Knowland Publishes White Paper Cataloging Oil Spill Fallout
on the Gulf Coast's Hospitality Industry

Fallout from Future Disasters Could be Mitigated by Professional Business Development 

McLean, VA, 9/22/10 � This month, the Knowland Group the world�s largest data firm in the global meetings and conventions industry, published a white paper cataloging the timeline and effects of the gulf oil spill on the region�s hospitality industry. Following the April 2010 spill, Knowland conducted numerous surveys with hoteliers. These surveys, along with insight and data linked to the spill response, are analyzed in the document. Knowland�s white paper shines light on how hoteliers can maintain sales in times of crisis. 

�[Through] examination of the survey data and responses, the numbers reveal the vast majority of hoteliers were left without guidance as to how to deal with the continuing spill. National brands were often left without support from their property managers or corporations, while the hotels across the board were left unprotected from the media onslaught by government leaders, tourism bureaus, and visitor bureaus at all levels,� notes Knowland�s white paper. 

Drawing on survey responses from hoteliers, Knowland�s white paper offers guidance on how to successfully weather a future crisis. All too often hotels were left waiting for the phones to ring, only to instead find empty rooms and meeting spaces. Installation of a professional business development program at hotels is the key to maintaining bookings when facing an impasse. 

�Hotels around the world have looked to the Knowland Group and our products to help them drive sales and increase bookings in good times and bad. Our Business Development Suite stands at the ready to aid Gulf Coast hoteliers in their fight to attract meetings and events,� said CEO Mike McKean. 

The Knowland Group strives to provide accurate and timely data on major events and issues. Publication of the white paper is part of a continuing effort to improve industry productivity and quality of information while educating outside groups on the unique issues that confront hoteliers. The white paper is available on the Knowland Group�s website for the benefit of the hospitality industry. 

About The Knowland Group The Knowland Group is a proven innovator, developing intuitive marketing products and services that streamline and support event and group sales in the hospitality industry. The company, headquartered in McLean, VA serves over 2,000 hotel clients and 17,000 users globally. Recently featured on the Inc. Fast 500 List, The Knowland Group is the second fastest growing company in the travel industry. For more information, visit www.KnowlandGroup.com, call 410-860-2270 or follow us on Twitter @knowlandgroup.