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Elite Meetings Creates Two Tiers for Elite Certified Hotels, Which Will Soon Number More Than 1,400 on www.EliteMeetings.com Elite Properties Are Now Categorized as Platinum and Gold, to Provide Even More Options and Information to Support Meeting Professionals
SANTA BARBARA, CA � March 23, 2010 � Elite Meetings International (EMI) announced that it has begun certifying Elite properties as Platinum and Gold, to better serve meeting professionals who seek the highest quality offerings in North America. Initiated at the request of meeting professionals and approved by the Elite Meetings Advisory Board (EMAB), the new designations help meeting professionals more accurately identify Elite Certified properties for meetings, events and incentives; the designations apply to all properties previously certified by Elite Meetings, and to a newly-added tier of upscale properties that provide outstanding meeting and incentive experiences. Since its inception, Elite Meetings has been a trusted source for hotels and resorts that deliver the highest quality meetings, events, and incentives throughout North America. Carol M. Lynch, EMI�s Director of Planner Communications, said, �Meeting professionals spoke, and we listened - creating an even broader selection of hotel and resort options at www.EliteMeetings.com.� She concluded, �Our goal at Elite Meetings is to consider the needs of planners at every stage of our company�s growth, in every aspect of our offerings; the introduction of our new two-tiered system is another example of that commitment at work.� About Elite Certification and Standards Elite Certified status is granted by the Elite Meetings Advisory Board,
a distinguished body comprised of corporate meeting professionals and hospitality
executives. The advisory board considers the resorts and hotels based on
a demonstrated commitment to providing an exceptional group experience.
Elite Certified properties rank among upscale, upper upscale, and at the high end of leisure rankings, though the certification process that also values the unique, the extraordinary, and the memorable. An Elite Gold hotel is one that ranks in the highest echelon in the country, in areas such as average ADR in its market; overall service levels and amenities for meetings, events, and incentives; food and beverage service; and distinctive property characteristics and accommodations. An Elite Platinum hotel is one that consistently meets and exceeds criteria in each of those areas, and provides an experience that is truly memorable and unique. With the advent of the new system, Elite Meetings will grow its Platinum Collection to approximately 900 hotels, with 550 hotels in the Elite Gold Collection. �Our goal in establishing Elite Certification was to compile a peer-rated resource that recognized properties that represent the best of the best, independent of affiliation,� said CEO Kelly Foy. �For meeting professionals who are looking for the ideal hotel or resort for an upcoming event, they need to look no further than www.EliteMeetings.com.� Elite Meetings expects to publicly release its current listing of Platinum and Gold hotels shortly. �We consider Elite Certification an important standard for evaluating a property�s overall quality and appropriateness for our meeting or event,� said David Hunn, Senior Manager, Event Management for Canon U.S.A., Inc. He concluded, �These days, our ability to do comprehensive site visits is increasingly constrained, and at the same time there are more high quality hotel options than ever - so Elite Certification provides an important and valuable tool that helps planners save time, money and energy.� About Elite Meetings International, Inc.
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