“Market Commentary and Intraday News” plus 1 more

Posted: 25 May 2010 10:29 PM PDT

NY and NJ bet big on Meadowlands Super Bowl

47 minutes ago

By SARAH SKIDMORE
AP Business Writer

The big bet for Super Bowl 2014? The weather.

Tourism leaders in New York and New Jersey are hoping thousands of football fans flock to the region in the dead of winter wearing overcoats with deep pockets.

The Super Bowl could bring in as much as $550 million to the region, according to some estimates. But these measures, sports and economic experts say, are an inexact and vary based on factors ranging from what teams are playing to the weather.

That's not such a big deal in Miami or Los Angeles, but the average temperature for the Meadowlands area in February is somewhere between 24 to 40 degrees, with several inches of rain. And the game is usually at night, when temperatures drop. Did we mention there's no roof on the new $1.6 billion stadium?

That may keep some fair-weather fans away and the die-hards too, if their flights are canceled due to snow.

"The quality of the game itself or the fans _ depending on how drunk they are _ may feel the effects of the cold weather," said Allen Sanderson, sports economist at the University of Chicago.

Still, those in the region's tourism industry were thrilled at Tuesday's news that Meadowlands secured the bid.

"This is a huge shot in the arm," said Mark Giangiulio, Chairman of the Board of the New Jersey Hotel and Lodging Association, and general manager of the Grand Summit Hotel in Summit, N.J.

The Super Bowl will bring thousands of fans during what's traditionally the slowest time of year for the hotel industry in the Northeast.

The freezing weather usually scares away tourists and occupancy rates typically sink to around 50 to 60 percent in February. The Super Bowl should boost them back to the 80s _ a level that hotels usually see only in the spring and summer, Giangiulio said. And hotel rates will soar during Super Bowl week.

"They'll be the highest" posted rate of the year, he said. "People who go to this expect to pay."

Chris Heywood, a spokesman for NYC & Co., the city's tourism arm, said the Super Bowl is expected to bring hundreds of millions of dollars to the city, in part from an estimated 250,000 visitors expected to attend the NFL Experience public trade show. About 50,000 to 60,000 people are expected to stay in the city's hotels, while media sponsors and corporate sponsors will also be adding their cash to the mix, according to his estimate.

Separately, a study commissioned by the owners of the New York Jets and Giants football teams estimated the game could bring as much as $550 million to the New York-New Jersey region, said Alice McGillion, spokeswoman for the new Meadowlands Stadium. The study was completed as part of the bidding process, and no breakdown of the sum was released.

Sports marketing and economic experts though, say these estimates are typically over-inflated and inexact. If two smaller market teams come to the game, it hurts results. If the teams are from nearby, it cuts into the hotel and restaurant revenue. And rental cars, typically a big measure in these estimates, won't likely be used as much at this site, given the weather and availability of public transportation.

"Move the decimal point one place to the left," Sanderson said.

There is, however, the novelty effect of the location which could draw a few fans or at least sell advertising. And with the location so close to New York, corporations are more likely to go as they could do more networking while in the area.

The bigger economic issue, sports experts say, is the selection of this site underscores implicit agreement between many areas and the league that if they build new stadiums, they will get a Super Bowl. That encourages other cities to get taxpayer money to renovate or build new stadiums.

The Meadowlands Stadium will become home to the Jets and Giants this season.

"Is it risky? Of course it is, but it's a measured approach to take care of those that finance the NFL," said David Carter a professor of sports marketing at the University of Southern California.

"What would the economic impact be for the NFL if the Super Bowl was not held there?"

___

Chris Kahn and Samantha Gross contributed to this report from New York. Sarah Skidmore reported from Portland, Ore.

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Marriott Introduces New Crib Experience at Five Brands and More Than 2500 Hotels - Because Tots Travel Too(TM)

Posted: 25 May 2010 04:07 AM PDT

BETHESDA, Md., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- For parents traveling with little ones, Marriott has got you covered. Today, Marriott International, Inc. is introducing Tots Travel Too(TM), a program designed to make travel easier for families with young children, available at more than 2,500 Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites hotels in the continental U.S. and Canada.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090217/MARRIOTTINTLLOGO )

Visit www.marriott.com/totsTravel2 for more information about the program and http://www.flickr.com/photos/marriott/sets/72157624126795780/ for photos.

