GCVB Extends Hotel RFP Deadline

Gwinnett tourism officials have set a later deadline for responses to the recent Request For Proposals for a so-called headquarters hotel.

The deadline is now Jan. 20, one week later than original. .

Lisa Anders, executive director of the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau, noted that the deadline was extended primarily because of the holidays. She said there have been no completed applications, but a lot of serious inquiries. GCVB officials anticipate receiving some official proposals by the new deadline.

The GCVB feels that the Gwinnett Center/Arena complex needs an attached, large-scale hotel to attract more business. In a website posting, GCVB officials estimate that 15,000-18,000 room nights annually are lost because of the lack of such a facility. Also, officials said that they also do not pursue some types of groups, because a headquarters hotel is a requirement for such gatherings.

No taxpayer funds would be required to develop or operate such a hotel; the RFP states that the developer would be responsible for such costs, and that GCVB officials might be interested in sharing some costs, such as publicity and marketing.

Preston Williams, CEO of the GCVB, noted that there was some interest in such a development before the current recession.

The GCVB noted that there are approximately 100 hotels in the county. But most of those near the Duluth complex are of the boutique variety, and none are directly attached to the center and arena, which would be particularly attractive to a large convention.

The center complex, which is owned by Gwinnett County and operated by GCVB, hosts 600 events and 1.2 million visitors a year, according to the RFP.