Hotels
An Exclusive New Jewel for Transat
Transat Holidays is now offering the new and exclusive Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal Don Pablo Collection. This popular, recently renovated resort is now part of Bahia Principe’s line of five-star hotels known as the prestigious Don Pablo Collection. Formerly the Grand Bahia Principe Akumal Royal Golden from Transat Holidays’ Distinction Collection, this beachfront hotel is set in a superb natural setting, near ancient ruins. It features all the ingredients of a five-star hotel with high-end services, varied cuisine and numerous activities for all types of travellers, like golf...
Fairmont to Raise Flag in Barcelona
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will manage the 432-room Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I in Barcelona, Spain. Fairmont will assume management of the property and will officially rebrand the hotel Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I, Barcelona this fall. As part of the agreement, the property will undergo an extensive renovation starting in 2015. The hotel will remain open throughout the revitalization period. The impressive Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I, designed by renowned architect Carlos Ferrater, was the winner of the National Prize for Architecture in 1993. It was inaugurated by the King and Queen...
AMResorts Shows Off New Agent Loyalty Program
AMResorts launched its new travel agent loyalty program to the trade in Toronto Wednesday night, with additional events planned in other Canadian cities ahead. The hotel company – which counts the Zoetry, Secrets, Breathless, Dreams, Now and Sunscape brands under its corporate umbrella – already has more than 5,000 agents on board for the program, which enables agents to earn points for bookings that can be redeemed for cash, free nights, etc., or amenities that can be given to clients. Pictured at the Toronto event are (l-r) AMResorts' Canadian team, plus friends from the US...
Karisma Launches Preferred Partner Program
Karisma Hotels & Resorts has launched the Karisma Preferred Partner program for tour operators. The program will highlight a different tour operator each month, offering “a variety of special activities to get everyone within the tour operator excited, motivated and trained on Karisma Hotels & Resorts and the Gourmet Inclusive Experience.” The specialized program debuts this month and will feature a new tour operator from Canada or the US each month. “We are delighted to debut this unique new program, which was thoughtfully designed to offer the tour operator exclusive...
Stay Connected With Sandals
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts will introduce free Wi-Fi beginning Dec. 1. Unlike most other resorts, Sandals and Beaches are giving all guests the connection they need, wherever and whenever, for free. Whether accessing the latest news and gossip while lounging poolside; uploading pictures of a romantic beachfront sunset via social media straight from the beach; or checking e-mails while relaxing in their suites, Wi-Fi will be available to all guests, in all room categories and public areas. Guests are unrestricted in the number of their devices they can connect. “Offering...
Novotel Appointment
Novotel North America has announced the promotion of Michael Singer to area general manager of all Toronto Novotel hotels. Currently general manager of Novotel North York, Singer is a 25-year veteran of Accor. In addition to his current role, he will be responsible for the operations of all Novotel Toronto hotels to maximize performance and quality. He will be tasked with creating a strategic plan for market growth in Toronto by implementing cohesive sales, PR, and marketing activities among all properties, while also overseeing F&B profitability and assisting in conceptual...
Centara Sending One Lucky Agent to Thailand
One lucky travel agent from Canada (excluding Quebec agents) or the US who registers and successfully completes all six modules in the Centara Ambassador e-learning Program, will be eligible to win a seven-night dream vacation in Thailand for two. To register, visit http://www.centaraambassador.com/login . The winner will receive two nights at Centara Grand at Central World Bangkok and five nights at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi with all breakfasts included in a twin or double room. The agent will also have the distinction of being named the North American Centara...
Moon Dance Increases Agent Commissions
Jamaica's Moon Dance Cliffs, a boutique hotel in Negril, is offering 20% commissions for new bookings made for stays between Nov. 1 and Jan. 4, 2015. Moon Dance Cliffs offers scenic accommodations that include 480- to 1,200-square-foot rooms and suites and one-, four- and five-bedroom private, poolside villas. Onsite amenities include lifeguard-attended cliffs that offer the gentle thrill of splashing into the warm Caribbean waters, as well as a 5,000-square-foot designer swimming pool, a full-service spa, health club, two restaurants and three...