Greater Woodfield Convention & Visitors Bureau Enjoys Solid Growth in Group Tour Business

The Greater Woodfield Convention & Visitors Bureau reports that it is seeing indications that the local travel industry is moving beyond recovery to solid growth. The strength of the Chicago Metropolitan group tour, group travel, hospitality and tourism market has been a plus for the Greater Woodfield area.

The entire Chicagoland region is reporting increases -- from 61.8% in 2005 to about 64.3% in 2006 and the total Greater Woodfield Chicago Northwest Market has an 18.7% increase in room revenues YTD according to Smith Travel Research.

“2005 was the year where we saw a steady increase in occupancy and this year brings considerable increase in revenues. August room revenues showed a 30.6% increase as well as an 8.9% increase in occupancy. August was incredible in occupancy as well as revenue even with the additional 500 rooms added with the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center coming on board in July. Also, the return of the corporate traveler plays a huge role in this steady growth along with the area benefiting from the robust list of major events held in the local area during the summer months” says Fran Bolson, President of Greater Woodfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. Bolson's assessment is confirmed by the region's hotel directors, Tom Guercio, Director of Sales at Hyatt Woodfield states, "the surrounding corporations within our area are able to start planning meetings again and that is critical to our market."

The Greater Woodfield area hosted three large events in August including the PGA, Arlington Million, and the Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove International Bike Race and opened the Renaissance Convention Center with the USA Gymnastics Championships in July. Linda Scheck, Director of Sales at the area Hilton, says “The Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Hoffman Estates experienced a significant revenue and occupancy spike of 10 to 12 points during the months of July and August. We can attribute this growth to a variety of factors that led to a great number of people booking with us. Along with the local corporate growth, the rebound of the international traveler who has gained enormous confidence to opt for a long-term stay. Also, the increase of conferences hosted by community churches such as Willowcreek Community Church in Hoffman Estates has attracted many out-of-state travelers who seek the Hilton for their accommodation.”

The stability of the Chicago tourist market generates a positive trickle down effect on the Greater Woodfield community which provides a wide variety of conveniences that majority of the frequent flyer Baby Boomers are seeking such as, close proximity to O’Hare Airport and nightlife of downtown Chicago, a broad spectrum of mid to high-end hotels, exclusive restaurants, and most of all, an unparalleled choice of shopping.

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