Group travel has its own language. Here are the terms every planner should understand.
Group Rate
A discounted hotel room rate negotiated for a block of 10+ rooms. Group rates are typically 15β40% below the Best Available Rate. Also known as: group discount, block rate, negotiated rate.
Room Block
A reserved set of rooms held by a hotel for your group until a specified cut-off date. Room blocks guarantee availability and locked-in pricing. Also known as: room block reservation, group room hold.
RFP β Request for Proposal
A formal document sent to hotels describing your group's needs β dates, room count, meeting space, budget, and special requirements. Hotels respond with proposed rates and terms. Also known as: request for quote, group travel RFP.
Cut-off Date
The deadline by which individual group members must book their rooms within the block. After the cut-off date, unclaimed rooms are released back to the hotel's general inventory. Also known as: block release date, reservation deadline.
Attrition Clause
A contract provision that sets the minimum percentage of the room block your group must fill. If you book fewer rooms than agreed, you may owe a penalty. Also known as: performance clause, slippage clause.
Concession
A perk or benefit a hotel includes beyond the room rate β such as complimentary suite upgrades, free breakfast, waived resort fees, or meeting space. Also known as: group perk, added value, hotel concession.