Two Chains Make Big Promises

TWO HOTEL COMPANIES have taken a radical step to spur bookings in an uncertain economy: Eliminate risk for their meeting clients. In early February, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Atlanta, announced that contracts signed in February, March, and April for meetings that will take place before the end of the year in its U.S. and Canadian properties would not face any cancellation or attrition fees. Two weeks later, Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts announced a similar