of offers for the buy 2 nights and get one night free, but Hotels have not given in to make concessions for the bad economy. No compromises on the Starwood Vegas cancelation policy that you can only cancel your reservation for NO charge until 7 days before arrival and many SPG Hotels have an early departure fee. Marriott are a bit better with ; “You may cancel your reservation for no charge until 3 days before arrival” at some hotels in Vegas NV and AZ… etc. Business travel is always wrought with adjustments, so I try to book 6pm hold reservations. Hotels need to amend their rules, unless they only want guests on vacation.
Media coverage and Congressional criticism of corporate travel has created a "paralyzing environment," said Roger Dow, President of the U.S. Travel Association. Wells Fargo continued to try extravagance, but AP revealed a planned a Vegas casino trip for employees booked for 12 nights lasts month at the Wynn Las Vegas and the Encore Las Vegas. Wells Fargo canceled the trip after it had been exposed that it was misusing the $25 billion it has received in federal funds.
The Bankers and Government meeting last month forASF 2009 was also packed. Bankers gathered at the five-star Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas for the American Securitization Forum, paid for in part by companies that took taxpayer bailouts. NBC's Lisa Myers reports. - With criticism of pricey corporate events spurring hotel and resort cancellations, travel industry leaders on Monday encouraged companies to keep spending on travel and offered guidelines they hope will prevent a backlash. But what are they doing to cooperate with travelers? They should be looking after their loyal ELITE customers and doing what needs to be done in a free market economy. I do believe that, survival of the fittest works.
Silicon Valley flourished in the economic recession of the 80’s because people became innovative and competitive. It does not help to have people in Government that don’t know how to run business, interfering and subsidizing bad businesses with taxpayer money.


There are lots of offers. I tried to book the “ELITE MemberOffer Buy Two get One Free, buy 2 nights get 3rd free, see From $137 - $395 atShadow ridge The villages in Palm Desert CA., But got a message that “Unfortunately, the special rate you requested is not available”. Please make a selection from the expensive room rates listed below……….The trendy Renaissance Vegas has a minimum 2 night stay offer called the ”Savvy Traveler Renaissance Las Vegas Vacation Package”.Promo Code is P53) You get $100,towards your next stay, when you choose this package Rates from: $109-$269 Valid Through: December 3, 2009 This is the largest smoke-free, non-gaming hotel. Now that research says that 3rd hand smoke, in rooms and rental cars, causes cancer, I like to stay in a smoke free hotel, but they too don’t have good rates available.
I usually stay at the Planet Hollywood on the Strip, See:
http://www.elitepro-travel.com/2008/10/planet-hollywood-offer-for-platinum.html

MIX09 at the Venetian Hotel is located on the Strip and features a Grand Canal complete with gondola rides, Las Vegas is the most dynamic, spectacular city on earth. At the start of the twentieth century, it didn't even exist. All its growth has been fueled by adult tourism, but the tourists haven't spoiled the "real" city; there is no real city.It is bizarre sitting on a terrace with a fake sky and gondolas floating in blue CLEAN water. Not like Venice at all.!

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