Friday, August 28, 2009

When Does An Event Become a Party?


Does It Qualify as a Party?
August appears to be a month for parties in NY; however, some of them are being organized on budgets the size of a postage stamp and except for a bunch of people mingling together in a warm hot space – I am not sure these programs even qualify as an event – let alone a “party.”
Hard Candy @ Bryant Park Hotel
I really thought the Wal-Mart sponsored evening for Hard Candy (a budget cosmetic line for tweens and other wannabe’s) would be a fabulous moment to see how this incredibly successful retailer supports a brand. What a major disappointment (close to not qualifying for a Cash for Clunkers stipend…Turns out you need a car! I cried discrimination).


Anyway – back to the horrible Wal-Mart party. It was held at the Bryant Park Hotel (between 5th and 6th). Picture this: NYC…hot and humid; a hotel lobby without ac (not a pretty picture); only one working elevator (to the “event”), again… no ac and the size of a carry-all for a toy poodle – filled with 10 hot and cranky guests.
Then there was the “party.” Again – no ac, one overwhelmed check-in lady (hundreds of guests and no organized list), a very simple buffet but no food safety vigilance (the shrimp were way too warm), one overworked and sweaty bartender (dripping perspiration into the glasses,) and almost no space to look at (or try on) the Hard Candy. When I asked the fellow who manufactures the product packaging why the party was so awful…he commented (since I promised not to use his name) – that this was the way Wal-Mart wanted it.
I never did get to try the Hard Candy – not even a sample in my goodie bag.
Glad You Were Not Here
The next no-budget event was held on the trendy LES of Manhattan. It’s mission – to promote new young London designers (who were not invited). Well – it really was not a party (no food and very bad wine). Seems the promoters took over a vacant store, rented a few clothing racks, placed the clothes on hangars, turned off the ac, filled the space with lots of pretty girls (18-25) and unkempt guys trying to look cool, and called this “event” a party!

I did spot one stand with unique blazers (appropriately named Social Suicide), showing a new line of very bold (and well-tailored) blazers; some use Gortex as the outside fabric, while others are more conservative (i.e., linen). This clothing line is for the bespoke guy who is unlikely to have been seen at this event. http://socialsuicide.co.uk/, LES is more events: lowereastsideny.com
What Next
These two no-budget events make me hunger for the next Manhattan Magazine evening...Those folks know how to turn an event into a party.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Is Glamour Returning To New York?


It may have been the hottest night New Yorkers experienced all summer….

..but it was sizzling at the Poliform showroom (to die for closest designs) where Manhattan: Modern Luxury Magazine (modernluxury.com) was presenting its 2009 Restaurant issue.

Kitchen Cabinet
There was no need to look for pretty stylish women at NY bars and clubs, they were all sipping Naren Young signature Leblon cachaca cocktails and nibbling goodies prepared by NY’s top chefs who were kept busy working their way through lobster, plump and succulent shrimp, Greek sashimi and corn flan. Celebrity chefs included Jean George Vongerichten (of the superb shrimp), Amanda Frietag, and Michael Psilakis.

Cayman Contest
I assume the Cayman Islands joined this promotion launch for they are looking to populate the island with sexy and sophisticated New Yorkers (and their BFF). Cayman Island winners get to their destination via Cayman Airways and indulge their food fantasies at the Ritz Carlton.

Man of the Year
Richard Martin is the Editor of this new magazine. He brought glitz and glamour back to NY for one night. If he is able to sustain this dynamic – then he deserves a plaque on Bloomingdale’s façade.

