Creating a destination meeting that leaves attendees raving is certainly an accomplishment but delivering a destination experience that attracts repeat business is a definite win!

The old saying, “it’s easier to sell [and less costly] to existing clients than to attract new ones certainly holds true for all aspects of the hospitality industry.  It’s less costly to secure repeat business since these clients are already familiar with your product than it is to educate new prospects.

If the goal is to up the amount of repeat business, then the most important task is

to create a customer experience that helps drive repeat bookings and builds brand advocates, which can naturally lead to referrals.

How do you deliver the type of experience that attracts repeat clients?  While it may be tempting to rely on the inherent beauty of a destination, especially in an area such as Newport Beach, CA, organizing an over-the-top, can’t wait to do it again, type of meeting must touch the senses and speak to the soul. That type of experience comes from incorporating the local flair and vibe of the destination. Newport Beach is fortunate in that it offers several ways to create impressive, memorable experiences.

Tradition and convenience help attract repeat business

Known for its affluent lifestyle, iconic history, and mild climate, Newport Beach is comfortably chic. The city’s casual beach locale combines with its upscale ambiance to present a destination that is both luxurious and accessible.

From hotels to venues, climate to activities, convenience to comfort, Newport Beach provides an extraordinary destination for meetings and events. Some of California’s best resorts are located here, including named locations such as Marriott and Hyatt along with the upscale boutique properties, Island Hotel and Balboa Bay Resort.  In addition to its variety of hotel properties, Newport Beach is conveniently located.  With three major airports close by: LAX, Long Beach and Orange County’s John Wayne airport, getting here is easy.  In fact, John Wayne Airport offers direct flights from most major cities and is only 10 – 15-minutes from Newport Beach hotels.

Delivering a first-rate destination experience for repeat business

Life in this coastal community is centered on fresh air, ocean breezes and warm sunshine. Group activities that celebrate the natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle are plentiful. From kayaking to stand up paddleboarding, sailing to biking, Newport Beach offers options for every activity level.  Numerous estate-lined waterways along with the serene upper Back Bay estuary provide a spectacular setting for water-based activities.  If it’s land-based activities your group craves, Newport Beach has numerous hiking and biking trails.

Immerse your group in a local favorite with a hike through El Moro Canyon. Your group will get a glimpse of the California of yesteryear as they wind through lush canyons, oak groves and along sage covered bluffs.  From here, they’ll enjoy sweeping ocean views and may even spot a migrating grey or even a spectacular blue whale.  El Moro is also ideal for high-energy mountain biking excursion.

While biking El Moro is a definite favorite for adrenaline seeking locals, many residents prefer biking along coastal paths. For a twist on traditional pedaling try Pedego’s.  These electric bikes that make it a breeze to get out and appreciate the beauty of the area. Get a true taste of the local scene by taking your group on a pub-crawl Newport Beach style! Start with a five-minute ferry ride from Balboa Island to the peninsula, and then head down the boardwalk lined with pubs. No need to worry if guests imbibe a bit too much, your bikes will be picked up and return transfers will be via a coach.

Another excellent way for groups to celebrate local traditions in Newport Beach is with a group dinner at one of many area restaurants serving locally sourced food.  This experience can be taken up a notch by adding cooking or mixology classes that require locally grown items and are indicative of the region.  To grasp a true sense of the Newport lifestyle, treat guests to a signature Newport Beach outing onboard sleek Duffy electric boats.  A favorite of local residents, Duffy boats can be seen cruising the harbor at all hours of the day.  These quietly comfortable boats are perfect for sunset cocktail cruises, or as a unique mode of transportation to harbor side restaurants, and even as an afternoon group teambuilding activity.

Capturing the essence of this area and immersing attendees in its culture helps create a destination experience that can lead to repeat business.  Whether it is holding your event outside in the natural environment, partaking in an activity favored by locals or dining at a location that relies on the inherent flavors of the destination, Newport Beach offers many opportunities to incorporate the local vibe into your program.

In an area that offers a variety of experiences, the only question is not if, but when your group will return for another sensational destination meeting.  When you’re ready to begin planning your next group meeting, contact the staff at Visit Newport Beach, the destination marketing organization for Newport Beach, CA. Visit Newport Beach opens the doors to this coastal paradise with destination expertise, customized site visits, strong partnerships and resources that ease the planning process.