MiMegasite’s latest poll has shown that an incredible 61.4% of the 192 respondents taking part would be willing to choose a meeting venue on the strength of information, specifications and photographs found on the Internet, without bothering to conduct an on-site inspection.
Breakdown
Nearly 29% of respondents said that they would dispense with an on-site inspection under most circumstances, which was about the same percentage of those who admitted that they would only do without an on-site inspection if they were very pressed for time. The remaining 30% of respondents said that they would never book a venue without first conducting an on-site inspection.
Will the trend continue?
Experts agree that it is very probable that the trend will continue, pointing out that web sites are become increasingly more sophisticated, offering 360-degree virtual tours of venues, accommodation, meeting and banquet facilities, leisure activities, etc. Nevertheless, when it comes to judging hotel or venue staff – which obviously cannot be done over the Web – a lot of planners rely on word-of-mouth recommendations if they are unable to conduct an on-site inspection.