Now – if he could only get the NY guys to dress up – he will definitely get my vote for “Man of the Year.”
000

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Anguilla Gives and Receives

When you get two governments to agree on anything it is an amazing act of diplomacy. When two governments agree on a program involving high school students – it is even more incredible.
We Agree
It is difficult to believe, but Washington DC Mayor Hon. Adrian Fenty and the Anguilla Minister of Tourism Hon. Victor Banks did find a common cause: to introduce DC high school students to the culture, customs, and cuisine of Anguilla as well as its tourism and banking industries. The new DC/Anguilla internship venture is guided by DC Deputy Chancellor Kaya Henderson and coordinated through the Anguilla Department of Tourism, in cooperation with the country’s Department of Education.
The Program
For two weeks this summer, two students from DC Public Schools were selected to travel to the British West Indies country of Anguilla to learn, first hand, about tourism, international hotel and financial management, and experience the country from the inside out.
And the Winners Are
 Darnisha Kiyana Johnson is a student at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Elizabeth Noelle Speight studies at the Theodore Roosevelt Senior High School. The competition required students to respond to questions about their interests, hobbies and career goals.
Ms. Johnson a nominee for the US National Achievement Academy Yearbook for the Who’s Who in Foreign Languages and the Who’s Who in Mathematics Award is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the National Honors Society. Her interest in wining the Anguilla internship focused on her desire to learn “how to function is a professional environment.” Concerned with the possibility of home sickness, Ms. Johnson was prepared to channel these feelings toward becoming a “more independent individual.”
Ms. Speight coveted the Anguilla internship opportunity so that she could have “the opportunity to be exposed to different cultures…and to form bonding and…lasting relationships.” Addressing her interests in hotel management and tourism she confessed to her love for travel, often asking the question”…what would it be like to live there?”
Sharing = Caring
“The internships are not about keeping jobs away from Anguilla citizens, but rather a way to share our culture with others” stated Minister Banks who considers Johnson and Speight as good-will ambassadors. Anguillans have a history of volunteerism, helping others, sharing resources, and encouraging educational exchanges.
The Program
On July 14, Johnson and Speight, with new passports in hand, waved goodbye to friends and family, and boarded an American Airlines flight to Anguilla via Puerto Rico, to experience a brand-new culture, learn how hotels and tourism sustains the economic base of this BWI’s destination, and the role of banking in this paradigm.
During the day the students joined the staff of Anguilla’s major hotels (including Cap Juluca and Cuisinart) and spent time as managers-in-training entering the demanding world of housekeeping, food and beverage and check-in/out. The National Bank of Anguilla introduced the young women to investor relations and credit management.
Students Experience Tourism
In addition to on-the-job training experiences, the DC students enjoyed horseback riding on the powdery sand beaches of Anguilla, learned the art of elegant dining at many of the fine gourmet restaurants located throughout the country, spent a day dealing with St. Martin traffic jams and learned how to mold clay into an art form from the famous Anguilla potter, Courtney Orlando Devonish.
A Slice of Paradise
Anguilla is a very special part of the British West Indies, located approximately 150 miles east of Puerto Rico and 9 miles north of St. Martin. Anguilla, which means eel, is 16 miles long and 3 miles wide, mostly flat, with low levels of rainfall. The white powdery sand and blue green water make for the best Caribbean beaches in the region. The Valley is Anguilla’s capital and home to approximately 600 of the island’s residents.
Getting to Bliss
There is a cliché that suggests that the harder the struggle the greater the reward. This happens to be true for getting to Anguilla. At this time there are no direct flights to The Valley and the connecting choices are limited. Visitors can transit through Puerto Rico (American Airlines) or via St. Maartin (US Air, Delta, American and Jet Blue) to Princess Juliana Airport followed by a water taxi or ferry to Anguilla (via FunTime Tours). When possible use the Puerto Rico connection even though the flight options may be limited.
Private ground transportation is a must in Anguilla and taxi’s and car rentals can be pricy (unless you are reserving the Paradise Cove summer value package that includes a car). The most viable alternative is to call Accelyn Connor (Premier Taxi and Tour Service) and make arrangements with him for sight seeing, dining reservations, and local shopping. Accelyn not only knows everyone and every place on the island, his electronics background means that if your computer crashes, or your cell phone stops working – he can make the problems go away.
Finally Paradise
