Report: America’s Cup Wants 10K Free Rooms
With three years remaining in the lead up to the 2017 America’s Cup, an event for which hosting rights are still being vied over by Bermuda and the city of San Diego, the president of the San Diego Sports Commission says that event organisers have requested 10,000 free hotel room nights in the California city over the next three years.
According to a report in U-T San Diego, “As part of its offer to potentially come to San Diego in 2017, the America’s Cup has requested 10,000 free hotel room nights in the three years leading up to the event, the president of the San Diego Sports Commission said Friday.
“Speaking to the Tourism Marketing District’s board of directors, Mike McDowell, president of the commission, said the organizers would use the rooms to court corporate sponsors leading up to the international sailing competition.
“He said the America’s Cup would also want an additional 7,500 room nights at half price, meaning a total gift of $2.75 million in room nights.
“San Diego and Bermuda are the finalists to host the 2017 sailing event. A decision is expected by late summer. The America’s Cup is currently in negotiations with the Port of San Diego, which agreed to a nondisclosure clause, a port spokeswoman said Friday.
“Bill Evans, of Evans Hotels, said he didn’t think it was appropriate for the district to pay for hotel rooms at its member hotels.”
“It just stinks,” Mr. Evans said. “There’s just a general feeling that there’s self interest at play here, which I don’t think serves us very well.”
The San Diego news site that is reporting this has a poll asking their readers if the 10,000 free hotel room nights are “worth it to lure the America’s Cup back to San Diego,” with some 78% [1,344 votes] saying no.
Whether or not Bermuda has been approached with a similar request remains unclear.
The organizers want $2.75 million in free room nights…?! Seriously?! Forget about it!
It is a decision for the hotels to make. Private business decision. And, presumably, the hotels would get free advertising in exchange for the free hotel room. But still, how much would the occupancy tax on those rooms be? That’s what Bermuda needs to look at. We need the tax revenue.
So what. $2.75m in free rooms vs $300m of economic benefit.
BFD.
No doubt that a certain number of comp room nights may be appropriate but demanding 10,000 comp room nights is a long stretch.
Sounds like something the BIU would do. Demands.
Sailing is a sport of wealth. Those that participate and watch it can afford a hotel room, so I hope our Government does not give in to those who are of “affluent” background!
I hope San Diego and Bermuda tell the greedy organisers to shove it.
Tell them to shove it where the sun dont shine.
It is clear we don’t have the resources to host this event – we should back out before we embarrass ourselves. Nothing worse than not being able to deliver what you promised.
Yeah, it would be much better sit on that wall, stay unemployed, and watch someone else get the $300m economic injection.
After all, Bean wants to open an online gambling business. That should employ a couple of people part-time.
If the same demands are made of this Bermuda government and yachting fraternity , I say press on . We have given the hoteliers doing trade in Bermuda many ,many concessions over the years , surely they will buy 100% into this fantastic oppurtunity . As a matter of fact they should be falling all over themselves to provide the required service to make this event happen for all of Bermuda .
Best wishes to the OBA government on their bid to secure the America’s Cup . Remember how the OBA and the BTA with much shame lost the PGA ? Now is the perfect time for the OBA and the BTA to put on their big boy pants and fulfill the dreams of the Bermudian public . So with much determination and no matter what small , or for that matter, large requirement foisted upon us , let’s work together to make Bermuda shine .
Coffee. Oba n bta lost the PGA but the PLP spent Bermuda’s money on Beyonce Alicia keys mary j i can go on n on.
Please do!
Next they will want a free lunch.
Coffee is obviously Betty’s new name! That or Mawi’s extended their day passes
In reality, that is not too much of a request…10,000 over 3 years is approximately 3,300 plus per year.(Add it up) Not bad business for B.T.A. or the local hotel / guesthouse industry. After which there will be 7500 room at half price.
This is still better than what has been happening in recent years, just look at what comes along with all the other props accompanying the Americas Cup Regatta.
What if !
They change their minds after 3 years and hold the event some place else, only using Bermuda as a practice venue.
” You can take a horse to water but you can not make him drink”.
” If they want to dance they have to pay the band”.
Free means at onset…these visitors will spen when they are here.So is it worth it.Do they ask for free rooms wheteever they go?unmitogated gaul really staff and cleaning,preparations…put up take down all,we will put out of pocket to recieve you ,coordinate,police….etc…etc…etc…lokk…thank you for your consideration but….
I don’t get out of bed without some profit at the end of the day.
perhaps if Americas cup was a chrity,or a non profit org. even then….Are you a charity?…. how do you fund yor events…when was your last audit?We wish to acomodate …however…your structure indicates profit..is we is inclusive to that ideal?
We only have about 3000 hotel beds….How many years would we have to spread 10,000 over? Who knows what the BTA agreed to….