Innovation is key for a company that’s been in business for more than 65 years – just ask Iberostar Hotels & Resorts. Known for providing elevated resort experiences, the company offers a wide range of services and amenities for families and couples and is laser-focused on elevating each one for years to come. In this week’s Take 5, we sit down with Mariela Zaldivar, BDM Director in Canada, to discuss what’s new for 2023 including offerings for families, wedding couples and adventure-seekers.

1..What’s new at Iberostar for 2023 that travel agents should know about?

“Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has in its DNA to provide the best experience for its guests and, therefore, presents an ambitious plan of hotel renovations in Dominican Republic, Mexico and Jamaica. About $20 million is being invested so that more than 2,600 rooms are being remodelled, as well as renovated common areas such as pools, bars & restaurants and the Star Camp areas.

“A great example of what we are doing is the recent full renovation of the 528 rooms and most facilities of the Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic. This hotel now also includes high-tech in-room installations such as Chromecast, USB sockets, new reading lamps and a modern key system connected to guests’ wristbands and phones via QR codes. We believe these renovations will continue to bring innovation, comfort, excitement and the best experience for our guests of all ages.”

Grand Bavaro

2. How does Iberostar differ from other resort chains in the Caribbean?

“For more than 65 years, Iberostar Group has positioned itself as a benchmark in the tourism industry worldwide due to the quality of the services it offers. The company has made collaboration and innovation fundamental pillars for growth and is focused on caring for people and the environment of the destinations in which it operates. With sustainability as the engine and lever of our business, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts continues with its commitment to responsible tourism and is progressing towards its 2030 Agenda, which includes well-defined goals such as being waste-free by 2025 and carbon neutral by 2030 – 20 years ahead of the sector’s global target. For us at Iberostar, it is really important to think of the present to guarantee tourism in the future.

“Another difference we offer at Iberostar is the wedding program, a way to overcome the couple’s expectations on the biggest day of their lives. As a brand rooted in responsible tourism, this new program has aligned its offering with sustainability, customization, and extended celebrations to elevate the couple’s experience and their guests’ experience. As guests’ priorities shift, Iberostar recognizes the need to adapt to emerging trends and align with programming that reflects those preferences. The outcome is a collection of cutting-edge concepts that drive one-of-a-kind experiences.

“Besides the greener aspect, we also saw the need to elevate and modernize our wedding offerings and showcase dream weddings at Iberostar. Instead of just having a list of packages, through imagery captured in our inspirations featured in our lookbook, we want to highlight the gorgeous setups and lush locations we have to offer in each destination. Where competitors base their programs from a package approach, Iberostar has redefined wedding packages in order to allow customization. Instead of telling you what we have, we are asking you what you want, ensuring every couple gets their dream wedding.”

For more information please visit: www.iberostaragents.ca/weddings.

3. Do you offer any special family programs?

“Iberostar offers all the options to make memorable family vacations come to life. Iberostar Hotels & Resorts caters to the long-awaited family vacation. With over 20 properties in Mexico, Jamaica, Brazil and the Dominican Republic, Iberostar has the ideal combination of luxurious accommodations, international gastronomy, and the epitome of kids’ entertainment, Star Camp. We have numerous kid-friendly oceanfront resorts and we’re ready to welcome the whole family. Our goal is clear: that families make the most of wonderful moments. Iberostar resorts offer more than 600 family-friendly activities with a fun and relaxing atmosphere that will create lasting memories. Star Camp is free and part of the all-inclusive experience at Iberostar and features more than 140 age-based activities based on the approach and theory of multiple intelligences, which advocates personal growth through cooperation. 

“To create activities and areas suitable for every child’s needs and abilities, we have split the activities into three categories, according to the age of the participants: Monkey from 4-7, Dolphin from 8-12 and Eagle from 13-17 years old. We have recently introduced at the Playa Paraíso Complex the new Kangaroo space that was designed for children under 3 years old accompanied by an adult. Located at Iberostar Paraíso del Mar & Beach, but with access to the entire complex, the space is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Kangaroo space came to complement the entertainment for the little ones, and parents can have an even more relaxing time knowing that their children are in the best hands. For more information please visit https://www.iberostar.com/en/star-camp.

4. What other unique products would you like to highlight to travel agents?

“We do have a unique product that provides excellence and adventure on an Amazon trip. There are few places in the world with as much magic and charm as the Amazon: with exuberant landscapes, flora, and fauna of incomparable beauty, it is the perfect place for those who seek to explore but do not want to give up comfort and relaxation. The journey begins in the extraordinary Brazilian city of Manaus and stops at different points in the Amazon rainforest, incorporating unique and unforgettable walks along the Negro and Solimões Rivers. With spacious and comfortable cabins and unparalleled services, exclusive restaurants, bars, and entertainment, this hotel-ship presents a unique experience that connects the best of nature with the best of excellence. 

For more information visit: https://www.iberostaragents.ca/grandamazon.

5.How can travel agents earn more and learn more with Iberostar?

“If you are an agent who is not yet registered in the Iberostar points program, register at our website: https://www.iberostaragents.ca/star-agents! Agents registered to the StarAgents loyalty program get first dibs at exclusive discounts, access to agent rates and more. With a fast and easy registration, each agent receives a personalized Star code, which is added to all new bookings. Once the code is added and the client has traveled, earned points are automatically added to the agent account.”

For more information go to https://www.iberostaragents.ca/star-agents.