Lucky for me, I stayed at Paradise Cove (reported to have the best pool in Anguilla) and used a skate board to transit my huge accommodations (at modest prices). The pool (which I had all to myself) is perfect for lap swimming and incredibly well- kept. The Cove staffers are delightfully warmhearted and share a generosity of spirit (and a Johnny Cake) adding to the overall delight of being in Anguilla.
World-Class
Travelers looking for on-premise bars, gourmet restaurants, boutique shops, a spa and exercise facilities and accommodations crafted along a never-ending beach will be incredibly content at CuisinArt. In addition, the charming and talented executive chef, Daniel LeGuenan, is delighted to provide attractive menus for special-needs guests. From Kosher to gluten and salt free diets, this hotel addresses the most challenging wants/needs of the guest. Of course the suites are superb (and very private). This is a movie star level hide – away…but I did spot a few mortals drinking the local Pyrat Rum (excellent) at the bar.
With a new $80 million investment Cap Juluca guests appear to be happy in this charming resort with over 1 mile of beach-front accommodations. Looking for the pool? It’s just behind the restaurant!
Construction is almost completed at the Viceroy (thanks to a recent multi-million dollar investment) and visitors looking to extend their leisure time in a condo or town house (and are ok with limiting the amount of days they actually reside in Anguilla), should schedule a visit to this new and elegant property. The accommodations are quite grand and the views incredible. It is not cheap to be chic - the lowest price for a studio is just under US$1 million.
More than Food
Gone are the days when gourmet dining was a concept unknown in the Caribbean. There are so many fine-dining restaurants in Anguilla that visitors need almost three months to enjoy each one. Don’t leave for home without stopping at Tasty’s (West Indian), E’s Oven (Caribbean fusion), da’Vida and Straw Hat (global focus with breath-taking views).
Afternoon Jazz
For Sunday brunch Johnno’s is a well-deserved legend. Simply walk along the sand to reach this funky restaurant/jazz club. The food and the music are world-class (or better) and everyone shows up for Sunday brunch. Looking to “run into” a Minister or corporate executive? You are more than likely to find them gorging on steamed fresh snapper, conch, shrimp scampi and beer, a lime colada (with wild lime liqueur) an iced guava berry or mango margarita.
Don’t even think of dressing-up (a bikini and t-shirt borders are “formal”) and shoes are optional; in-between courses guests run into the nearby ocean to cool off and wash away sticky fingers.
Supporting Anguilla Arts
Bringing a gift? Designing a home? The one-stop shop for fine art by Anguilla artists and sculptors is Frank Costin’s Savannah Gallery. Featured notables include Jo-Anne Mason (Anguillan by choice) offers superb watercolors and botanicals. Iris Leis at 82 is the “grande dame” of the Anguillan artist community. Her paintings continue to reflect local landscapes – from a trumpet vine in her personal garden to racing boats.
Looking Forward
“Tourism is the foundation of our economy and it is everybody’s business” according to Tourism Minister Victor Banks. Anguilla is well-positioned to handle natural and man-made storms. While Hurricane Omar caused cosmetic damage and delayed openings creating major inconveniences, no injuries were reported or lives lost. Global financiers continue to invest and open new accommodations and restaurants even though tourism declined 21.4 percent in the first quarter of 2009.
Optimism Rules
Alec Sanguinetti, the Director General and CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, speaking at a recent Anguilla Hotel Association meeting suggests that the term “crises management” be replaced with “opportunity management.”
Sanguinetti recommends that instead of putting “up the shutters” and letting “anxiety and fear” control strategies, current market conditions ought to be approached with “optimism.” Instead of regressive taxes and travel/visa restrictions this period should be used to concentrate on “fixing the regional issues impacting…tourism...”
The good news is that Anguilla continues to maintain its luxury-brand focus with over 128,144 selecting this Caribbean destination for their holiday.
Heads-Up
1. Fees: Some hotels continue to charge hourly/daily fees for Internet access. Check hotel policy and do not make assumptions
2. Real Estate: Condo and other investments require local attorneys to search ownership and title, review purchase/sell agreements, arrange escrow, organize filing applications/fees, and advise on condo strata (defining rights, obligations and restrictions)
3. Transportation: Ferries between Anguilla and St. Martin may not adhere to advertised schedules. Leave lots of time for airline connections
4. Payments: US currency and credit cards are accepted throughout the island. Restaurant dining can be $$$ - make sure there is an adequate line of credit available on the cards
5. Speed bumps: Slow down – they indicate an approach to a town or school
6. Sun screen: The sun in intense. Don’t ruin the holiday with a serious burn
7. Departure Tax: US$20 to leave Anguilla (cash)
8. Driving: Keep to the left; 30 mph speed limit
9. Weddings: 48 hours for the paper work; US$284 fee plus proof of identify. If divorced, the original decree must be submitted. Widowed? A death certificate must be provided for the deceased

