Georgia Innkeeper Wins 2009 Great Innkeeper Idea Fair

Haddon Heights, NJ (PAII) April 9, 2009 – At the 2009 Innkeeping Conference and Trade Show, hosted by the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) in Atlanta, Georgia, innkeeper Jan Chamberlain from the Blue Heron Inn, Meridian, Georgia was awarded by her peers as having the best innkeeping idea at the second annual Great Innkeeper Idea Fair.

Chamberlain's idea was an effective way to increase revenue by providing a valuable service for the guest. She began including a four-day sample itinerary in the information (directions, check in time, etc.) sent by e-mail to each new reservation. This not only added to Blue Heron's revenue, but also to the tourism community as a whole. And because it was so successful, the information now includes websites of tours, excursions and restaurants that are the most popular with the guests.

Innkeepers from all over the country were asked to submit their best idea for the Great Innkeeper Idea Fair and 7 of the best ideas were chosen to be presented at the actual event. The audience of several hundred innkeepers voted on which idea should win the first annual Great Innkeeper Idea Fair.

When asked how this award made Chamberlain feel, she responded "Shocked! I know our sample itinerary has worked for us to increase and/or lengthen guests' stays which increases revenue. Speaking for innkeepers everywhere, we are all about that!”

Other ideas presented were about conducting bridal shows, offering reusable water bottles for guests, an online concierge, providing instructions for guests with late arrivals, including dinner with your room fee rather than reducing your rate and developing a decorating notebook for handy use when purchasing.

The award was presented at the 2009 Innkeeping Conference and Trade Show in Atlanta, Georgia. The Innkeeping Conference and Trade Show is the largest gathering of innkeepers in the world and provides educational resources and networking opportunities for innkeepers.

For additional information on news from PAII, contact Ingrid Thorson or visit www.paii.org.

About PAII:

The Professional Association of Innkeepers International, founded in 1988, is the innkeeping industry's largest trade association. PAII is committed to fostering a knowledgeable, caring and conscientious community of professional innkeepers, networking with each other throughout the world. PAII provides education, communications, public relations, advocacy, networking, and research services to its membership and the greater industry. PAII hosts the world's largest annual gathering of innkeepers, The Innkeeping Conference & Trade Show, and publishes the industry's leading trade publication, Innkeeping Quarterly (IQ), which reaches over 16,000 innkeepers.

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