wellness-travel

Part II of Spafinder Wellness 365’s “State of Wellness Travel Report” reveals Millennials & Gen X care even more about wellness offerings at resorts/hotels and spas than Baby Boomers.

Spafinder Wellness 365 released Part II of its eighth-annual State of Wellness Travel Report, based on a survey of travel agents in North America and Europe and designed to offer ongoing insight into wellness travel trends. The new report examined the shifting demographics of the wellness traveler, with a special focus on the impact that age has on traveler’s preferences.

Survey respondents indicate that every wellness element at properties, from healthy food to fitness classes to spiritual healing, ranked as more important for younger travelers (49 and under, Millennials and Gen X), than for Baby Boomers (50 and older), the generation that jumpstarted the wellness revolution. The most significant differences are in outdoor adventure (i.e., hiking, surfing, etc.), environmentally friendly properties, voluntourism programs, and fitness/yoga classes and facilities, which all matter significantly more to younger travelers. The most desirable property types for Baby Boomers are luxury spa resorts, while for Millennials and Gen X, eco/adventure resorts and authentic yoga retreats rank much higher.

Spafinder Wellness Report

The full report (which includes data on key trends and whether men find wellness travel more appealing than spa travel) is available here.

“As Millennials and Gen X become the core wellness tourism demographic, trends are emerging. Not only do younger travelers demand more wellness offerings in general, they seek more intensive, out-in-nature adventure and fitness. And a property’s ‘values,’ such as respect for the environment and whether it gives back to the local community, aren’t niche considerations—they’re more important than traditional sports like golf or tennis,” said Spafinder Wellness, Inc. COO John Bevan. “The survey shines light on what’s ascending for the next generation in wellness travel, but also shows that Boomers still rank traditional spa resorts first. The landscape is expanding, more complex, and less one-size-fits-all than ever.”

Many Wellness Elements Matter to All Travelers

Agents rated the importance of 16 different wellness components/programs to their clients. Every component (whether weight loss or healthy sleep programs) rates as “important” for every age demographic, scoring at least 5.9 out of 10.

All Wellness Components Matter More to Younger Travelers

As the table below illustrates, wellness travel elements are important for all travelers, but they’re even more important to younger travelers (49 and under) than for the 50-plus-group. Even offerings one might associate with older travelers (i.e., hot springs) rank as more important to younger travelers. The differences are more significant in some instances, such as environmentally friendly properties and outdoor adventure programs, but the trend is consistent.

Wellness property elements, ranked 1-10; 1 = “not important at all” and 10 = “extremely important”

Spafinder Wellness 365 study

Hotels Offer Opportunity

Naturally, hotels looking to accommodate the younger generations of travelers are seeking unique and fun ways to provide the wellness opportunities their guests are looking for. Here are some of the ways properties are doing so:

Outdoor Adventure Programs: Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and San Carlos Bay, groups can explore 400 miles of navigable waterways with Dolphin & Sunset Cruises, nature sightseeing tours, BBQ Donut Party Boats and private fishing charters at the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village.

Environmentally friendly: Hilton San Francisco Union Square aims to become zero waste by 2020 by continually revamping operational programs to eliminate waste. Initiatives include measuring groups’ carbon footprints, providing drought-friendly menu options and connecting with non-profits to allocate unused resources.

Volunteerism: Set on a 1,100-acre rainforest, Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in Costa Rica features a Reforest the Rainforest initiative for groups to preserve the rainforest while creating a habitat for local wildlife by planting a Tropical Almond Tree, beneficial for the preservation of the iconic macaw.

Fitness facilities and classes: Overlooking San Juan’s vibrant skyline all the way to the old city, meetings attendees at Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino can get their Soulcycle on with in-room stationary bikes, available upon request, while taking in sights of the Bay of San Juan.

The Biggest Age “Importance Gaps”

Several wellness components at properties stand out as significantly more important for Millennials and Gen X. The top five “importance gaps” are 1.) outdoor adventure programs (i.e., hiking, surfing, etc.); 2.) environmentally friendly properties; 3.) properties that actively “do good” for local community or have voluntourism programs; and 4.) fitness/yoga classes and facilities; and 5.) beach access.

