Pilar Arizmendi, VP of Sales & Marketing – The Americas, Palladium Hotel Group
Palladium Hotel Group has a brand for every client, from family-friendly Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts to the sophisticated vibe of adults-only TRS Hotels, says Pilar Arizmendi, VP of Sales & Marketing – The Americas, Palladium Hotel Group, in this edition of Friday 5.
1. What’s coming up for Palladium in 2019?
“In November 2018 we opened our newest all-inclusive properties: the adults-only TRS Cap Cana Hotel in the D.R.; the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa; and the adults-only TRS Coral Hotel – which already became a member of The Leading Hotels of the World – in Costa Mujeres, Mexico. We’re excited for our guests to experience these new properties in 2019!
“Additionally, new this year is our ‘Absolute Indulgence’ program, where we’re offering our guests a complimentary all-inclusive day pass to our other hotels in neighboring destinations. For example, guests at the TRS Turquesa Hotel in Punta Cana can spend the day at the TRS Cap Cana Hotel and vice versa, and guests at the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa can spend the day at our Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts in Riviera Maya, and vice versa. This allows our guests to enjoy their vacations twice as much.”
2. How important are the family and multi-gen markets for Palladium, and are there specific Palladium properties agents should have on their radar when selling to these markets?
“They’re very important to us! Families love our Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts brand. Agents serving multi-gen clients should recommend our destinations that have neighbouring Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts and TRS Hotels: Riviera Maya, Costa Mujeres, and Punta Cana. These properties are particularly special because parents and children can stay at the Grand Palladium properties while grandparents have relaxing, adults-only retreat at the nearby TRS Hotel. Since TRS Hotel guests have access to Grand Palladium Hotel & Resort properties, they can spend as much family time together as they would like.”
3. There seems to be no stopping the luxury market. What trends are you seeing in luxury travel and what Palladium properties and/or brands are ideal for luxury clients, and why?
“Personalization is key in luxury travel. Our TRS Hotels and Family Selection – offered at Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa – features personal butlers that can cater to guests’ every desire, 24/7. These guests also get special facilities and amenities, like access to hydrotherapy areas of the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness centre.”
4. More agents are specializing in wellness travel. Is Palladium seeing strong numbers in this niche and what is Palladium bringing to the market for wellness travellers?
“Our Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness centres at each resort are among the largest and most complete in their respective destinations, so they’re certainly a big draw. Additionally, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre also just opened at our Costa Mujeres resorts. The Centre offers top-notch tennis instruction for our guests looking to improve their game.”
5. Why are travel agents a key part of Palladium’s growth plan and how does Palladium keep agents in the loop?
“Travel agents are our best brand ambassadors, as they truly understand the complex amenities and luxury offerings that we can bring to their clients.
“We reward agent loyalty and equip the travel agent community with the knowledge and resources they need to confidently introduce their clients to our brands with Palladium Connect, our partnership program. Created and designed especially for agents, members enjoy exclusive rewards such as exciting gifts, bonuses for special bookings and hotel stays. We even offer cash rewards!
“Additionally, we frequently host webinars and educational opportunities designed specifically for travel agents, as well as special FAMs throughout the year. We encourage agents to enroll if they’re not already, and to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities.”
