Newfoundland and Labrador Product Development Strategy

- 43 -o Condominiums (suites, townhouses) with rental management programso Vacation ownership – timesharingo Fractional ownership in which unit ownership is shared among several owners,usually 4 – 6.Other Trends in the Accommodations SectorOne of the most significant trends being seen in the accommodation sector is the growth inspas – primarily “amenity” spas at resorts and urban hotels, as well as at high end inns, aswell as smaller destination spas. Most of the major hotel/resort chains (e.g. Hyatt, FourSeasons) either have or are adding spas at their resorts, and many of their hotel properties.The spa is clearly the “must have” hotel amenity of the decade. Demand is being driven bythe aging baby boomer, and an increasing interest in personal wellness and lifestyle and adesire to stave off the aging process to the extent possible.Insights from Newfoundland and Labrador Accommodation Operators with Respect toMarket Trends and ExpectationsAccommodation operators interviewed in our field research reported on the types of facilitiesand services today’s visitors to the province are looking for. These included:Most Frequently Mentionedo Clean propertieso Good state of repairo Private bathroomso Queen bedso Internet connectionso Dining on premises or near byo Phoneso TV/cableo Laundry facilitieso B&B/Inns where have a chance tosocialize with owners and guestso Non-smoking roomso Good quality foodOther Mentionso Air conditioningo Cottageso Family accommodationso Coffee makers, hair dryerso Ground floor/drive up units forseniorso Moderate priceso Access to/views of watero Pools and other activities for familymarketo Corporate clientele want businesscentre/facilities, fitness facilitieso Star rating and price dictatesexpectationso Some are reporting rate resistance,particularly in the shoulder seasonwhen there are more seniorstravellingThey also provided some insights into concerns that visitors expressed to them about theirexperiences in the province. These included:o Inconsistent quality, cleanliness and state of repair across the provinceo Inconsistent star ratings/over ratingTHE ECONOMIC PLANNING GROUP of Canada Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism Product DevelopmentD. W. Knight Associates Strategy and Accommodation Needs Study