Baby Boomers Want Luxury Spa Resorts; Millennials & Gen X Rate Eco-Resorts Much Higher.

Agents shared what types of wellness travel properties are most desired/booked by their Baby Boomer and older, and younger Millennial and Gen X, clients.

For the 50-plus crowd, luxury spa resorts (with a focus on relaxation and stress-reduction) rank highest by considerable margins. And the next three types of wellness travel destinations all had parity in scores.

Baby Boomer Top Properties:

1. Luxury spa resort
2. Beach focused (sand-and-sea destinations)
3. Eco resort in wild nature (focus on hiking, adventure, biodiversity/wildlife, etc.)
4. Healthy cruise (w/programming like spas, fitness classes, etc.)

 Millennial & Gen X Top Properties:

For travelers 49 and under, the top three, most desired/booked wellness travel properties (by significant margins, and with great parity) are:

1. Beach focused (sand-and-sea destinations)
2. Eco resort in wild nature (focus on hiking, adventure, biodiversity/wildlife, etc.)
3. Authentic yoga retreats

Gen X: the #1 wellness travel booker

Agents also note which age groups are now most likely to book wellness travel. And as Baby Boomers age, each year they’re increasingly being replaced by Gen X and younger. The top two age groups below lead by significant margins. And the young 26-35 year olds (Millennials) increase their lead on the over-65 this year.

Who books wellness travel?

1. 46-55 (older Gen X and very youngest Boomers)
2. 36-45 (Gen X)
3. 56-65 (heart of the Boomers)
4. 26-35 (Millennials and youngest Gen X)
5. Over 65 (includes oldest Boomers)

New Zealand CINZ-trade-show-floor

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this week, Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) is referred to as “Meetings” by the Kiwis. With a 15 percent growth in international delegates in 2015 and a goal to double the economic impact of meetings and events during the next 10 years, the New Zealand MICE industry translates to money for this relatively small Asia-Pacific nation.

The two-day CINZ at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds, the largest annual MICE show in the country, is one of many steps Tourism New Zealand has taken to position itself as an international meetings hub. According to Rene de Monchy, director of trade, public relations and major events for Tourism New Zealand, a strong return on investment the past three years provides ample incentive to keep the momentum going.

“If we don’t bid, we don’t win,” de Monchy said during Thursday’s press conference. “We have a long-term commitment to the industry and we will be increasing our investment.”

CINZ

Tourism New Zealand spared no expense in hosting meeting planners and media from throughout the world to showcase its infrastructure, wealth of luxury accommodations, outdoor adventures and genuine friendliness. Among those attending Meetings were 100 hosted buyers and media from New Zealand, 100 hosted buyers and media from Australia, and 40 hosted buyers and media from China, Southeast Asia, India and United States.

The trade show featured close to 200 exhibitors from 19 New Zealand regions, including resorts and hotels, regional tourism bureaus, attractions and activities. In 2015, CINZ resulted in $50 million in contracted business.

CINZ1

Beyond the annual trade show, Tourism New Zealand has helped make it easier to get into the country by creating a business-events visa with a three-day turnaround. Improved data has helped the national DMO measure and monitor ROI. Key infrastructure projects from Auckland to Christchurch are in the works to help keep the meetings industry front of mind. And Tourism New Zealand has focused on marketing business events internationally, opening offices around the world in such places as Santa Monica, California.

One other factor that bodes well for New Zealand’s meetings and events industry is partnerships. For example, Air New Zealand was a key partner of the hosted buyers program, along with four- and five-star properties. International buyers and media were treated to pre-event fam trips, including places like Queenstown on the South Island.

“Our success is linked to New Zealand’s success,” said Leanne Geraghty, regional general manager for distribution and corporate for Air New Zealand.

Improved airlift has contributed to the increase of international delegates, including new routes from Auckland to Houston, Buenos Aires and Ho Chi Minh City. Air New Zealand, regarded as the top airlines in the world, has invested $100 million in airport lounges for premium flyers, creating private clubs with complimentary gourmet meals and full bars.

Brett O’Riley, chief executive of Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development, discussed his city’s 10-year plan to double economic impact to $430 million by 2023. A key reason that goal is feasible is the development of New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), which is scheduled to open in 2019.

