 NEW
YORK CITY, � January 25, 2010 - The enhancement of SalesConnect 2.0TM,
the addition of a new senior staff member, keynote speakers who are experts
in the travel industry and the début of CARINO Brand Standards were
among the highlights of CARINO Hotels and Resorts Worldwide�s 8th Annual
Global Conference in 2010. The meeting, held Jan. 18-22, was attended by
18 members of the organization, which provides reservations, sales and
marketing support to luxury hotels worldwide.
CARINO�S members attended the meeting to learn more about the organization�s plans for the upcoming year, generate ideas for growing their own businesses and learn about industry trends. Highlights of this year�s conference include a review of the brand�s growth and accomplishments in 2009 as well as breakout sessions with one-on-one meetings with member hotels to discuss new markets and opportunities for 2010. In addition, panels and guest speakers featured some of the travel industry�s foremost experts and corporate decision-makers, including: Mike McCormick, executive director of the National Business Travel Association; John DeJesu, publisher of Business Travel News; Markus Boeker, senior market manager of Orbitz; Ann Albano, vice president of hotel relationship management at Hickory Travel Systems, and Donna Quadri, a clinical assistant professor of hospitality and tourism management at New York University�s Preston Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management. �We were pleased to welcome new members and strengthen our long-term member relationships at our 8th Annual Global Conference,� said Joe Carino, president and CEO of CARINO Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. �This year we look forward to bringing even more value and revenue to our member hotels.� At the heart of the company�s suite of services is SalesConnect 2.0TM, a web-based database of corporate, leisure and group account information. CARINO added a new look and feel to SalesConnect. Also, services previously completed via emails, such as tradeshow information and registration, have been merged into an intuitive seamless internet module so that member hotels can seamlessly obtain information and registration for any CARINO events. Additionally, CARINO introduced to its �UN� members �Brand Standards� thereby reinforcing our member hotels commitment to the high level of standards their travelers have come to expect while simultaneously creating consistency and synergies throughout the brand. �It has been in the works for five months and will be implemented in three phases to ensure our member hotels have plenty of time to embrace the program and establish the infrastructure.� said Ed Socorro, Vice President, Advertising & Marketing. CARINO Hotels and Resorts Worldwide is also pleased to announce the strategic appointment of Jane E. Colby as executive director of development. In her new position, Mrs. Colby will lead and drive all development opportunities in the North and South Americas. A seasoned sales professional and leader with over 14 years experience in management within the hospitality industry, Mrs. Colby has been employed with Hilton International, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, and Kimpton Hotels and held a variety of leadership positions in upscale Chicago hotels. In addition to her leadership skills and managerial relationship building, Mrs. Colby has an extensive background with contract management and negotiation. Her continued success in her various positions is a result of her ability to balance the interests of customers, associates and owners while taking into consideration relevant facts, business environments and current situations. CARINO Hotels and Resorts Worldwide is the only hotel sales company that provides a centralized customer database, RFP tools and sales and marketing support for luxury hotels & resorts worldwide. With offices in New York and London, Chicago and San Francisco, CARINO Hotels and Resorts Worldwide is a full service sales and customer information company, dedicated to assisting luxury hotels with the global sales process. For more information on CARINO Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, please visit the website at www.carinohotels.com or call (212) 808-6590. |