Danielle Bellerose

The 10-year plan for Orlando Tourism Had the chance to go to the annual Visit Orlando luncheon this past with a focus on the future. As a DMO (Destination Marketing Organization). VO is essentially tasked with driving visitation to Central Florida funded through tax dollars that tourists pay. While nothing groundbreaking was announced, attendees did have an opportunity to provide input towards the development of a 10-year tourism plan for the region. As a fan of theme parks, I was interested to hear what the hot topics would be. Here are two key takeaways that resonated with me: 1. Iconic Events: The Power of Tentpole Attractions One section of the discussion emphasized the creation of "tentpole attractions" within the city to boost off-season visitation. This strategy echoes successful events like Halloween Horror Nights at Universal and  The Food & Wine Festivals at Disney, which have become major draws in themselves.  Imagine future events that capture the imagination and encourage visitors to plan trips specifically around these experiences, extending Orlando's tourist season beyond peak periods. 2. Building a Talented Workforce: A Shared Challenge Attracting and retaining top talent remains a critical hurdle, further complicated by the ongoing housing affordability issue. If Orlando is going to grow, we need to have a workforce that can support this growth. We’re nowhere near AI being able to clean a hotel room. Theme parks, aware of this challenge, have activated some programs to help with staffing needs. This includes actively investing in college programs and international recruitment initiatives to get people on-site for a committed period of time. These efforts ensure a (somewhat) reliable and passionate workforce that can provide the labor hours, especially during peak seasons. What do you think? Are there bigger issues facing Orlando and other theme park-driven destinations? ### 🎢 If you found this interesting and want to learn more about the business of theme parks, give me a follow Tay Mauro #themeparks #orlando

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From an uptick in hotel investments and experiential stays to recruitment and #technology integration challenges, a review of the top 2024 #hospitalityindustry trends was a hot topic at The Lodging Conference held recently in Phoenix. Following conversations with hotel and industry leaders in attendance, Hotel Dive has compiled an overview of their key insights and opinions, sharing examples of the most impactful trends we’ve seen this year to date. Unsurprisingly, #AI and its relationship with hotel teams was on the list, alongside some interesting observations. https://lnkd.in/d-bz5XTM   #hoteltech #hoteltechnology #hospitality #hospitalitytechnology #hotels

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Looking forward to applying newfound knowledge and insights from the American Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Show! Grateful for the chance to connect and learn alongside fellow professionals in the field. The conversations and connections were invaluable. Our team was especially inspired by the special feature by ForWard, a movement advancing women leaders in hospitality. Here are some great takeaways on leadership: - Great leaders know who they are. If you don't know who you are, people won't trust you. - Smart leaders work with the culture they have to get the culture they want. - Be curious. Curiosity will make you ask the right questions at the right time. - Be 100% engaged in every interaction. Being fully engaged is a SUPERPOWER. 

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Election Day is about making choices. I can’t help you with those decisions, but it sure would be an honor to help you book your next conference or meeting!!! #meetingplanners #conferenceplanners #hotelsiteselection #whyhb #meetingandeventplanners

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Have you signed up for our THP News newsletter? read all the latest on the global hospitality industry #hotelnews #hospitality #marriottusa

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In this day and age of advanced technology and AI, people still remain the heart of hospitality. In his HNN article, Sean McCracken shares the outlook of a number of industry leaders on the importance of investing in employees to enhance guest experiences. More here: https://bit.ly/3xXY7hg

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In 2024, several key trends are shaping the bed and breakfast (B&B) industry, reflecting broader shifts in hospitality and travel preferences. Read our latest blog on what we consider to be the top 10 trends this year: https://lnkd.in/eNckrExe #bedandbreakfasttrends #hospitality

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📅 Ready to Transform Your Facility? 📅 Discover the Up to Par Management difference. From revenue optimization to enhanced guest experiences, we’re here to help you succeed. 📅 Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward excellence. #GolfManagement #ClubManagement #ResortManagement #TransformYourFacility #UpToParManagement

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In his latest article, for Hotel Investment Today, Chris Trout challenges people to rethink how they view labor in the hotel industry. Instead of seeing the workforce as a cost, the industry should recognize the workers as catalysts for growth. Companies like Hilton are leading the charge, offering programs that transform lives and careers. Imagine the impact of a workforce that is not only skilled but also deeply engaged and committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Read Chris’s full article on how strategic upskilling can redefine the hotel industry and drive sustainable growth. https://lnkd.in/eM5zTqyi #Upskilling #HospitalityIndustry #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipDevelopment #DonlonConsulting #BusinessGrowth #TalentStrategy

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What are the problems that need solving at your hotel? A former client of SSP, Greg Velasquez is now our Executive Director of Sales, and we asked him to share his insider’s perspective on how SSP’s task force can be a great solution to staffing and other issues you may have. In this video, Greg addresses the loss of momentum caused by open positions in the hospitality industry, and how SSP’s task force can fill staffing gaps seamlessly, securing a cohesive team and maximizing profit potential. Watch the video to find out more! https://lnkd.in/dhZjENMD

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