Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 42 -o Growing use of upscale B&Bs/Inns by the corporate traveller. This type of property isseen to offer the “comforts of home”. However, they also need to provide the amenitiesdemanded by this market, namely:- High speed phone lines- Internet access- Fax machine- Meeting roomso A younger generation of owners is emerging in the US B&B/Inn sector – 25% of B&Bsand Inns in the US are now owned by under 40s. These new owners are bringing differentstandards and business models to the sector such as traditional décor being replaced bypost-modern rooms and afternoon tea by Internet access. They are not socializing withguests to nearly the same extent – in fact, there is a tendency for them to live off-site, andthey are catering to a younger market. Many B&Bs and Inns are beginning to look morelike hotels – 35% in the US had in-room Internet (2000) compared to 19% in 1998; morethan 50% have in-room TVs. These changes are not necessarily being well accepted bythe traditional B&B market - the average B&B/Inn guest is 52 years old and “lookingforward to the eccentric old-world charm of B&B’s”ResortsKey trends in the resort sector relate to the array of recreational facilities, amenities andprogramming that is provided at resorts today, the movement towards multi- seasondestination resorts and the development of resorts as mixed projects with one or more types ofrecreational real estate programs together with more traditional vacation rentals.Successful resorts in today’s marketplace offer a range of amenities and recreational facilitiesalong with a diversity of programs and packages with appeal over three or more seasons. Themost popular amenities today include access to at least one (and preferably two or three) golfcourses and an on-site spa. Spas have become the biggest growth amenity in theaccommodations sector in North America, most particularly at upscale properties and resorts(see discussion below). A variety of programming and packaging, both on-site and takingadvantage of the resources and appeals of the local area is also critical so as to diversify theappeal of the property and to build shoulder and off-season demand. Other importantamenities include:o Aquatic facilities – pool, whirlpool, saunao Hiking and walking trailso Skiing – downhill and cross country as well as other winter activitieso Quality diningo Evening entertainment such as dinner theatreMany resorts today are turning to some form of recreational real estate involving somecombination of:o Privately owned homes and chalets, with optional rental management programsTHE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study