Island Resort & Casino’s New Conference Center Set to Play key Role in Winter Tourism
Table of Contents
- Island Resort & Casino’s New Conference Center Set to Play key Role in Winter Tourism
HARRIS, Mich. – The Island Resort & Casino is banking on it’s newly unveiled conference center to significantly boost tourism during the traditionally slow winter months. The 17,000-square-foot facility is projected to play a key role in attracting conferences and events, helping the resort maintain a steady stream of visitors year-round.
Boosting Winter Tourism with New Facilities
General Manager Tony Mancilla emphasized the strategic importance of the new conference center. “It hits a segment of our calendar every year that we need to fill,which is the middle of the winter,” Mancilla said. “A lot of people don’t travel [for leisure], but people do their conferences in the winter. They don’t do them in the summer, everyone’s on vacation in the summer.”
Did You Know? The meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry is projected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2030, showcasing the meaningful economic impact of conference tourism [1].
Construction and Collaboration
The construction of the conference center, along with a new clubhouse for the Sweetgrass Golf Club, was undertaken by Gundlach Champion, employing approximately 150 workers and subcontractors. Project Manager Thomas Wahlstrom highlighted the collaborative effort that lead to the project’s early completion.”You’re not going to have a project like this that doesn’t come without issues,and being able to work through those and keep it on track,” Wahlstrom stated.
Enhanced golf Experience
The Sweetgrass Golf Club also benefits from a new clubhouse, designed to enhance the overall golfer experience.Golf Director Nathan Rousseau explained that the new facility streamlines operations and improves customer service. “Our operations stayed very similar,it’s just a little bit more customer friendly,” Rousseau said. “Customers are able to come here, check in for their round of golf, grab their cart at the front of our building, and head out and play.”
Pro Tip: Consider booking your conference or golf outing during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for perhaps lower rates and fewer crowds.
Upcoming Events
The Island Resort & Casino anticipates a large turnout at both the conference center and the clubhouse during the upcoming Epson Tour’s Island Resort Championship.The event is expected to showcase the new facilities and further solidify the resort’s reputation as a premier destination in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
| Facility | Key Benefit | Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Conference Center | Boosts winter tourism | gundlach Champion |
| Sweetgrass Golf Club Clubhouse | Enhances golfer experience | Gundlach Champion |
Island Resort & Casino Continues to Expand
This expansion follows a previous proclamation of a $19 million investment in a new nine-hole golf course, golf shop, and additional convention space [2]. The two-year project aims to meet the increased demand for golf in the region [3].
Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of Casino Resorts
Casino resorts have evolved significantly over the past few decades. Once primarily focused on gambling, they now offer a wide array of amenities, including luxury accommodations, fine dining, entertainment venues, and conference facilities. This diversification is aimed at attracting a broader audience and ensuring year-round profitability.
The trend towards incorporating conference centers into casino resorts reflects a strategic effort to tap into the lucrative business travel market. By offering state-of-the-art meeting spaces and extensive event services, thes resorts can attract corporate clients and associations, filling rooms and generating revenue during off-peak seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Island Resort & Casino
What types of events can be held at the new conference center?
The conference center is designed to accommodate a wide range of events, including corporate meetings, conferences, trade shows, and banquets.
Are there any special packages available for conferences and events?
Yes, the Island Resort & Casino offers customized packages tailored to the specific needs of each event. Contact the resort’s event planning team for more data.
What other amenities are available at the Island Resort & Casino?
In addition to the casino and golf courses,the resort features multiple restaurants,a spa,a fitness center,and live entertainment.
Ready to plan your next conference or golf getaway? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
