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MHA meets in Orlando The Marine Hotel Association, part of an industry growing rapidly and seeking to stay tune with the needs and desires of the traveling public met in Orlando this week to talk about trends and network with contacts. This year is shaping up as another year of rapid growth for cruise lines. According to MHA research nine new ships will be launched this year. The nine newbuilds will increase total passenger capacity by nearly 25,000. The April 15-17 event, held at the JW Marriott Resort and Hotel, drew 185 exhibitors. The group elected a new president, Joe Lavi from Carnival Cruise Lines. The gathering was entertained and informed by Jon Tisch Chief Executive of Loews Hotels and given an inspiring life lessons for an age of anxiety and uncertainty by Dieter Hannig, a chef and senior vice president of food and beverage at Walt Disney World. Attendance was still being calculated as the PAX International Newsletter went online, but the busy tradeshow floor hummed with activity throughout the two-day event. Officials at the MHA said that stands were sold out three months in advance. Lavi says that the organization limits the number to stands each year, to allow delegates to see all the exhibitors during the two days. The products highlighted at some of the stands and talk on the trade floor showed that this segment of the travel industry is noticing the desire by the public to eat healthier fare, and be more socially conscious consumers. At the Intervine stand Kerry Manahan-Ehlow vice president of sales, showed visitors a South African wine called Sabika, made by a company that works to save the cheetah. Palm Bay Imports’ Dennis Robinson was showing visitors brochures for Grove Mill wine from New Zealand, “the world’s first carbon zero certified winery.” Other talk was of the move by cruise lines to rid trans fats from their menus. Disney World has also taken steps to get rid of trans fats. In a question and answer session following his motivational speech Hannig said his company planned to eliminate trans fats in all its food by the beginning of May. “We are a reflection of the land based (travel) products,” outgoing MHA president Jeff Danis of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines told PAX International. Jon Tisch, the chief executive at Loews Hotels, chain of upscale properties reminded the delegates at a breakfast keynote speech of the cruise industry’s connection to the travel industry overall. Active in promoting the United States as tourist destination, Tisch said that the country is losing tourists to countries like Spain and France that have cabinet-level officials promoting tourism. He added that the United States throws up many boundaries that discourage travel to the country. Visa acquisition is difficult, customs officials are surly and “our welcome is downright rude” Tisch said. Businesses like hotels and cruise lines compete in industries marked by shrinking brand loyalty and increased price sensitivity said Tisch. To create the lifelong customers that important to success of travel-related companies Tisch said “we have got to get it right every single time.”
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