Kristen Oakley, PR coordinator for the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, said that the SMERF market is very important to the Cumberland Valley.
One example is Ocean City, Maryland. "The SMERF market is our lifeblood," observed Fred Wise, director of sales and marketing for the Ocean City Convention and Visitors Bureau.
"Group business is a firm and fixed entity that we can always count on,” he said. “This business sustains our bureau members and allows us to remain a year-round des- tination... The ramifications of this busi- ness are huge, economically speaking."
"I sometimes refer to these groups as 'rain insurance' for us as a destination,” Wise continued. “While the transient visitor or tourist might stay home if it rains, groups from within the SMERF market are going to come here rain or shine."
Groups from within the SMERF market enjoy meeting in Ocean City, Maryland for a wide variety of reasons, not the least of which is the value and affordability offered by local meeting sites and hotels, said Wise. “Those with contractual agree- ments and locked in rates aren't going to be deterred by inclement weather or ris- ing gas prices."
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According to Marc Kaminetsky, CTIS, national sales manager for Discover Lehigh Valley (formerly the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau), "SMERF markets make up one of the largest seg- ments of our meeting group business.”
Kaminetsky said these groups tend to be value conscious and typically seek out the best overall package possible. He stated that the Lehigh Valley is a destination able to incorporate a number of great experi- ences into a group’s meeting itinerary, as it is home to attractions such as Dorney Park, the Crayola Factory and the Sands Bethlehem Resort-Casino.
“It’s great because these activities aren't just ideal for attendees, but for spouses and families, as well," noted Kaminetsky.
Kristen Oakley, PR coordinator for the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, said that the SMERF market is very important to the Cumberland Valley, as well, and because of the access her destination offers to various regional attractions, itin- eraries can be put together for almost any
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