  • Noteworthy
Cap Juluca: www.capjuluca.com
CuisinArt Resort & Spa: www.cuisinArtResort.com
Da’Vida Restaurant: www.davidaanguilla.com
District of Columbia/ Anguilla Internship program: Halima Adams: halmia.adams@dc.gov
Devonish Art Gallery: www.devonishgallery.com
E’s Oven Restaurant and Bar: esoven@anguilanet.com
Funtime Boat Charters: www.funtime-charters.com
Johnno’s Beach Stop: johnnosanguilla@yahoo.com
Premier Taxi and Tour Service: Premiertaxiandtour@hotmail.com; 264 235 8931
Savannah Art Gallery: http://savannahgallery.com/
Straw Hat: http://www.strawhat.com/
Viceroy Resorts and Residences: http://www.viceroyanguilla.com/
Paradise Cove Resort: http://paradise.ai

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Powerful Players: Yes; New Ideas: No!


It was mostly gloom and doom at the 2009 Berlin International Hotel Investment Forum. While everyone raced about searching for deals, workshop speakers addressed critical concerns: The shortage of financing and the scarcity of travelers - offering little hope in the short-term.

In response to global travel contractions airlines are cutting capacity, hotel groups are closing public space and shutting down rooms under the guise of renovation and repair while others (with less guile) are hiding out in their offices with prayer beads in hand, waiting anxiously for the bell that will sound recovery.

Deals? Not Really!

Leisure and business travelers are looking for industry bargains, but most “discounts” are more hype than happiness. The current marketing belief system focuses on incentives (i.e., adding a complementary massage or pedicure, including a buffet breakfast in the room rate, and/or permitting American travelers to pay in dollars rather than Euros), combined with reduced room rates.

One-Sided Affair

From the hoteliers perspective these may seem to be seductive benefits and a major motivator to get folks off the couch and heading to a plane, train or automobile. Although these goodies are not getting bodies in beds, hotel operators have closed their eyes and ears and have become a cliché, “My mind is made-up, don’t confuse me with the facts.”

Even the 2008 HVS European Hotel Transactions Report does not advise hotels to cut rates indiscriminately especially during extraordinary events suggesting that “it’s wiser to use a rifle rather than a shotgun when it comes to pricing.”

Good Advice

A recent study of hoteliers indicated that 79 percent of those queried anticipated bankruptcies in 2009. With trade financing vanishing, short-term credit markets almost non-existent, and cross – border financing unavailable, it is no wonder that the Hotel Investment Forum booths were packed with lawyers representing American, European and international law firms.

Attorneys at Proskauer Rose LLP offered guidance to hotel operators and lenders of distressed hotels suggesting that they:
Actually read the financial agreements
Conduct an audit
Evaluate marketing performance, and
Generally determine if the problem is one of faulty management or the hotel is just another fatality in a depressed market

There is Tomorrow

People are not going to stop traveling! HVS expects to see budget and no-frill properties expand and there is still room for boutique properties. If there are any new developments they will be in the mixed-use category. HVS is also forecasting more distressed sales especially with properties that have expiring debt; however this is likely to be tempered with common sense as neither sellers nor bankers are anxious to get rid of assets in the current market.

The Managing Director of HVS Hodges Ward Elliott, Charles Human, believes the market will return in 2010 “…strongest in the core European markets, such as the UK, France and Germany” with “less appetite for emerging markets.”

