Hilton Hotels & Resorts named best meetings provider

The accolade was revealed in the 2012 UK MeetingsMetrix report, recently published by BDRC Continental, which praised the locations of the venues in the Hilton portfolio.

Seventy three per cent of booking agents surveyed said the properties operated by Hilton Hotels & Resorts were in the 'most important locations' for meetings. The survey average for satisfaction of the location of operator's venues was much less - 35 per cent.

For the report, BDRC Continental interviewed around 500 corporate meeting bookers and third party travel agents.

Professional service 

"We are delighted that BDRC Continental’s research has recognized the outstanding meetings product we provide to guests," said Oded Lifschitz, UK area vice president of Hilton Worldwide.

"Across our whole portfolio of brands we pride ourselves in offering efficient and professional service from the moment an enquiry is received.

"It is great to see the efforts of our flagship brand’s team members recognized by the agents and corporate bookers who are best placed to judge what good service looks like in the meetings sector," he added.

The hotelier was also praised by corporate organisers and day event bookers for the above-average quality of its accommodation and the level of service, in particular the friendliness and proactive approach of staff towards customers.

MICE

Several hotel operators have looked to gain an advantage in the corporate event and meeting markets in the last year as business appears to be growing following the impact of recessionary pressures and the Olympics.

Speaking to BigHospitality recently, the chief executive of De Vere Venues predicted the next year would see a significant upturn in the corporate events market.

Jurys Inn and IHG have both publicly stated their ambition to increase their MICE (meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition) bookings by securing accreditation from the Meetings Industry Association (MIA).

Meanwhile, fellow operators were recognised for the quality of their event offers recently when the winners of the 2012 VenueVerdict Awards were announced.

Rob Palleschi, global head of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said that meetings and events guests represented a key audience for the brand. He also revealed several recent hotel refurbs had been driven by a desire to attract new events business.

"We continually strive to create a welcoming and helpful environment that is conducive to good business for our guests," he explained.

"With 70 hotels at locations across the UK, from Aberdeen to Southampton, we have boundless capacity for accommodating any request for meetings of all shapes and sizes and look forward to welcoming clients new and old throughout 2013," Palleschi added.