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.