One Bright Spot

When asked how they were dealing with the shrinkage in the global markets. representatives of the Morocco tourism development sector queried, “What recession?” The economy of this North African nation continues to thrive as they are not impacted by the foreign liquidity crises. The support of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, large corporate investment and new foreign interests also helps to sustain the market.

Morocco tourism is on target for attracting ten million visitors from overseas by 2012 thanks to the diversity of Moroccan landscape: mountains, forests, deserts and beaches, combined with the sophisticated and stylish city of Marrakech. New marketing efforts focus on increasing domestic demand and stimulating foreign tourism with brand deals that include Accor, Royal Air Maroc and Iberostar and new project development in Fez and Tangier.

2010

Unfortunately there is not much optimism for 2010. Non-revenue generating corporate travel will be cut and replaced with webcasting or teleconferencing; large meetings (accounting for 20-30 percent of meeting spend) will be fewer and less expensive. However, hotels trying to retain market share are likely to be amenable to negotiating concessions keeping occupancy up but ADR down.

Kurt Ritter the CEO of Rezidor has joined the “vulture crowd” and is looking for properties that are “not dead” but wounded; these hotels are likely to ultimately become solid investments. Ritter also recommends keeping the organization lean, cutting costs, making deals with suppliers, and looking at opportunities in emerging markets that include the Middle East, Africa and CIS cities.

Charles Darwin appears to continue to be correct: The strongest will survive and the others will be devoured or disappear from the landscape.

000

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Your Land is My Land: Vancouver

