Hotels
Karisma Launches ‘Canada Cash’ Incentive Program
Karisma Hotels & Resorts, which owns and manages upscale properties in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, has launched Karisma Canada Cash, a special incentive program that rewards Canadian agents for their bookings. Agents can earn anywhere from $25 to $125 for every booking. These new rewards are exclusive to active Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultant agents residing in Canada and available for bookings at all Karisma brands, including El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, Azul Hotels, Generations Resorts, Hidden Beach Resort and the new Nickelodeon Hotels &...
Hilton’s ‘Connie’ At Your Service
Hilton Worldwide and IBM have teamed up to introduce “Connie,” the first Watson-enabled robot concierge in the hospitality industry. Connie, stationed near reception at the Hilton McLean in Virginia, draws on domain knowledge from Watson and WayBlazer to inform guests on local tourist attractions, dining recommendations and hotel features and amenities. Connie, named for Hilton's founder Conrad Hilton, marks the first time IBM has developed a Watson-enabled robot for the hospitality market. Connie will work side-by-side with Hilton's team members to assist with visitor requests,...
Hilton’s Curio Expands Alabama Presence
Following a multi-million dollar renovation, Redmont Hotel Birmingham – a historic hotel with a storied past dating back more than 90 years – has joined Curio – A Collection by Hilton as the brand’s second hotel in Alabama (following the recent opening of The Admiral Hotel Mobile). The hotel features state-of-the-art technology and amenities, while retaining the style and glamour of the hotel's 1920s roots, allowing guests to enjoy old world charm in the heart of downtown Birmingham. First opened in 1925, the hotel offered distinguishing features for its time, including...
Le Germain Puts Guests in the Driver’s Seat
Looking to offer an enhanced hotel experience to its clientele, Group Germain Hotels has partnered with Lexus Canada giving guests in Quebec City, Montreal and Calgary a chance to get behind the wheel, or be driven by the hotel’s chauffeur, free of charge. Guests staying at one of these three properties will be able to use this service to get from A to B, whether for business appointments, running errands or even to discover the city’s attractions. The vehicles available as part of the courtesy car service are the 2016 Lexus NX 200t F SPORT SUV and the 2016 Lexus ES 300h hybrid...
Win a ‘FAMtastic’ Getaway From Playa Hotels
Agents can now win a free three-night stay, airfare included, with Playa Hotels & Resorts. Every booking made and registered into AgentCASH between March 1-31 will be an entry to win. An Eastern Canada agent will win the following: June 6-9, flights on WestJet from Toronto, airport transfers, three night's accommodation all-inclusive plan, single occupancy, escorted by Amanda Morris (Playa Hotels & Resorts BDM for Eastern Canada). A Western Canada agent will win the following: June 2-5, flights on WestJet from Calgary, airport transfers, three night's accommodation...
A Toast For Tony
Canada's hotel industry was out in full force as they gathered in Toronto last week (Feb. 29 to March 1, 2016) for the Hotel Association of Canada's annual conference, leading HAC president, Tony Pollard to observe: “The solid attendance is the result of a robust program which clearly resonated with the industry.” However, talking to those on hand for the event, it wasn't just the conference program – which featured an address by Canada's minister of small business and tourism, Bardish Chagger and presentations by Destination Canada's David Goldstein and RBC's Robert Hogue – it...
All Grand at Wyndham Reef
Wyndham Reef Resort, the only property in the Grand Caymans with an all-inclusive option, is now offering a 15% commission to travel agents booking an all-inclusive vacation package for their clients. Packages start at US$482/night for double occupancy (travel March 28 – Aug. 13), plus US$60/day/child ages 4-17, ages three and under are free. All-inclusive packages include meals, non-alcoholic and house brand liquor, beer, wine and frozen drinks by the glass, one hour per day use of kayaks, pedal boat and paddle boards, plus free use of snorkel gear, WiFi access in room and lobby,...
TravelBrands Extends ‘Perfect FIT Campaign’
TravelBrands is extending its “Perfect FIT Campaign” until March 31. “We have had such a huge success with this promotion and our travel agent partners wanted us to extend the offer so we did,” commented Nino Montagnese, vice-president of sales for TravelBrands. “Our ultimate goal is to offer our clients top notch products and exceptional service. Sandals & Beaches Resorts offer this and more.” With the promotion, TravelBrands' clients will enjoy up to $600 air credit per couple, US$100 Island Routes voucher per couple toward an excursion, relaxed payment policy and...