Hospitality company Benchmark has relaxed attrition and cancellation fees for new meeting bookings, the company announced, among a handful of moves designed to mitigate meetings risk in a post-Covid-19 world. The offer also includes increased commissions and 100 percent credit given on re-bookings. The program is in effect through March 2021.
Details include zero attrition or cancellation fees for contracted room and food-and-beverage revenue on new meetings scheduled through March 31, 2021, until 60 days in advance of arrival. A full, one-time re-booking credit will be extended to new meetings scheduled April 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2021, with a minimum cancellation notice requirement of 90 days in advance of arrival. Re-booked groups must be of equal or greater contracted revenue and be held by Dec. 31, 2021.
In addition, meeting spaces at Benchmark properties will be restructured to align with physical distancing and to optimize healthy hygiene practices, including the installation of sanitizer stations and increased air purification. To support independent planners, Benchmark also will increase commissions on new business from 10 percent to 12 percent, with 7 percent distributed upon booking.
The company collaborated with partners and meeting and event planners to develop the Meeting Accelerator initiative, including Associated Luxury Hotels International, Teneo Hospitality Group, HelmsBriscoe, ConferenceDirect, Hospitality Performance Network, Experient and Maritz.