 Olympics
Vancouver Hosts 2010 Olympics
The Canadians have done it again!
This is the third time the Olympic Games will be held in this country although it is the first time this British Columbia province is the designation recipient. The first Canadian hosted game was in Montreal (1976 Summer Olympics) and then Calgary (1988 Winter Olympics). The 2010 Games will be the first ones to be held in a national Hockey League market since the league allowed its players to participate (1998). More than 4,000 athletes, 250,000 visitors, 25,000 volunteers and 10,000 media are expected.
Seventeen days of events are planned (February 12 – 28, 2010) with 86 Olympic Winter Medal events. The City will be hosting 5,500 Olympic Games athletes and team officials from 80 countries. Plan to watch it on television? You will be one of the 3 billion estimated worldwide viewers.
Pay Upfront
Getting the nod from the Olympics Committee is a daunting and expensive task.
Beyond the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) budget of $2 billion (CAD) for the goods and services necessary to host the games, it is estimated that an additional $2 billion (CAD) will be spent by Olympics 2010 partners, sponsors and other organizations. SWOT
Every destination selected to hold the Olympics comes with its share (and sometimes more then its fair share) of strengths and weaknesses. The following is a brief SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis of what Vancouver is bringing to the table
Strengths: Location x 2
No one needs an excuse to visit Vancouver and Whistler. Vancouver is rich in museums, art galleries, designer shopping and gourmet dining while Whistler, the venue of the 2010 Olympics, is perfect for outdoor sports that range from glacier skiing to golfing, from paddling in the five lakes, to hiking and biking trails.
First Nations Culture
In-between the competitions a worthwhile stop is the new cultural center located at Whistlers’ Upper Village where visitors learn the history of the Squamish and Lilwat communities. From art and sculpture to language and craft study, this unique living-museum is an interesting and educational way to spend a few hours browsing the art collections, shopping for unique crafts, and enjoying a light lunch developed from First Nations recipes.
Olympic Business Sharing
The Olympics is not entirely about big business, at least one Aboriginal – owned business has been awarded an Olympic contract (Williams Moving and Storage) and The Cook Studio, an organization that hires disadvantaged, disabled and at-risk Lower Mainland residents to work in the food services industry provides food service to VANOC employees and guests at their headquarters.
According to the VANOC Sustainability Report (2007-2008) approximately 63,601,994 (CAD) has been earmarked for Aboriginal business contracts. (It has not been possible to determine the companies and/or contracts and/or their value to the First Nations businesses).
What Game(s) Are Being Played?
If the Olympics were only about sports and athletic abilities, then the political and socio-economic parts of the event could be ignored. However, when a destination applies to be the locale for the event, it makes pledges and promises to the Olympics Committee as well as to the immediate community about what winning the event will add to the economy and the minimization of inconveniences to local businesses and the public.
China as a Venue
When Beijing, China was selected as an Olympic venue, the world questioned the appropriateness, citing among many social issues, the restraints and constraints of a centralized government, censorship of people and press, serious levels of poverty combined with air and water pollution issues that present an ongoing health threat to every Chinese citizens and the global community. None-the-less the PRC put on a spectacular event, raised the interest of the international business and travel community, and enhanced the visibility of the nation.
The Façade
Now it is Vancouver’s moment in the sun and we turn a critical eye on this venue. Canada has done an incredibly wonderful job of presenting a beautifully clear face to the world, free of blemishes; the closest one can get to nirvana and still be on earth.
The Olympics of 2010 however, creates an appropriate moment, to look beyond the pr and review the Vancouver that is hosting the events and to peek-in on those who will win and who will lose…looking beyond the athletes.
Weaknesses
Homeless
Aboriginal and First Nations people comprise only 2% of the general population in Greater Vancouver, but 30% of the homeless population. It is estimated that by the 2010 Olympics, 3000 people are likely to destitute.
Trafficking
As wonderful as the City of Vancouver is, there are tensions that threaten to render the destination intimidating to even the most sophisticated visitor. One potential hazard is the escalation of human trafficking and prostitution. Sabrina Sullivan, the managing director of The Future Group estimates that approximately 16,000 people are currently trafficked to or through Canada as it is a destination, a transit point and a source - with Aboriginal women, (mainly from Winnipeg or rural areas) the most targeted.
In the recent (2007) US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report, Vancouver was cited as being a destination city for trafficked persons from Asia particularly South Korean females who were transported through Canada on their way to the United States.
Although prostitution is legal in Canada a related activity such as solicitation is not. To overcome this marketing obstacle a group of Vancouver prostitutes have proposed a coop Brothel during the Games and the City Mayor, Sam Sullivan, appears to be supportive of the initiative having voiced no objections.
Economic Development
Mr. Sullivan views the Brothel Project as part of the VANOC mandate for economic development. The business proposal has not received the green light as the Vancouver Rape and Relief and Women’s Shelter organizations oppose it - viewing prostitution as violence against women. From their position it would be more appropriate to track down pimps and johns. Another opposing force is the escort services who view the coop as competition.
