Norfolk, Virginia Offers Meeting Planners Credit of Up To $10,000 for Bookings Through 2010

NORFOLK, Va. – (January 12, 2010) – With the current state of the economy affecting the bottom line of many meeting budgets, planners are seeking destinations that are affordable and accessible without cutting back on amenities. Recognizing these concerns, the Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau is continuing its special meeting incentive package, SAIL INTO SAVINGS, to significantly reduce costs for meeting planners. The package offers meeting planners who book in 2010 with the opportunity to receive a credit of up to $10,000 toward any meeting or convention taking place in Norfolk through December 2010. Through this unprecedented offer, the Norfolk CVB is taking some of the pressure off meeting planners facing shrinking budgets this year.

“In these difficult times, we recognize the need to stimulate business and assist meeting professionals with their budgetary concerns,” said Donna Allen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the NCVB. “This program will continue to benefit both our hospitality partners and meeting professionals and increase the opportunity for new organizations to experience Norfolk’s outstanding facilities, central East Coast location and budget-friendly attractions.”

The CVB is now offering groups $1000 – $10,000 credit per meeting to their master account dependent upon the number of peak room nights the group books.

Meetings booked between Jan 1, 2010 and June 31, 2010 which actualize prior to December 31, 2010, will receive 100% of the outlined credit. Meetings booked after June 1, 2010 which actualize prior to December 31, 2010 will receive 50%.
Credit Peak Rooms
$500 100 – 200 peak rooms
$1,000 201 – 300 peak rooms
$1,500 301 – 400 peak rooms
$2,500 401 – 500 peak rooms
$5,000 501 – 750 peak rooms
$7,500 751 – 1000 peak rooms
$10,000 1001+ peak rooms

While the extension of this promotion is reason in of itself to choose Norfolk, Virginia for any upcoming meeting, the destination is also home to a slew of interesting venues, with space compatible for every type of event.

Located within less than a day’s drive from most major East Coast cities and just minutes from Norfolk International Airport, the city is home to famed cultural centers, historic theaters, museums, zoo and river cruises – many of which double as alternative meeting venues, adding a little flair to upcoming events. For those meetings and events that require a more traditional space, the destination’s downtown hotels and convention center offer the ideal setting. Hotels in Norfolk provide more than 5,000 rooms for visitors and many are located near the downtown waterfront, such as the Norfolk Waterside Marriott and the recently renovated Sheraton Norfolk Waterside.

For more details on the NCVB’s SAIL INTO SAVINGS promotion, contact the NCVB sales department at 800-368-3097 or visit www.visitnorfolktoday.com.
Considered the dynamic heart of Virginia’s storied Hampton Roads region, Norfolk attracts thousands of travelers each year to enjoy its lively downtown waterfront and 144 miles of shimmering coastline. Offering a vibrant blend of history and heritage with contemporary attractions, outdoor adventure and the Commonwealth’s most revered cultural institutions, Norfolk is an exciting destination. Here, where the Elizabeth River meets the Chesapeake Bay, visitors will find an easily walkable downtown that offers eclectic dining options, a rich arts scene, high-end shopping and year-round special events. For more information about Norfolk, visit the city on the Web at www.visitnorfolktoday.com, or call 757-664-6620 or toll free at 800-368-3097.