“We will have a facility that will compete with any facility in the region,” said Simon Jamieson, group general manager for NZICC. “It will make a big difference to New Zealand’s economy when it’s completed.”

The new convention center, which will be located in Auckland’s business center, will feature a 2,850-seat plenary and a 71,412-square-foot exhibition hall. It will be within walking distance to 4,500 four- and five-star guest rooms. A seven-minute walk to the ferry terminal opens up all kinds of opportunities to explore Auckland’s famous harbor and islands.

CINZ-drink-truck

The slogan for the 2016 CINZ was “Together we can do amazing things.” From the trade show floor to luxury accommodations and business-class flights for international buyers and media, it’s evident that Team New Zealand is poised to elevate its status as a meetings center and thus serve as a key economic driver for the entire country.

Meet in Valley Forge

In the history books, Valley Forge is the site of bitterly cold winters the soldiers endured during the American Revolution. In Valley Forge National Historical Park, a monument was erected in honor of their strife and sacrifices during the war’s end in 1777. Some of George Washington’s famous words are scribed across the towering National Memorial Arch. “Naked and starving as they are, we cannot enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiery,” the general once said.

Twenty-five miles outside of Philadelphia, this former colonial outpost is part of the King of Prussia region, also known as an international shopping destination. King of Prussia Mall is the second largest mall in the country with more than 400 shopping outlets, including several high-end retailers. It’s one of the biggest draws for groups that meet in Valley Forge.

For planners, this edge city is chock full of modern conference facilities and rustic hotels that perfectly blend the charm of the past with technology of the future. Here are 10 conference centers and meeting properties that can accommodate your next event.

1. Near the King of Prussia Mall, Double Tree by Hilton Philadelphia Valley Forge offers 24,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including 24 meeting rooms, the Keystone Ballroom and an outdoor reception area by the pool. The hotel also has 327 guest rooms and a newly expanded fitness center.

Meet in Valley Forge

2. In nearby Landsdale, Courtyard Marriott Landsdale is redesigned in contemporary accents of bright yellow and grey. Modern decor and furniture decorate the lobby areas and reinvented dining venues that serve locally inspired dishes. The hotel provides 125 guest rooms and 6,948 sq. ft. of meeting space within nine meeting rooms.

3. One of the premier venues for nightlife in the area is Valley Forge Casino Hotel. There are seven dining options and a variety of casino games between Valley Forge Casino Hotel and the adjoining Radisson Hotel, which offer a combined total of 486 guest rooms. The 100,000-square-foot convention center includes more than 54,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space with room for up to 250 booths.

4. Crowne Plaza Valley Forge is in proximity of Valley Forge National Park and is located across the street from King of Prussia Mall. The property features dining venues onsite and 226 guest rooms, including six suites. There’s more than 24,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space at Liberty Conference Center, which is housed within the hotel. The IACC-certified conference center includes two ballrooms, a 130-seat amphitheater and four breakout rooms.

Meet in Valley Forge

5. For meetings that deserve charm and character, Joseph Ambler Inn harkens back to colonial times. On 12 acres of countryside, 52 guest rooms are spread throughout five historic buildings. Small meeting groups can enjoy five private event spaces that can accommodate up to 200 people. The rooms range from formal banquet halls to intimate gathering areas.

Meet in Valley Forge

6. Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center is another one-of-a-kind facility that offers a rustic ambiance amid picturesque surroundings. The 19th century inn and tavern has been transformed into a modern facility that boasts 113 guest rooms and 28 suites. The 23,000-square-foot conference center offers 17 meeting rooms and two ballrooms within original brick archways and exposed beams. Groups can dine at The Farmer’s Daughter restaurant, where modern farm-to-table cuisine is served within a barn-style setting.

Meet in Valley Forge

7. Unconventional think spaces rule at The Hub Conshy, located in the town of West Conshohocken. The conference center is one of four similarly themed facilities in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Hub Conshy opened last year with 8,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 7,000 sq. ft. of outdoor terrace and atrium space. Each conference room offers thought-provoking designs that are especially appealing to biotech firms and corporate groups.

8. Sheraton Valley Forge Hotel was remodeled in 2014 and boasts upgraded amenities and interiors. The 180-room hotel has a club lounge and various dining areas, including Ralph’s of South Philly, a modern take on the oldest Italian restaurant in America. The property features 25,000 sq. ft. of function space, including a 10,000-square-foot ballroom and 13 conference rooms.