The complimentary Tots Travel Too program provides guests, upon request, with a travel crib and laundered COVERPLAY® removable crib slipcover to ensure their "traveler-in-training" can rest comfortably. For a bit of bath time fun, a complimentary gift comes with the COVERPLAY, an animal squirtie toy. In addition, parents who have forgotten to pack their tot's essentials can contact the front desk for complimentary items, including outlet covers, nightlights, baby shampoo, and baby lotion, plus disposable bibs will be available in the breakfast areas.

"As a parent with a child under three, I am definitely aware of all the planning and stress that can happen when traveling with toddlers," said Peggy Fang Roe, Vice President, Global Brand Management, TownePlace Suites & Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott International, Inc. "We've developed the Tots Travel Too program to meet the unique needs of families traveling with very young children. By helping reassure parents, the Tots Travel Too program helps them to relax, enjoy their trip and create long-lasting and happy memories with their families."

As part of the Tots Travel Too program, COVERPLAY developed an exclusive slipcover design for Marriott that will be featured at Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites hotels, as well as available for purchase on www.shopmarriott.com.

As Marriott was developing its Tots Travel Too program, a few of its hotels began offering COVERPLAY slipcovers and it was receiving rave reviews from guests. Recognizing the great potential of the one-of-a-kind product for its guest traveling with small children, Marriott soon signed an agreement with COVERPLAY owners and business partners, Allison Costa and Amy Feldman, to offer their product at more than 2,500 hotels across the U.S. and Canada.

"As a mother of twin boys, I truly appreciate all that these five Marriott brands are doing to make travel easier for parents and their little ones," said Allison Costa, founder and co-owner, COVERPLAY. "As a female small business owner, our new relationship with Marriott has also been instrumental in growing our small business."

About COVERPLAY

COVERPLAY is a proud member of the WBENC and owned and operated by Allison Costa and Amy Feldman. The company sells a line of over 20 different COVERPLAY slipcovers that fit easily over almost all standard size play yards on the market. The portable crib covers are machine washable and provide parents an easy way to protect their children from germs and keep play yards clean. COVERPLAY is all about making life easier for moms. For more information on COVERPLAY Slipcovers, visit http://www.coverplayard.com.

About Courtyard

Courtyard by Marriott has been a leader in the lodging industry for more than 25 years and provides travelers with a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests' needs for choice and control. With more than 860 locations in 30 countries, Courtyard is Marriott's largest brand. For more information, visit www.courtyard.com.

About Fairfield Inn & Suites

Fairfield Inn & Suites, a leader in the moderate tier lodging category with over 645 locations, is designed for today's traveler who is looking to be productive on the road, whether for business or leisure. In addition to free hot breakfast and free high-speed internet access, Fairfield Inn & Suites offers suite rooms that provide separate living, working and sleeping areas -- perfect for family travel. For more information, visit www.fairfieldinn.com.

About SpringHill Suites

SpringHill Suites is ideal for business and leisure travelers who look for style and inspiration in their stay. Featuring suites larger than traditional hotel rooms, SpringHill Suites makes it easy for guests to spread out and fully enjoy their space. Launched in November 1998, the brand currently has more than 250 locations in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.springhillsuites.com.

About Residence Inn

Residence Inn, a brand always recognized as a leader in extended stay business travel, is a terrific choice for the leisure traveler. Amenities that include spacious suites, free hot breakfast, free grocery shopping, full kitchens, and over 600 locations make Residence Inn the smart choice for families traveling this summer. For more information, visit www.residenceinn.com.

About TownePlace Suites

TownePlace Suites is an all-suite extended-stay hotel brand in the moderate price range. Ideal for travelers who need accommodations for a week or more, TownePlace Suites offer studio, one- and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living/working and sleeping areas. Launched in 1997, the brand currently has more than 180 locations in the United States. For more information, visit www.towneplacesuites.com.

Click here for Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) company information.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

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Hotels Lodging

Tuesday, May 25, 2010