Resorts
Sandals Tees Off With New Golf Promotion
Sandals Resorts has introduced “Fore the Love of Golf,” a new promotion for golf enthusiasts at any of its three properties in Saint Lucia. When clients book a minimum stay of six nights or more at Sandals Halcyon Beach, Sandals Grande St. Lucian or Sandals Regency La Toc, they will receive complimentary green fees and transfers to the new Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate. The booking window is from Feb. 1 to May 1 for travel Feb. 1 through Dec. 26, 2019. For further details, agents can contact their local business development manager, call Inside Sales at...
Grupo Pinero Just Keeps Growing
The parent company of Bahia Principe, Grupo Piñero has reported an 8% increase in sales and a 5% EBITDA increase in 2017 over 2016. Those gains mark a sixth year of growth for the brand and gross operating profit of US$250 million. Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, which accounts for 72% of the family-owned business, achieved 82% occupancy for the year. Following the appointment of Encarna Piñero as chief executive officer -- part of Grupo Piñero's generational succession plan that was included in the family protocol established in 2012 -- and the passing of company founder...
Picture Perfect In Puerto Vallarta
It's been said that Puerto Vallarta was truly put on the map after the 1964 movie release of The Night of the Iguana, which showcased the natural beauty of the destination. The fact that celebrities like Richard Burton, Ava Gardner and Elizabeth Taylor spent time in the scenic Mexican area on the Bay of Banderas – which is known for having spectacular sunsets – probably didn't hurt either, reports assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. Taking advantage of a stretch of secluded white-sand beach with views of the mountainous coast, Hyatt...
A Little Incentive From Sandals, Beaches
Sandals Resorts has unveiled a brand-new booking incentive bonus -- in appreciation of the continued support from the travel agent community -- just in time for the all-important winter season. Effective immediately, agents who book their clients now through March 15, 2018 (and for travel anytime) will receive a bonus payment, based on length of stay and room category for each new booking: Butler Suite -- US$35 bonus for 6-night stay; US$85 for 7 nights or more. Club/Concierge Suite -- US$25 bonus for 6-night stay; US$55 for 7 nights or more. Luxury/Deluxe Room -- US$15...
They’re Great!
Booking.com is honouring its accommodation partners that consistently deliver great guest experiences with a 2017 Guest Review Award. Based on over 140 million reviews, this year 549,937 properties in 218 countries and territories are being given an award with 6,384 Canadian properties from all types at an average guest review score of 8.8 receiving recognition. For the first time, apartments took the lead from hotels as the top-awarded accommodation type, making up 30% of the overall award-winning properties in 2017. In fact, four out of five of the top-awarded accommodation...
Quite An Experience
Sandals Resorts recently hosted an intimate group of travel agents from Canada, the US and the UK during the Chairmans Caribbean Experience, which was held from Jan. 11 to Jan. 14, 2018. Two Canadian agents Lois Barbour, Travel Time TPI (Newfoundland) and Kathy Kennedy, One Love Honeymoons (Quebec) were among the first to experience the newly-opened Sandals Royal Barbados, which hosted the group for three nights. Agents were able to enjoy the many Sandals firsts at Sandals Royal Barbados, including the first rooftop pool and first four-lane bowling alley in the Sandals...
Margaritaville Resorts Has Plans For Nassau
Margaritaville Holdings has big plans for the Bahamas, unveiling details of a $250 million, six-acre development for the country's capital city, Nassau. Margaritaville at The Pointe is already under construction and it's expected to begin a phased opening in mid-2019. It will feature a new 150-room Margaritaville Beach Resort, 150 luxury oceanfront residences -- 100 of which will be branded One Particular Harbour at The Pointe – a marina, water park, spa, entertainment centre, signature Margaritaville food and beverage concepts, retail shops, a kids club and more. John Cohlan,...
Westin Ottawa Invites Guests To Enjoy The Outdoors
As an official 2018 Winterlude Sponsor, The Westin Ottawa is helping guests enjoy Ottawa’s outdoors with a new skating program. From Feb. 3 to March 31, guests can enjoy the new SkateWESTIN program, which offers guided skates along the Rideau Canal Skateway. The two- to five-km scenic skates are led by the hotel’s own skating concierge, and finish off with hot chocolate at the hotel. Suitable for all age levels, the program is ideal for out-of-town families, or even locals looking to enjoy a staycation. The hotel also offers Bauer Hockey skate rentals, allowing guests to...