9. Rivercrest Golf Club & Preserve is a top venue for conferences and special events. The family-owned facility offers golf outings and team building activities on its 300-yard dual-ended practice range, along with a 60-yard grass tee. The golf course also hosts the Donovan McNabb Foundation Golf Classic Event. Rivercrest accommodates meetings and events of all sizes in its 49,000-square-foot Clubhouse.

Meet in Valley Forge

10. Chubb Conference Center is another privately owned meeting venue that offers more than 50,000 sq. ft. of IACC-certified space. The campus of ergonomically designed spaces is conducive to productive events, and offers 120 renovated guest rooms. Altogether, there are 48 hi-tech meeting rooms that have SMART Boards, video-conferencing, complimentary Wi-Fi and built-in HD projection. There’s also plenty of outdoor breakout space within 300 acres of rolling hills and woodlands.

 

MPI-WEC-2016Photo credit Orange Photography

Meeting Professionals International’s 2016 World Education Congress (#WEC16) took place at Harrah’s beautiful new Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey on June 11-14. WEC is the association’s premier annual gathering, drawing planners and suppliers from around the world.

The 2016 event was a resounding success for education and networking opportunities, and drew planners’ attention to an appealing coastline destination that is in the process of reinventing itself.

Sonya Thorpe Cobb, manager of communications for MPI, provides the following wrap up.

MPI #WEC16 By the Numbers

2,000              Number of registered attendees, which is on par with WEC 2014 in Minneapolis

72                    Percentage of attendees who were MPI members

44                    Percentage of attendees that were planners

140                  Number of suppliers represented in MarketSquare, where planners could network and conduct informal meetings

80                    Number of educational sessions delivered by industry experts

$300,000       Amount the MPI Foundation raised via high profile and well-attended events like The Big Deal, Rendezvous and the Not-So-Silent Auction. The money will be used for scholarships and grants for planners to attend #WEC17, which will take place in Las Vegas.

$145,000       Funds raised at the President’s Dinner, which will support the MPI Academy in providing professional growth opportunities focused on women’s leadership and diversity training programs.

For more pics from #WEC16, view the Twitter feed of Smart Meetings Senior Content Producer Susan Jacobs at @SmartMtgsSusanJ.

orlando-shooting-florida

While we’re inundated with news updates and varying opinions about Saturday’s nightclub shooting that left 50 dead and more than 50 wounded in Orlando, the hospitality industry has again come together to do what they do best amid tragedy: lend their support.

Social media has proven once again to be a dominant medium for everything from spreading the news around the world and sharing updates lightning-fast, to being a place to stand together in solidarity.

The conversation will inevitably turn to how this shooting will affect the travel industry in Florida; the same fear that was experienced after attacks in Brussels and Paris left travelers questioning their future plans.

“Orlando, as one of the world’s most popular and iconic destinations for travelers, and a community that proudly cherishes its diversity, has long been considered a high-value target for would-be terrorists. Now it appears our worst fears have been realized,” writes The Orlando Sentinel.

“Let our community define itself by our unequivocal response: United…How we proudly reaffirm Orlando’s identity as a welcoming, inclusive place for people who live here or visit, no matter their background or orientation.”

While the headlines today focus on gun control, terrorism, and the LGBTQ community, we’d like to take a moment to shed light on some of the beautifully powerful ways our industry is standing together to show their support.

 

 Stay Well Guest Rooms

Delos, the pioneer of Wellness Real Estate, is expanding its Stay Well hotel room portfolio into select Marriott International hotels. Stay Well guest rooms are available at six Marriott properties, including Charlotte Marriott City Center in North Carolina, Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Richmond Marriott Short Pump in Virginia, Residence Inn Orlando Lake Nona in Florida, Courtyard Orlando Lake Nona in Florida and Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina in Florida.

“Now more than ever, health and wellness are a top priority in nearly every facet of our lives. The new Stay Well rooms make it feasible for business and leisure travelers alike to easily maintain their healthy lifestyles while away,” said Jim Connelly, senior vice president of operations and owner services at Marriott International.

