The time period “gig tripping” is usually used to explain journey deliberate particularly by followers bent on catching their favourite artists at out-of-town areas. Nonetheless, past a welcome however transient spike in room charges, what may be extra broadly termed event-driven journey has the potential to herald company who couple the principle occasion with additional days spent exploring the host metropolis and having fun with the companies of motels that may improve the expertise.
LODGING not too long ago explored alternatives and challenges related to this phenomenon with sources together with Basic Supervisor John Inexperienced, whose newly renovated Radisson Salt Lake Metropolis Downtown, he mentioned, is poised to entice guests to this rising city middle.
A Pattern for the Instances
After all, fan-based journey is nothing new. Lengthy earlier than Beyoncé’s BeyHive and Taylor Swift’s Swifties, there have been Deadheads dedicated to the 60s Rock Band The Grateful Useless, and there have at all times been sports activities fanatics converging on a number metropolis—and driving up room charges—for main occasions just like the Olympics, the Tremendous Bowl, and NCAA finals.
Knowledge particularly supporting gig journey consists of Skyscanner’s discovering that 44 p.c of U.S. vacationers had been keen to fly quick haul to see their favourite artists, and a 2023 survey from the journey platform GetYourGuide confirmed that 45 p.c of People have been impressed to decide on a selected journey vacation spot by an occasion or expertise similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Comedian-Con in San Diego, Lollapalooza in Chicago, and Burning Man Pageant in Black Rock Desert, Nevada.
Accommodating the Pattern
Inexperienced mentioned the Radisson’s downtown location, near high native points of interest such because the Salt Palace Conference Middle, Temple Sq., Metropolis Creek Middle, and the Delta Middle, locations this “upscale full-service” resort in a handy spot to soak up regardless of the massive occasion there may be. Nonetheless, he mentioned, there may be loads of competitors. “There are 8075 rooms within the Conference District downtown, starting from 2-star restricted service motels to the Grand America; ours is the sixth largest.”
He mentioned the income managers gross sales workers, and different crew members are usually conscious of upcoming occasions, however claimed the easiest supply is Brandy Thomas, bartender within the bar on the Copper Canyon Grill & Tavern. “She retains an inventory in her pocket and spreads the information among the many restaurant and bar crew. She makes certain they’re prepared, generally with particular drinks for the occasion.”
For some occasions, for instance, the 2034 Olympics for which SLC is a robust contender, there may be loads of lead time, however a sudden announcement and even rumor can spur a spike in reservations. Inexperienced talked about two current occasions that just about offered out the resort and included some native individuals who took rooms to be a part of the expertise. “In January, which is often a sluggish month, we picked up 35 rooms when there was a Tejano Act; then on the Delta Middle when Large Bunny carried out on the Delta Middle, inside 4 days of the occasion, 90 rooms that weren’t beforehand on the books stuffed with individuals searching for a spot to remain downtown.” Upcoming occasions on the Delta Middle embody Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Zach Byron, Blink 182, and Aventura.
Inexperienced commented that there’s a lot to suggest in Salt Lake Metropolis for company enticed to remain a bit of longer or return at one other time. “It’s not simply music and even bands that entice individuals to SLC/the downtown space. It’s a regional vacation spot on the western aspect of the Rockies, extending to Nevada, Wyoming, and Idaho.” He famous, too, that the Delta enviornment will likely be internet hosting house video games for Salt Lake’s newly acquired however nonetheless unnamed hockey crew, which was previously the Phoenix Coyotes.
Inexperienced mentioned that the Radisson, which grew to become a part of Alternative Lodge’s upscale group and their loyalty program, in 2022, has already undergone important renovations, with extra to return. They embody a first-floor Government Membership Lounge, plus updates to all visitor rooms, foyer, and health middle. Enhancements had been additionally made to its on-site restaurant Copper Canyon Grill & Tavern. The following part of the renovation, he mentioned, will embody the indoor pool, a espresso bar idea with breakfast meals, and a market with grab-and-go choices for company and locals.
