Online trip kits from Marriott offer ‘insider’s view’ of a destination

Do you have a clients in Mexico of the Caribbean? Perhaps the new Marriott Virtual Trip Kits can help make those trips a little easier. Marriott properties in those locales now offer online kits that, according to Michelle Bozoki, director, marketing communications, Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean and Mexico, give travelers “an insider’s view into the experience.”

The benefits of such a product are clear, she says, adding, “The tool leverages rich media content and innovative technology to engage the customer and track behavioral preferences that will help build affinity with our key customer segments.”

There are two types of kits for each locale, one designed for meeting planners and one designed for travelers.

The kits available are located at www.paradisebymarriott.com/destinations and each feature video, audio and up-to-the-minute weather information. The difference between the two kits, Bozoki says, is that “each is designed to specifically address the needs of the targeted customer segment.

For example, the meeting planner kit will feature [material] relevant for creating an exceptional group experience. The leisure kits focus more on the individual travel experience.”

Additional online kits may be added in the future, she says.

Business travelers, she adds, “could use either version of the trip kit to obtain information on the destination and the resort, as well as access to specific resources that may enhance their trip.”

And would-be business travelers can use the virtual kits to take a virtual vacation.

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Signature Style at Kimpton

It’s no secret that consultants travel—and a lot of times that means meetings in rooms that are often devoid of any creative inspiration. However, if you need a location for an off-site meeting with your team or with clients, Kimpton Hotels just might fit the bill.

“Specific to Kimpton hotels, we pride ourselves on our creativity, and what we realized is we weren’t really taking advantage of the level of creativity that we put into our design and into our various programs into our meetings and events. And being creative is the cornerstone of the company,” says Christine Lawson, vice president of sales for the San Francisco-based chain. Kimpton now offers four “Signature Meetings,” gatherings that can be themed around wellness, the sun, the environment and discovery. Meetings then feature food, props and even CDs tied to the theme.

“It’s really a way to take typical meeting in a square box in a meeting room where people are used to no windows and gray walls and a pad and pencil in front of them and actually inspire them through whatever theme they select.”

The hotel has sold more than 100 meetings through the Signature Meetings program, which launched last year.