Delos’ Stay Well guest rooms are the first to offer evidence-based health and wellness features in hotels to help travelers maintain a general sense well-being while traveling. The new Stay Well rooms at Marriott hotels incorporate a myriad of scientifically validated technologies, features and services that are designed to promote health, vitality and happiness. Room amenities include: advanced air purification, dawn simulation, a water filtration system, circadian-rhythm lighting and a supportive mattress.

Through the Stay Well Mobile App, guests residing in Marriott’s Stay Well rooms also enjoy exclusive access to an innovative jet lag tool, as well as sleep, nutrition and stress management programs developed by Cleveland Clinic. Stay Well rooms and suites at Marriott hotels are available for about $30 per night above standard rates. Stay Well amenities can be installed in homes and are available for purchase online.

In 2012, Delos launched Stay Well rooms at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Since then, the company has expanded the program to include a Stay Well Meetings segment that encourages health benefits for meeting groups, which translates to increased productivity, collaboration and creativity.

“The growing demand for healthy travel is rapidly increasing, and we have received a tremendous number of requests to open more Stay Well rooms since first debuting the product in Las Vegas,” said Delos Founder and CEO Paul Scialla. “Marriott is one of the most respected and prestigious hotel companies in the world, and we are thrilled to expand the Stay Well experience into their hotels to help meet their guests’ wellness needs.”

HomeAway-Paris-Eiffel-Tower-overnight

One of the world’s most iconic attractions, the Eiffel Tower in Paris has been visited by more than 250 million people since it was completed in 1889 as the entrance to the World’s Fair. Throughout its history, the tower has never been open for overnight stays—until now.

On June 10, HomeAway, an Austin, Texas-based sharing economy startup that offers vacation rentals for families and groups, unveiled a pop-up apartment constructed inside the Eiffel Tower. The temporary living space was created in less than 48 hours and designed by Benoit Leleu, who transformed an empty conference room into a comfortable living area that combines Parisian Haussmann style with modern sensibility. The space includes an urban greenhouse and two bedrooms furnished by Italian design house Lago. The apartment offers spectacular views of Paris and its surroundings.

The apartment will host four groups of HomeAway’s #EiffelTowerAllYours contest winners for a night packed with French activities and cuisine. The winners will also spend three additional nights at HomeAway vacation rentals in Paris. More than 150,000 people entered the contest on Twitter, which invited people to share what they would do if they could spend a night in the Eiffel Tower.

“We had a big idea to create a HomeAway where no one would believe possible, and now the day is here to make the Eiffel Tower All Yours,” said Mariano Dima, chief marketing officer for HomeAway. “We can’t wait to share the apartment that floats 57 meters above Paris.”

Brian Sharples, co-founder and CEO of HomeAway and one of the nine contest judges, said that going through the thousands of entries was inspiring and heartwarming.

“From clever entries that rhymed, punned, and made us laugh to stories of families reuniting, celebrating, and working to overcome challenges, it was incredibly hard to narrow it down and even harder to choose just four,” he said.

See the apartment below:

flights-to-cuba-havana

Flights between the United States and Cuba are expected to begin this fall or winter now that the U.S. Department of Transportation has given six airlines permission to offer commercial air service from five U.S. cities.

American, Frontier, JetBlue, Silver Airways, Southwest and Sun Country were approved this month to provide a collective total of 155 roundtrip flights per week from Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The flights will reach Camaguey, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Cienfuegos, Holguin, Manzanillo, Matanzas, Santa Clara and Santiago de Cuba.

The Cuban government needs to approve the flights, but some airlines are planning to start selling tickets, expecting that approval soon will be granted. The United States still prohibits tourist travel to Cuba, but trips are allowed for professional meetings, official business, journalist visits, educational and religious activities and several other purposes.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration is completing a security review of the Cuban airports involved.

Service to Havana has not yet been granted by the U.S. Department of Transportation because airlines have requested many routes than are available under the U.S. agreement with Cuba. The department is expected to approve Havana flights this summer.

Only charter flights are currently operating between the countries, but an agreement reached between the United States and Cuba in February allows for up to 110 additional daily flights. An hourlong charter flight costs about $500, but commercial airlines are likely to charge much less.

