Buffalo Gal

The literal translation of what "walking distance" actually means lies in the feet of the beholder and the integrity of the marketing department making the claim.
We have booked hotels online where "walking distance" crossed time and climate zones. Our San Francisco walking distance would have been appropriate for a very robust, young mountain goat. Walking distance to Rodeo Drive at our Beverly Hills hotel was just short of two miles... but the people were very pretty.
Walking distance in Buffalo is considerably different in January than June.
The current set of commercials for an online booking engine showing a measuring tape from the front door can most politely be called an exaggerration.
Hotels and resorts self-report the information into central databases that used to be used exclusively by travel agents, now the descriptive data appears directly without review on online travel sites.
In a previous life in resort marketing, I spent two days in a class learning how to "maximize response" by reporting relationships to key landmarks, adjacent airports and business locations.
The teacher said we needed to list at least 20 "relational locations" to be effective.
I raised my hand and mentioned we were on an island with a small private airport and no major business. After listing the lighthouse, I was stuck.
What about airports, the teacher asked. Brunswick is about 12 miles away, Jacksonville about 75 miles and Savannah 80 miles, I explained.
"There you go" she answered with enthusiasm. "Put down all three."
"But someone looking for a hotel in Jacksonville isn't going to be interested in an island resort in Georgia," I continued.
"How about if you make let them make that choice for themselves," she said as she went on to a more cooperative student.
Once the information is loaded into the system, it is essential to train your reservations and front desk staff to "support the information," she continued.
I ran into the stellar example of staff reinforcement in looking for a restaurant in a North Carolina tourist town.
I took a cab back from my odyssey and was happy to see the same desk clerk who had given me the "walking distance" directions several hours earlier.
"I watched the odometer on the cab and it was nearly three miles," I challenged.
"I could walk that," the clerk said with a smilie.
"It was through some of the worst neighborhoods and panhandlers I've ever run into," I continued.
"I said I could," the clerk said without breaking her howdy-ya'll grin. "I didn't say I would."

Copyright 2004 Judi Griggs

Buffalo Gal Judi Griggs I'm a communications professional, writer, cynic, mother, wife and royal pain. The order depends on the day. I returned to my hometown in November 2004 after a couple of decades of heat and hurricanes. I can polish pristine copy, but not here. This is my morning exercise -- 20-minute takes without a net or spellcheck. It's easier than sit ups for me. No guarantee what it will be for you. Clicking on the subscribe link will send you an email notice when each new entry is posted.
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Previous Entry :: Next Entry Read/Post Comments (0) Share on Facebook		2004-05-25 9:14 PM Walking distance The literal translation of what "walking distance" actually means lies in the feet of the beholder and the integrity of the marketing department making the claim. We have booked hotels online where "walking distance" crossed time and climate zones. Our San Francisco walking distance would have been appropriate for a very robust, young mountain goat. Walking distance to Rodeo Drive at our Beverly Hills hotel was just short of two miles... but the people were very pretty. Walking distance in Buffalo is considerably different in January than June. The current set of commercials for an online booking engine showing a measuring tape from the front door can most politely be called an exaggerration. Hotels and resorts self-report the information into central databases that used to be used exclusively by travel agents, now the descriptive data appears directly without review on online travel sites. In a previous life in resort marketing, I spent two days in a class learning how to "maximize response" by reporting relationships to key landmarks, adjacent airports and business locations. The teacher said we needed to list at least 20 "relational locations" to be effective. I raised my hand and mentioned we were on an island with a small private airport and no major business. After listing the lighthouse, I was stuck. What about airports, the teacher asked. Brunswick is about 12 miles away, Jacksonville about 75 miles and Savannah 80 miles, I explained. "There you go" she answered with enthusiasm. "Put down all three." "But someone looking for a hotel in Jacksonville isn't going to be interested in an island resort in Georgia," I continued. "How about if you make let them make that choice for themselves," she said as she went on to a more cooperative student. Once the information is loaded into the system, it is essential to train your reservations and front desk staff to "support the information," she continued. I ran into the stellar example of staff reinforcement in looking for a restaurant in a North Carolina tourist town. I took a cab back from my odyssey and was happy to see the same desk clerk who had given me the "walking distance" directions several hours earlier. "I watched the odometer on the cab and it was nearly three miles," I challenged. "I could walk that," the clerk said with a smilie. "It was through some of the worst neighborhoods and panhandlers I've ever run into," I continued. "I said I could," the clerk said without breaking her howdy-ya'll grin. "I didn't say I would." Copyright 2004 Judi Griggs Read/Post Comments (0) Previous Entry :: Next Entry Back to Top