She quoted an exhibition growth rate of 20 per cent over 2004, and an increase in corporate meetings of 43.2 per cent over the same period.
As part of its CEI management strategy, Intel tries to structure hotel contracts such that individual corporate rates extend to meeting rates, along with free high-speed internet.
This has proven difficult because Shanghai hoteliers see no need to reduce room rates if
meetings provide additional volume on top of transient travel.
"In fact, CEI rates are often higher than transient rates," said Yu.
Despite selecting more than ten preferred hotels for Intel, Yu said this was not enough when citywide events occur.
Intel has added serviced apartments to meet the gap.
Top Intel buyer warns of Shanghai CEI rates
SINGAPORE Meeting planners hoping to secure volume-driven discounted rates in Shanghai may be disappointed, according to a leading corporate buyer. Speaking at the Association of Corporate Travel Executives Asia-Pacific Regional Conference at Grand Hyatt Singapore, Intel Asia sourcing specialist Lesley Yu said demand for CEI business in Shanghai was so strong that occupancy and rates have risen drastically.