Drugs and Crime
Vancouver surpasses all cities in Canada for the number of crimes perpetrated against its citizens with the highest home burglary and stolen car rates anywhere else in the region (higher than Toronto). The Vancouver community is concerned with the potential increase in the sale and use of illegal drugs. Vancouver currently provides free needle exchange programs and the testing of prescription heroin on addicts. To address the drug issue Marc Emery, a candidate for Mayor, recently called for the legalization of drugs.
Stolen Land
British Columbia remains largely un-ceded and non-surrendered Indigenous territories. According to Canadian law, BC does not have the legal right to claim land and govern the Native population; however, the government continues to use to sell, lease and develop Native land for its own benefit as well as private interests. Some members of Vancouver believe that some of the land being used by VANOC for the Olympics has been appropriated at the expense of the Indigenous population.
Not Green
Although public relations leads us to believe this will be the “greenest Olympics” ever on record and the concept of “sustainability” is sprinkled throughout press releases, the Olympics organizers are removing tens of thousands of trees, and mountainsides are being blasted for the Olympic venues in the Callaghan Valley (near Whistler) as well as the Sea-to-Sky Highway expansion. In 2007 black bears were hit on the Highway with at least 11 dying (due to loss of habitat). Massive amounts of concrete have caused salmon to die in the Fraser River where tons of gravel is being mined to make concrete for Olympic construction programs.
Financing
Some of the original sponsors for the 2010 Olympics are at or near bankruptcy. Currently there are signed contracts for 98 percent of the $760 million for the Olympics but only 40 percent is in cash and received (as of December 15, 2008). Of the 60 Olympic partners, GM with a $70 million commitment in cash and cars is in serious financial difficulties using US government bailouts for survival. Nortel, providing the technology for the Games, is reviewing bankruptcy protection options.
For the three months ending October 31, 2008, VANOC posted a $65 million deficit because of a massive loss on foreign exchange and an increase in technology spending. The budget for the Games venues is currently at $580 million.
Recently a secret additional $100 million loan agreement was made available to the Olympic Village developer Millennium and its financial backer, Fortress Investment Corp. It appears to be a necessity rather than a gift since Fortress Investment Group lost US $57 million in the third quarter of 2008. This NY based hedge-fund and private equity manager holds a $760 million Cdn investment (through one of the funds it manages) in the athletes’ village in the form of a construction loan to the village’s building, Millennium Development Corp.
Transportation
Transportation in and around the city – especially the downtown core, is going to be a challenge with temporary changes in the city’s road network and road closures required during the construction phase as well as during the Olympics.
The City does plan to provide additional pedestrian and cycling routes, transit improvements, as well as limits on construction–related closures, along with the extension of rush hour parking, and priority lanes in an attempt to provide reliable travel times for the athletes, officials and media.
Threats
Security
Henry K. S. Lee, the Chairman and Chief Elected Officer for the Vancouver Board of Trade highlighted crime and public disorder for the 2010 Olympics stated that “The damage caused by those who commit crimes and are disorderly in public is certain to be noted by the international media and will be one of the lasting legacies reflecting on Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada’s reputation” (August 28, 2008).
Threat assessment for 2010 includes a “lone wolf” attacker (similar to the pipe bomb incident at the Atlanta Olympics 1996) as well as activities organized by the extreme elements of the First Nations groups in alliance with anti-poverty groups.
Billions for Protection
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the RCMP, the lead agency for the Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Units’ Threat Assessments are finding that the $175 million security budget is far less than prior Olympic security costs and considerably less then is likely to be required for Vancouver. The Athens 2004 organizations and Greek authorities spent US $1.5 billion which works out to be US $142,857 per athlete or US $283 per ticket sold and the Beijing 2008 organizers and the Chinese government spent US $300 million or 20 percent of the Athens budget. Andrew Cohen of AthleticBusiness.com speculates that the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) could actually spend up to US $1billion on security.
The Plan: On the Ground
The Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit (V2010-ISU) the agency tasked with securing the 2010 Winter Olympics works with VANOC on security planning and intends to integrate technology, sniffer dogs, and security personnel to protect the athletes and their families, as well as visitors and the local community. With incident prevention high on their list, Security Unit personnel have consulted on the construction plans for the Sea-to-Sky Highway with the idea to build security into operations rather than retrofit post-construction.
The Games will receive increased levels of security on and round the sites and secured and sanitized transportation will be available for the athletes, team officials and designated Olympic family members. Official transportation will be assigned to the VIPs to/from airports, to/from Athlete/Olympic Villages, for practice and competition venues, Medal Recognition Ceremonies, and the opening and closing ceremonies. Drivers are being processed through a security background check and will receive security orientation and training.
