Back in the Saddle
![](https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/imported-page-images/istock_000007769309large_35w_bridge-night-sky.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=c42c550aa9f6a6fbaa5746e357bcd207 320w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/imported-page-images/istock_000007769309large_35w_bridge-night-sky.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=733919d5de021d649568f1de94a54f1e 540w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/imported-page-images/istock_000007769309large_35w_bridge-night-sky.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=c1b016ff07f569cafbfd39c42232afa6 768w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/imported-page-images/istock_000007769309large_35w_bridge-night-sky.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=8fe5c6ff211aaa2ad42ffd18016f179b 1024w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/imported-page-images/istock_000007769309large_35w_bridge-night-sky.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=af9d7b2d664f3916a79e8cb694a05386 1200w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/imported-page-images/istock_000007769309large_35w_bridge-night-sky.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=5bfeb19bb59f6fdea7ed94e0eb0ea74a 1440w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/imported-page-images/istock_000007769309large_35w_bridge-night-sky.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=7b1059d7c78a09d5c7041392b13975a2 1920w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/imported-page-images/istock_000007769309large_35w_bridge-night-sky.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=91d0b1f9dd642af0fa54bbbc721af17e 2560w, https://minneapolis-2021.imgix.net/images/imported-page-images/istock_000007769309large_35w_bridge-night-sky.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=8dce547edf14eff919daa3ec0c0b9305 3456w)
Meetings and Conventions
After voracious increases in demand for lodging over the last several years, several prognosticators predict that the new rooms supply is set to eclipse that demand. Minneapolis' own double digit year-over-year hotel room supply increase was in full effect during the last quarter of 2016. The new supply in our community and nationally will give planners more options and more leverage. Our lodging partners will need to work even harder to galvanize meeting planner loyalty. Meetings and Conventions magazine provides some national perspective on the meetings side of our industry.
Dining and Cuisine
From the aspect of general destination awareness and awareness of the food scene, Minneapolis has quietly made great strides. There is empirical data to show that once a visitor experiences Minneapolis and its unique attributes, like the food scene, he or she will become a strong advocate and want to return. The presence of many chef-driven restaurants is a unique quality many of our competitive cities lack. This has often been a differentiator as we position ourselves against those other cities. The unique qualities of our independent restaurant scene helps us also to create the authentic destination experience that more and more visitors seek.
Although we haven't been identified by the national chains, the desirability of our market is becoming more and more known by those chains. This recent Star Tribune piece provides more detail on those national chains who are making their presence known in our market.
Leisure Travel
We've reported extensively on one leading trend in all forms of travel, particularly leisure, and that is the authentic travel experience. Our soon–to-be-launched neighborhood initiative is just one way we are staying current.
With the continued refinement and advancement of mobile technology, it is no wonder that travelers are unwilling to wait for travel-related information. This need for instant gratification is likely to continue to grow as consumers acquire more mobile devices that have greater functionality.
A recent Hospitality Net article elaborates on these and other trends to watch for in the coming year.
Meetings and Conventions
After voracious increases in demand for lodging over the last several years, several prognosticators predict that the new rooms supply is set to eclipse that demand. Minneapolis' own double digit year-over-year hotel room supply increase was in full effect during the last quarter of 2016. The new supply in our community and nationally will give planners more options and more leverage. Our lodging partners will need to work even harder to galvanize meeting planner loyalty. Meetings and Conventions magazine provides some national perspective on the meetings side of our industry.
Dining and Cuisine
From the aspect of general destination awareness and awareness of the food scene, Minneapolis has quietly made great strides. There is empirical data to show that once a visitor experiences Minneapolis and its unique attributes, like the food scene, he or she will become a strong advocate and want to return. The presence of many chef-driven restaurants is a unique quality many of our competitive cities lack. This has often been a differentiator as we position ourselves against those other cities. The unique qualities of our independent restaurant scene helps us also to create the authentic destination experience that more and more visitors seek.
Although we haven't been identified by the national chains, the desirability of our market is becoming more and more known by those chains. This recent Star Tribune piece provides more detail on those national chains who are making their presence known in our market.
Leisure Travel
We've reported extensively on one leading trend in all forms of travel, particularly leisure, and that is the authentic travel experience. Our soon–to-be-launched neighborhood initiative is just one way we are staying current.
With the continued refinement and advancement of mobile technology, it is no wonder that travelers are unwilling to wait for travel-related information. This need for instant gratification is likely to continue to grow as consumers acquire more mobile devices that have greater functionality.
A recent Hospitality Net article elaborates on these and other trends to watch for in the coming year.