Entire World has the Travel Bug

The Washington Post report that the "The whole world has the travel bug. And it's ravaging the planet."

"The world has shrunk -- and the tourist legions have exploded. The streets of Paris and Venice are so crowded that you can barely move. Cruise ships are filling harbors and disgorging hordes of day trippers the world over. Towering hotels rise in ever-greater numbers along once pristine and empty beaches."

The upshot for meeting planners: finding that special, out-of-the-way place is growing challenge.

Smoke-Free Meeting Facilities

Marriott Snuffs Out Butts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Beginning in September, 2006 Marriott International will prohibit smoking in all of its lodging establishments in the U.S. and Canada. Smoking will be prohibited in all guest rooms, lounges, public spaces, employee work areas, meeting rooms, and restaurants.

The ban is set to apply to all of Marriott’s lodging brands, making up 2,300 hotels with 400,000 hotel rooms, including Marriott, JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn, TownePlace Suites, and Marriott ExecuStay.

"Creating a smoke-free environment demonstrates a new level of service and care for our guests and associates," said J.W. Marriott Jr., chairman and CEO of Marriott International. "Our family of brands is united on this important health issue and we anticipate very positive customer feedback."