Resorts
Universal Orlando Announces New Hotel: Aventura
Universal Orlando Resort (UOR) has announced construction of its sixth onsite hotel. In partnership with Loews, Universal's Aventura Hotel will open in 2018 and will be the tallest of the UOR properties at 16 storeys. Company execs noted at World Travel Market in London that the 600-room hotel will have a roof-top bar and terrace that will overlook both the theme park and the Volcano Bay water park next door. The hotel, which will operate in the value price category like the Cabana Bay resort, will give UOR 6,200 onsite rooms it total. But with a goal of 10,000 rooms, there's...
Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria Set For Cuba Opening
Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts will welcome its first Dhawa in Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba, on Dec. 15. Located in Cayo Santa Maria, the 516-room Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria will be the first and only all-inclusive lifestyle resort with a private beach in the area. Room categories include 246 Superior Rooms, 122 Deluxe Ocean View Rooms, 120 Premium Ocean Front View Rooms, 16 Junior Ocean Front View Suites and 12 Premium Ocean Front View Suites. Other amenities include five restaurants (including French and Italian) and four bars, two swimming pools, fitness centre, Kids Club and a 545-seat...
Free Webinar Will Unveil the ‘Sirenis Difference’
Baxter Travel Media and Sirenis (Aracelis Garcia) will host a free agent webinar on Nov. 15, 2 p.m. EST., providing updates on all Sirenis has to offer in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Included will be news about Sirenis' newest boutique-style resort in Riviera Nayarit, Grand Sirenis Matlali Hills Resort & Spa. Features include infinity pools, a private beach club and the Makawe Spa. Attendees will also be entered for a chance to win a complementary 4-night stay in the Grand Sirenis Matlali Hills, Puerto Vallarta. To register, visit...
RIU Palace Las Americas Wraps Up Reno
Signature Vacations is advising agents that the RIU Palace Las Americas in Cancun has officially reopened following a $12 million renovation. Offered exclusively by the tour operator, the resort all-inclusive property is the first under the RIU Hotels and Resorts chain in the Cancun/Riviera Maya region to cater exclusively to adults. Guests staying at RIU Palace properties with Signature are treated to perks such as 24-hour room service, poolside waiter beverage service, complimentary WiFi, in-room coffee maker and champagne breakfast daily. New features at the RIU Palace Las...
Barcelo Updates Hotel Group’s Evolution
The Barcelo Hotel Group continued its road show last night (Oct. 27) in Pickering, Ont. to update the travel trade on the group's evolution of its four brands – Royal Hideaway, Barcelo, Occidental and allegro. Rick McCauley, senior director of sales for Barcelo in Canada, told agents that the group is investing $150 million in the refurbishment of properties across the brands with all work expected to be done by December. Officials are also working with the travel trade to help educate them on each brand's identities. And, with more than 100 properties – including city hotels...
Desire Rebrands
Desire Resorts and Desire Cruises are consolidating, rebranding and uniting under one as “Desire.” According to officials, the company’s branding relaunch illustrates an overall new look and feel, portraying “a fresh and modern image to convey its sensual, elegant and exclusive personality.” Elements include the redesign of the logo, a new slogan – “Beyond Seduction,” and a new web site at http://www.desire-experience.com. The Desire experience includes the all-inclusive resorts Desire Riviera Maya Pearl Resort and Desire Riviera Maya Resort, along with Desire...
TravelBrands Launches Perfect FIT
TravelBrands has launched its highly popular Sandals & Beaches Perfect FIT Campaign. Frank DeMarinis, CEO for TravelBrands, said: “We have had such huge success with this promotion that our travel agent partners have been clamoring for us to launch it again and so we did.” And he added: “Our ultimate goal is to offer our clients top notch products and exceptional service; Sandals & Beaches Resorts offer this and more.” Whether booking a Sunquest package or land only with Holiday House, TravelBrands clients will enjoy up to $1,400 in air credits per couple, a US$100...
Sandals, BTM Golf Tournament An Ace In Jamaica
From Oscar the Grouch and Elmo to the honourable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica, special guests were in attendance for the 22nd annual Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament held in Jamaica Oct. 20-23 at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort. “I think it went fabulously. I think the group dynamic is amazing, having most of tour operators here, we have Air Canada Vacations, WestJet, TravelBrands and we have a range of travel agents from all over Canada,” Maureen Barnes-Smith, Unique Vacations (Canada)/Sandals Resorts/Beaches Resorts, told PressToday. “It’s just been a fun...