Journeys in the United Kingdom is inching closer and I'm back with an interview where Laura Benefer of the Hyatt Regency Manchester has given us readers an insight into her world of work, the market place and plans for the future.
On the 17th of April, we will be kindly hosted by the Hyatt Regency Manchester as we experience the best Manchester offers. When the team went there for a site visit, we had a great time visiting the Etihad Stadium, the Manchester Museum and the Royal College of Music. This got our creative juices flowing and we are well on our way to producing an amazing programme for the event!
1. What is your position and what do you do for Hyatt?
Director of Sales – responsible for maintaining key relationships for the hotel and searching out new business opportunities for the Hyatt Manchester.
2. What are your challenges as Director of Sales for Hyatt?
Manchester is a very competitive market and the Hyatt Brand is not as well known in the UK. We have been working hard to raise awareness of the amazing Hyatt Brand and the hotel here in Manchester.
3. What are trends telling you about the marketplace?
Group, Meeting and Events is now a key driver for base business with transient and corporate business a little slower to return. Rail strikes and transport issues are a barrier to people travelling. We also see that the enquiries and business are still short lead and many companies do not want to commit too far ahead.
4. What does the future hold for your brand?
The Hyatt Brand is expanding rapidly throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia so it’s a very exciting time to be part of Hyatt. The brand is fantastic and has so much to offer a variety of clientele depending on their needs and wants from travel.
5. Why host a Journeys event?
To work with specialists from within the industry to bring a new type of buyer to the hotel and Manchester. It allows us to showcase our fantastic hotel and city.
6. And your parting message – can you highlight one issue that we as an industry should examine in more detail?
Recruitment and retention of great people within the industry is key and needs to be the focus for the future.