Almost 13,000 police, military and security personnel are likely to be occupied with the 2010 Olympics, including Emergency Response Teams, riot police, helicopters and armored vehicles. Security zones are being established to control entry near Olympic venues.
Above the Ground
Protecting airspace above the Games has been a top priority. Although the aviation industry and related interests (i.e., corporate, medical, UPS) have been assured that airspace closures during the Games are not planned, various “terms and conditions” are being developed through consultations. There is a desire to increase the safety levels over the Olympic sites and airspace modification are being designed to “accommodate ongoing commercial and private available operations…” according to Bud Mercer, the Assistant Commissioner for V2010-ISU. Modifications may include specific air routing for light aircraft and helicopters, pre-screening of aircrews, passengers and aircraft in addition to restricted access over designated sites.
Security Accommodations
Where are all the security personnel going to stay before and during the event? An RFP for cruise ships to accommodate 300-500 people to be located at the Squamish Terminal/Vancouver is currently posted online. VANOC criteria require 2-3 star accommodations, access to a bar, an internet café and telephones, plus laundry and banking facilities.
The first RFP was awarded to Cruise Connections Charter Management, a North Carolina-based company who, in August 2008, had a signed $55-million contract with the Integrated Security Unit (ISU) to provide three ships for use as accommodation vessels during the Games at a rate of $298 per day, per bed and included meals, non-alcoholic beverages and waste removal. This contract is no longer in force and a new RFP has been issued.
Opportunities
Real Estate Developers
Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in North America (and the priciest place to live in Canada) with average home prices hovering around US $500,000. Residential prices have been growing at 10 percent or greater for the past few years, according to Darnell Little of JPM.org. New Olympic-focused operations will take up almost 1 million sq. ft of office space with a forecasted estimate beyond the Games to reach to 4 million sq. ft. It is estimated that the Games could potentially attract new international companies to Vancouver, and encourage local companies to grow.
The 2010 Games are making infrastructure development a priority and include improvements to mass transit rail, bridges and local road and highways with plans for airport expansion and more convention space. There are new hotels underway – and hotel occupancy will increase, as well as new business sectors and urban development.
From Vancouver’s natural beauty and its soul nourishing mix of mountains, forest, parks and beaches plus a healthy movie industry (third largest motion picture production center in North America), it is also a high-tech corridor and a developer of software and video games. At the end of the day, however, there is limited space to grow.
The downside to all this development is the loss of affordable housing with developers buying up properties to convert to high-end hotels and residential apartments. In addition, construction projects not connected to 2010 are finding it hard to secure architects and engineers committed to other projects.
At the End of the Day - It’s All About the Games
Olympics Accommodations: Whistler and Vancouver
The best place to stay for Olympics attendance is at Whistler and the preferred hotel is the Four Seasons Resort; however, securing a reservation may be a challenge. The hotel requires a written request for accommodations, which places the “potential guest” on a waiting list. According to The Four Seasons Director of Public Relations Samantha Geer, “The Four Seasons Resort Whistler is a strata owned organization,” and does not currently “have a full confirmation from… owners”. Geer stated that they are “….working with VANOC” and as the space is released by the owners, and room blocks become available, the Four Seasons, “… will start contacting individuals on the wait list...”
Even if you cannot stay at the Four Seasons, you MUST plan to have dinner at the hotels’ Fifty Two 80 Bistro where Executive Chef Scott Thomas Dolbee sets the bar for gourmet dining in the area. His unique menu combines local culture and regionally inspired selections from the Pacific Ocean and fresh water seafood and the BC wine list is daunting.
With a limited number of hotel rooms in the Whistler area there is a large demand creating for accommodations in the city of Vancouver where the best selections are the Fairmont and the Four Seasons. Combine old world charm with contemporary amenities at locations that are central to shopping, dining and local entertainment and these properties share the spotlight for first place. Again, the Four Seasons must be visited – if not for an entire visit, at least for a gourmet dining experience at the Yew.

  • Beyond the Games
For pre and post-Olympics activities featured among the “must do” are:
1. Chilliwack Circle Farm Tour with visits to the goat cheese processing plant, an organic kosher grains and fresh stone ground flour section, and natural unpasteurized honey
2. Xa:ytem Center to learn about Sto:lo spirituality, archaeology and history. Spend the morning learning Salish weaving, cedar bark processing, and the healthy uses of plant materials. From prehistoric tools, and traditional woodworking with an adze, artifacts become work-a-day tools (www.xaytem.ca)
3. Chilliwack Artisan tours include the Schellenberg Pottery, Evelyn Zuberbier watercolors, and pen/ink drawings (sueschell@shaw.ca)
  • For additional information on the 2010 Olympics First Nations contact: www.fourhostfirstnations.com, infor@fourhostfirstnations.com or http://www.vancouver2010.com/
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