November 30, 2008
While it has been made clear that the city is going after the Asian travel market by several Georgia and Atlanta organizations, Alpharetta isn't ready to jump on the same bandwagon.
"At this point, the Asian market is not something we are pursuing, except with our leisure advertisements which are aimed at anyone who reads them," said Janet Rodgers, president and chief executive officer of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The reasoning is traced to the fact that the visitors bureau typically sees the best results from marketing the city to groups, which includes sports, weddings, reunions, corporate and religious events, according to Rodgers.
But, that doesn't mean they don't want to tap into the tourism industry as well.
"We are also marketing to all nationalities for the leisure market," Rodgers said. "Our budgeted dollars are spent where we can get the best results."
If that should include the Asian market, that's fine with them.
It's a definite contrast to the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Atlanta-based Delta Airlines and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, who all recently announced plans to "sell" Atlanta as a leisure destination to the Chinese. The three will be joined in the effort by other city attractions and hotels.
According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the effort could cost up to $225,000 to implement.
Capriola Hotel
Equities top GM
A recent company awards luncheon named Sal Capriola General Manager of the Quarter by Hotel Equities.
The Forsyth County resident, who serves as general manager of Hotel Equities' Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott-Perimeter Center, was honored for his leadership, excellence in hotel operations and budget-topping sales. His performance during the second quarter of 2008 was especially worthy of the award, according to the company.
"Sal works to achieve consistency across all areas of responsibility with the hotel," said President and CEO Fred Cerrone. "He develops his staff, trains them to exceed guest expectations and inspires them to strive towards excellence. He is a winner because he also continues to raise the bar for himself."
Capriola is a resident of Forsyth County and joined Hotel Equities more than 13 years ago. He was chosen from among 20 general managers.
"My award recognizes the team effort that goes into everything that we are able to accomplish at the hotel," he said. "We work hard to provide our guests with excellent service and I am proud to accept this honor."
VIPDistrict serves
as concierge
VIPDistict, the recently launched Atlanta-based lifestyle management company, was initiated by former head of Global Marketing for the Bermuda Department of Tourism, Glenn Bean, to cater to the business community.
"We are a multifaceted service company. We are prepared to fill an array of our clients' needs in a professional, attentive manner," Bean said.
Corporate clients enjoy VIPDistinct's expertise in creating a unique experience for groups of 10 to 10,000. The company specializes in offering the best in incentive packages, corporate meetings, conventions, conferences and executive retreats.
VIPDistinct manages all aspects of event planning, everything from developing a theme to creating menus to coordinating photography, from invitation design to selecting entertainment to guest transportation services and more.
For information, visit www.vipdistinct.com or call 404-591-5705.
Spratling manages
Woodstock hotel
Lolandera Spratling was recently named general manager of the Hampton Inn-Woodstock by Hotel Equities.
In her new role, Spratling maintains responsibility for overseeing all financial and management operations including hiring and training the employees and meeting budget goals.
It's not far off the beaten path of her previous experience. She began her hospitality career at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Midtown Atlanta where she moved from Front Desk Associate to Front Desk Supervisor. In 2004, Marriott International named her the national Associate of the Year for the Fairfield Inn brand. Prior to her current position, Spratling was the operations manager at Fairfield Inn and Suites-Kennesaw.
Hampton Inn-Woodstock is located at 450 Parkway 575, Woodstock. The 60-room property is managed by Hotel Equities.
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