Don Welsh: There Will Be a Silver Lining, But We Are Not There Yet
March 20, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has sent the travel industry into a tailspin, but there is light at the end of the tunnel—however long it may take us to get there, says Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. Here’s his take on the current situation.
How are destinations dealing with the coronavirus from a meetings business standpoint?
I think there’s never been a more collaborative effort in the industry and with all the industry players involved in meetings. What we’re realizing, as we go through this, is that knowledge is power, and we’re getting more clarity with every passing day as a country and also at city and state level.
How have communications changed?
Cities are taking a proactive response to reach out to planners who have meetings scheduled. Many planners have reached out to destinations needing answers to the questions [being asked by] attendees or their board. There is heightened two-way communication between the destination, particularly at the sales and services level, and planners.
Are destination organizations still trying to sell destinations for the future?
We are all spending a disproportionate part of our day [dealing with the coronavirus situation], but that doesn’t preclude us from doing our normal, everyday work going forward. If you talk to CVB leaders, they’re spending a lot of time on webinars and conference calls, digesting information as it’s coming out by the hour. Right now, the situation is very fluid. Destination organizations are doing everything in their power to be responsive to their communities and customers and their needs at this time.
What’s the most important takeaway you want DMO teams to know right now?
We’ve certainly had 8-10 years of a positive run worldwide in terms of hotel performance, airline load factors, and hotel and airline profitability. This is a business that can never be taken for granted. As we’ve seen here — and as we saw after 9/11 — with the snap of a finger, or an outbreak of a virus that’s become a pandemic, all that can end and come to a rapid halt.
When we are firing on all cylinders again — back to normal, whatever that is — we will have a much greater appreciation for a healthy tourism economy, including meetings. In some parts of the world, this has been taken for granted for over a decade. I do see a silver lining, but right now we’re not in that. You have to look to the other end, of when we get through this. Travel is part of who we are as people; it’s in our DNA.
To access industry resources from Destinations International, go here. You can also find out information about DI’s weekly coronavirus industry update call, which takes place every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. EST, and upcoming webinars.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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