Cuban flights increased by more than 18 percent in 2015 over the previous year. Currently, 46 airlines—including Air France, Aeromexico and Air Canada—fly to Cuba.

MPI-WEC-2016

Meeting Professional International’s signature annual event, World Education Congress (#WEC16), kicks off June 11-14 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The mega event offers attendees from around the world education, networking and business opportunities, and shines a positive light on an industry that supports 1.8 million American jobs and contributes $280 billion to the U.S. economy.

What is MPI?

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest global meeting and event industry association. There are approximately 18,500 members in 70 chapters and clubs worldwide. The organization is a prominent voice for the promotion and growth of the industry.

Each year, MPI hosts WEC in a different city. Atlantic City is the site for #WEC16. The coastal destination boasts many firsts: it is the home of America’s first convention hall, it is the place where boardwalks were born, the first-ever airplane passenger flight landed there and the first Miss America was crowned in Atlantic City. It is also the setting for the popular board game, Monopoly.

Educational Opportunities at #WEC16

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear speakers and participate more than 80 education sessions on topics ranging from international meeting planning and event security, to trends in convention center sales and retaining millennials. Informal networking can take place at opening and closing night celebrations, as well as at several organized fundraising and community service events.

Opening night on June 11 will feature a beach party at the Bally’s Atlantic City Beach Bar. Guests will receive special wrist bands that will enable them to explore the iconic Steel Pier, an arcade featuring 25 rides, games, food kiosks and views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The opening session on Sunday morning, entitled Rewriting the Rules, will begin with a performance by The Water Coolers, a musical comedy act. Mike Shea, executive director of the Austin, Texas-based South by Southwest (SXSW) music/technology festival, will speak about how to keep events relevant. Joining him in a panel discussion will be GoodThink Co-founder Amy Blankson, who will discuss how to positively manage stress. Stand-up comic (and former Miss New Jersey) Dena Blizzard will perform, as will Melanie Rice and her band.

Other keynote speakers throughout the conference will include Susan Cain, who will discuss research that demonstrates how introverted leaders often deliver better results than extroverts, and Phil Hansen, who will deliver an inspirational talk about embracing creativity. Shiza Shahid, who works with Malala Yousafzai—the 15-year-old young woman who was shot by the Taliban because she wanted to go to school—will present a talk about you don’t have to be a superhero to become an agent for good.

Next Year in Las Vegas

MPI has announced that Las Vegas will be the site of WEC in 2017. Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) will host a preview lunch on June 14 to give attendees a glimpse of what they may expect to experience next year. Using its Vegas VR virtual reality technology, the CVB will allow attendees to literally see themselves in Vegas via immersive 360-degree videos. Live entertainment will be provided from musical icon Rick Springfield.

Last Updated June 14, 2016 – 8:38 AM

boston-waterfront-hotels

Following the release of a hotel management report compiled by a hotel management advisor, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority Executive Director David Gibbons stated that the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) will not undergo a planned expansion until another issue is fixed: the lack of hotel rooms walking distance to the center.

“We have a beautiful convention venue that has a fatal flaw: It does not have enough hotel rooms,” says Gibbons.

Because of the lack of accommodations, the BCEC and its sister property, Hynes Convention Center, are being turned down by planners, who claim the hotels in the area don’t offer blocks or group room rates.

Gibbons plans to persuade public officials and industry leaders that more hotels need to be built in the area before talks of expansion can begin.

While the report itself did not specify how many more rooms are needed, Gibbons said the convention center could use as many as 2,000 additional rooms in the neighborhood. Several hotels opened in South Boston in recent years, but the new report shows that two of those facilities don’t have any rooms committed to convention blocks.

Hotel managers throughout the city are making fewer rooms available for convention blocks, because of the high demand they’re seeing from other business and leisure travelers.

A 2015 report by Curbed Boston claimed that the city anticipated at least 3,745 new hotel rooms by 2018, but it appears the majority of properties near the convention center are also boutique hotels.

The Element Boston Seaport by Westin (180 rooms) is one-half mile from the convention center, located in a dual-branded complex with the newly opened Aloft Boston Seaport (330 rooms). The Godfrey Hotel Boston, also a luxury boutique, opened in fall 2015 with 242 rooms.