Q&A with Alex Cabanas, President & CEO, Benchmark Hospitality International, The Woodlands.
What distinguishes Texas as a meetings and conference destination?
From coastal venues, Hill Country and major metropolitan centers to historic sites and traditional cowboy themes, it’s the diversity of experiences and cultures that sets Texas apart.
What is your view of the current state of the Texas group market?
With properties in San Antonio and Dallas, and additional hotels in our development pipeline, we remain very bullish on the Texas market overall. Convenient air travel, great weather, and a wide variety of dining and entertainment districts make Texas cities a perfect choice for national meetings. Business growth through corporate expansion and relocation is driving increases in local and regional meetings.
Houston, Dallas and San Antonio, where citywide convention business is a major factor, are doing pretty well. Causes for concern include the huge growth in hotel supply in Austin and the impact of lower oil prices on the Houston economy.
How does Texas maintain its competitive position in the group market?
Continuing emphasis on experiential meetings will serve Texas well by accentuating the natural strengths mentioned above.
What is Benchmark doing to fulfill its slogan and “Be the Difference” in Texas?
Speaking from 30 years of experience, our strength in Texas stems from our roots and our people. Located right on San Antonio’s world-renowned River Walk, Hotel Contessa is a truly unique property offering a unique experience that exemplifies how Benchmark continues to “Be the Difference.”
