HSMAI Honors Mystic Marriott

GROTON, CT— The Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa was recently recognized by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for its successful direct mail campaign to generate group sales. HSMAI, whose membership includes 7,000 professionals worldwide, honored the hotel with the 2002 Adrian Advertising Silver Merit Award in its 13th annual Travel Industry International competition. Contending in a category for hotels with under 300 rooms, the Mystic Marriott was recognized for a direct mail campaign that drove bookings during summer “hot dates” and beyond as part of its first anniversary celebration. According to Mark Fallon, the hotels general manager, the program “resulted in over 200 reply cards requesting additional information about the property, and assisted us with valuable fourth quarter 2002 and first quarter 2003 bookings.” The mailing, which included several photographs, a gold-tone print and a vellum envelope, “was very unique and eye catching,” according to Fallon, “and generated nearly 500 room nights booked by meeting planners.” The 2002 HSMAI International Travel Competition drew more than 1,500 entries from 45 countries and destinations. The Mystic Marriott has 285 rooms and more than 20,000 square feet of meeting space. The Waterford Hotel Group manages the property.