WebBeds, the global marketplace for accommodation and ground product distribution services in the travel industry, recently held its second IMPACT Summit at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando.
The event welcomed nearly 200 hoteliers from the area, offering them valuable insights on international source markets from WebBeds’ leadership and on the latest exciting developments in the destination from Visit Orlando, HSMAI Central Florida, and Brightline.
This event is part of WebBeds’ global series of summits, following the inaugural event held earlier this year in Bangkok.
Key highlights from industry partners presenting at the IMPACT Summit included:
Mike Waterman (Chief Sales Officer, Visit Orlando) reminded the audience that Orlando made travel industry history once again – welcoming 74 million visitors in 2022 (98% of pre-pandemic levels) solidifying it as the most visited destination in the US.
Jeff Chase (Executive Director, HSMAI Central Florida) talked about the need for hoteliers to adapt rather than pivot in today’s fast moving environment, outlining the tools the organisation can provide to help hoteliers stay relevant.
Jos Schaap (CEO and Co-Founder, Roomdex) outlined how Roomdex can help hotels unleash new revenue streams through their fully automated Attribute-Based Selling product that enables hotels to easily unbundle and upsell individual room features to travelers.
Barbara Drahl (SVP Marketing and Commercial Strategy, Brightline) showcased the exciting Brightline high-speed rail line connecting Miami to Orlando. This innovative new service opens a host of new traveler segments for the region intersecting world-class rail travel with a one-of-a-kind guest experience.
James Phillips, WebBeds President – Americas stated, “Orlando is home base for the WebBeds Americas region. USA is the number one country destination for WebBeds globally, and Florida the number one state destination. So it was a natural fit that we held this event in our spiritual home here in Orlando! Our guest speakers demonstrated why we are so invested in the region and are expanding our presence here as inbound business to Orlando and Florida goes from strength to strength.”
In addition, Daryl Lee, WebBeds CEO, also commented, “Our strength in global source markets – especially in China, India, and the Middle East – was brought to life in the panel discussion involving our four regional Presidents. We are excited by the potential to grow Orlando business, especially after hearing the updates from our speakers about the new developments and plans to build on results many destinations would be envious of. Our business performance has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels so we are excited by the growth opportunities for Orlando and the US, as global airlines continue to increase flights on international routes across the world and direct to the US.”
The IMPACT Summit in Orlando marked the latest phase of WebBeds’ mission to re-energise travel, tourism and hospitality in the Americas region. The company will announce further dates and locations for its IMPACT Summits in the coming months.
Photo shows L to R: Stuart Dale – SVP Global Sales, Roomdex, Amr Ezzeldin – President – Middle East & Africa, WebBeds, James Phillips – President – Americas, WebBeds, Jeff Chase – Executive Director, HSMAI Central Florida, Sarah Soliman – President & CEO, Soliman Productions, Jos Schaap – CEO and Co-Founder, Roomdex, Barbara Drahl – SVP Marketing and Commercial Strategy, Brightline, Daryl Lee – CEO, WebBeds, Anders Kjong – President – Europe, WebBeds, Mike Waterman – Chief Sales Officer, Visit Orlando, Kok Sheng Sun – President – Asia Pacific, WebBeds
